Please urge the city to upgrade Aurora Ave. N’s sidewalks without removing all the large Sweetgum trees!
actionnetwork.org
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Send Letter to Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle City Council:
bruce.harrell@seattle.gov council@seattle.gov
Dear Mayor Harrell and the Seattle City Council,
Please act to update Seattle’s Tree Protection Ordinance. It’s been 13 years since the Seattle City Council first urged the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) to update the ordinance. We appreciate the recent enactment by the Seattle City Council and Mayor to adopt registration of Tree Service Providers in the city as a first step. We also appreciate action finally by SDCI to release a more complete draft of an updated Tree Protection Ordinance.
The draft Tree Protection Ordinance is currently under a Hearing Examiner appeal by the Master Builders of King and Snohomish County and six development companies. Their goal is to delay and potentially weaken the ordinance. We believe that Seattle needs to protect its existing trees while planting more trees in underserved areas with low tree canopy to address adverse climate impacts while also increasing affordable housing. It is not a question of one or the other. We need to do both.
Trees and the urban forest comprise vital green infrastructure needed to keep our city and people livable and healthy. Trees reduce air pollution, storm water runoff and climate impacts like heat island effects, while providing essential habitat for birds and other wildlife. They are important for the physical and mental health of our residents. A robust urban forest is critical for climate resilience and environmental equity.
Seattle’s rapid growth and increased density combined with an outdated tree ordinance are reducing these beneficial effects as trees are removed without serious consideration of ways to incorporate more of them in the development. Unless exceptional there is no real effort to save them. And what replacement requirements were in the ordinance since 2001 appears to have seldom been enforced. It is urgent to act now to reduce this continued loss of existing trees, particularly large mature trees and tree groves. It is important to promote environmental equity by retaining as many trees as possible and replacing those removed for climate resiliency.
We support the following provisions in SDCI’s draft ordinance.
1. Lowering the upper limit for exceptional trees to 24” Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) from 30” DBH.
2. Continuing protection for exceptional trees less than 24” DBH and tree groves and heritage trees
3. Defining any tree 6” DBH and larger that is not exceptional as a significant tree
4. Continuing prohibition on removal of trees 6” DBH and larger on undeveloped lots.
5. Requiring replacement of 12” DBH and larger trees removed by developers
6. Creating an in-lieu fee for developers to replace trees 12” DBH and larger that cannot be replaced on the development site.
7. Requiring in lieu fees be used to replace and maintain newly planted trees
8. Limiting removal of significant trees outside development to those less than 12” DBH
9. Protected trees and replaced trees are covered by a covenant for life of project
Here are key provisions that need to be added to the draft ordinance:
1.Expand the existing Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Tree Removal and Replacement Permit Program using the Accela database system to include SDCI to cover all significant trees 6” DBH and larger, and all exceptional trees, on private property in all land use zones, both during development and outside development.
2. Require SDCI submit quarterly reports to the Office of Sustainability and Environment on tree removal and replacement as required by other City Departments
3. Require 2-week public notice posting, as SDOT does on-site, and add online, of any 6’” DBH and larger tree removal and replacement permit requests and keep posted on a lot for 1 week after removal
4. Require that tree replacement numbers increase with the size of the removed tree such that in 25 years or less they will reach equivalent canopy volume lost – either on site or pay a replacement fee that also increases with the size of the tree removed
5. All replacement in lieu fees and fines should go into a dedicated Tree Replacement and Preservation Fund (not SDCI budget or city general fund), that yearly reports on their budget to the City Council and Mayor.
6. Allow the Tree Replacement and Preservation Fund to also accept fines, donations, grants, purchase land, set up covenants and for educational purposes.
7. Require 5-year maintenance of replanted trees
8. Allow removal of no more than 2 Significant non-exceptional trees in 3 years per lot outside development
9. Require developers throughout the total development process to maximize the retention of existing trees with adequate space for trees to grow and survive.
10. Require a Tree Inventory of all trees 6” DBH and larger and a Tree Landscaping Plan prior to any building permits being approved.
11. Extend ordinance to cover all land use zones, including Industrial, Downtown and Institutions
12. Keep requirement that all 6” DBH and larger trees be on site plans
13. Require tree replacement or in lieu fees by developers for trees removed 1 year prior to property purchase
14. Allow city certified inspectors to enter property if necessary to ascertain any illegal tree activity
15. Provide adequate funding in the budget to implement and enforce the updated ordinance
16. All trees replaced are protected trees and not subject to removal
17. Require removal of invasive plants, like ivy, from development sites
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- New Jersey Board of Tree Experts
“Licensing legislation was proposed by industry groups and passed by the New Jersey legislature on January 16, 2010. The legislation is known as the Tree Expert and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act and on April 17, 2017, the Tree Expert and Tree Care Operators Licensing Law’s rules were adopted and promulgated.
The Act creates a licensing program under which individuals may become Licensed Tree Experts (LTEs) or Licensed Tree Care Operators (LTCOs) by passing an examination and demonstrating good moral character. Licensees will be required to complete continuing education requirements, abide by standards of professional conduct and ethics, and adhere to safety standards, as well as industry practice standards. No individual shall represent himself or herself to the public as a licensed tree expert or a licensed tree care operator or use any title, designation, word(s), letter, or abbreviations tending to indicate that such individual is a licensed tree expert or a licensed tree care operator without obtaining licensure as a tree expert by the Board of Tree Experts.”
- Minnesota
- Burnsville, Minnesota
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Rhode Island
- Louisiana
- General comment
Types of Insurance Coverage:
“There are different types of insurance coverage that a contractor may carry. When you contact their insurance company, clarify the specifics.
- Liability insurance ensures that the company will pay for damages to your home or possessions.
- Worker’s compensation insurance holds the company responsible, not you, if an employee is injured while working on the job. Not only does this protect you, hiring a contractor with its employee’s best interest in mind means they are more likely to follow safety guidelines.
Being bonded essentially means that whomever you hire has a line of credit in place that will guarantee that any work contracted will be completed or, if they are unable to perform the work, the bond issuer will reimburse you. Being bonded also means the company complies with permit regulations required to complete the job.”
IS Your Service Provider a Licensed, Bonder and Insured Tree Service provider?
“Insurance requirements will also vary from state to state. For example, in Minnesota, any business performing work on a tree over 12 feet tall must have workman’s compensation insurance. In Massachusetts, a landscaper’s insurance covers only 10 feet above the ground and is different from policies that specifically cover tree work.
Although every state has different requirements for licensed tree contractors, just as with any kind of service on your property, hiring a licensed, bonded contractor will protect you—and them—from potential injury or property damages.”
- Spokane, Washington – “Under Spokane Municipal Code (SMC) Section 10.25.010, a Commercial Tree Service License is required for any person or entity retained or hired to perform work on street trees in the City of Spokane Right-of-Way (ROW) or on public trees as defined in SMC 12.02.952.”
SDCI releases draft Tree Protection Ordinance update – Your chance to comment to SDCI
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) has released their long-awaited draft Tree ordinance. The current deadline to comment and respond to the draft and the SEPA Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) is March 3rd.
The Coalition for a Stronger Tree Ordinance, Friends of Seattle’s Urban Forest, Tree PAC and other groups will be holding a briefing on what’s in the draft and discussing a coordinated response to the City this Saturday.
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Sat, Feb 26, 2022, 10:00 AM – noon Pacific Time (US and Canada)Register in Advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItdOyuqzsiEtf7D2cozRNdBBMpNZyfN6MY
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Quick comparison of drafts with current ordinance (SMC 25.11):
|
SMC 25.11 – Tree Protection | ||
large exceptional trees protected |
24″ DBH plus Director Rule |
24″ DBH plus Director’s Rule |
30″ DBH plus Director’s Rule. |
trees on site plan |
12″ DBH and larger |
6″ DBH and larger |
6″ DBH and larger |
estimate SF zone trees covered |
18% |
45% |
45% |
SEPA appeal possible |
no |
yes |
yes |
Replacement fee in lieu for developers |
yes |
yes |
no |
in lieu fee goes to |
SDCI general budget |
Replacement and Preservation Fund |
no fund |
exceptional trees that can be removed outside development |
none, unless hazardous |
none, unless hazardous |
none, unless hazardous |
significant trees that can be removed by property owners outside development |
3 – 12″DBH trees/year |
2 significant trees in 3 years |
3 significant trees/yr |
Developers required to replace significant trees |
Trees 12” DBH to 24” DBH |
Trees 6” DBH to 24” DBH |
No replacement required |
register tree care providers |
Yes -separate bill |
yes |
no |
permits for removing significant trees on private property |
Voluntary reporting |
yes |
no |
2 week posting permits on site/on-line |
no |
yes |
no |
tree inventory before building permit issued |
no |
yes |
no |
tree replacement based on tree size for developers |
one tree upon maturity roughly proportional to canopy removed |
more trees required as removed tree diameter increases, 25 years to replace canopy lost |
one tree upon maturity that reaches equivalent canopy of removed tree |
Tree replacement required for trees removed 1 year before property purchased |
no |
yes |
no |
Maximize retention of significant trees during entire development process |
no |
yes |
no |
Covers all land use zones in the city |
No –excludes industrial, downtown and others |
yes |
no |
Several major issues of concern with SDCI draft:
- reduces inventory of trees on development sites in single family from 45% to 18%
- makes all decisions by SDCI regarding implementation of SMC 25.11 final and not appealable to a Hearing Examiner
- does not require maximizing the retention of existing trees on development sites
- replacement trees by developers only 1 for1 no matter size of tree removed
- minimal inclusion of provisions recommended to be included by the Seattle Urban Forestry Commission
See more detail here Issues of concern on draft SDCI Tree Protection Ordinance Feb 17 2022.docx – Friends of Seattle’s Urban Forest
Send comments on draft and SEPA to gordon.clowers@seattle.gov – deadline Thur. March 3, 2022.
- Urge 2-week extension from March 3rd to allow people more time to analyze draft and respond
- Urge SDCI drop proposal to use Master Use Permit 1 classification when implementing SMC 25.11
Documents:
Friends of Seattle’s Urban Forest
https://www.instagram.com/friendsofseattlesurbanforest/ https://twitter.com/ForestsUrban https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofSeattlesUrbanForest Contributions to support our efforts are always welcome. Click here to donate.
Following Post is copied from Seattle Greenspace Blog – Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment to help make information available to the public
Three Positions Available: Apply by
2/24/22 to Join the Urban Forestry
Commission

The City of Seattle is now accepting applications for three positions on the Urban Forestry Commission, a 13-member body established to advise the Mayor and City Council around policy and regulations related to protecting, maintaining, and preserving trees and vegetation in the City of Seattle. There are three open positions:
- Position #2 – Urban Ecologist (or similar)
- Position #3 – Natural Resource Agency or University Representative
- Position #13 – Community/Neighborhood Representative.
Commission positions ask for a time commitment of roughly 8-10 hours per month. In addition to meeting one of the positions above, applicants must also understand the impact racism and race-based disparities have on communities of color and have an interest in working to eliminate these disparities and advance equity. Applicants should also have an interest in collaborating with other community members to develop recommendations for tree canopy care and protection, while centering the communities most burdened by lack of access to tree canopy and its related benefits, and demonstrated ability to develop collaborative, productive, and respectful relationships with people from diverse educational, social, cultural, and racial backgrounds.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in collaborating with a team of community leaders working on improving the care and management of Seattle’s tree canopy for the benefit of the community while centering communities most impacted by health and educational injustices, please apply by February 24. For information on the open positions and to access the application, please visit our website.
For more information, please contact Patti Bakker, Interim Urban Forestry Commission Liaison, at patricia.bakker@seattle.gov.
About the Commission:
The Urban Forestry Commission was established in 2009 by Ordinance 123052 to advise the Mayor and City Council concerning the establishment of policy and regulations governing the protection, management, and conservation of trees and vegetation in the City of Seattle. Commission meetings are held twice a month on the first and second Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Currently, meetings are being held remotely via Webex application (with access via either phone or computer). Commission members must live or work in Seattle and generally must commit approximately eight to ten hours per month to Commission business and serve without compensation. Additional information about the Urban Forestry Commission can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/urbanforestrycommission.
The thirteen-member UFC consists of a wildlife biologist; an urban ecologist; a representative of a local, state, or federal natural resource agency or an accredited university; a hydrologist; a certified arborist; a representative of a non-profit or non-governmental organization; a representative of the development community or a representative from a non-city utility; an economist, financial analyst, or Washington State license real estate broker; a Get Engaged young adult; an environmental justice representative; a public health representative; and a community/neighborhood representative.
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