Tree Removal Permit in Spokane: What You Need

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Spokane?

In most cases, no permit is required to remove a tree on private property in Spokane, but a permit is required if the tree is in a critical area such as a steep slope, a wetland buffer, or a shoreline, or if it is a designated heritage tree. A mature tree can move hundreds of gallons of water a day through its leaves, which is one reason cities care about keeping them. Spokane's tree rules focus on protecting trees that serve a public purpose, like stabilizing slopes or filtering stormwater, rather than regulating every tree on every lot.

• No permit for most trees in standard yards and lots.
• Permit likely if the tree is in a critical area or is a heritage tree.
• Check with the city before you cut if you are unsure.

If your tree is far from any slope, wetland, or shoreline, and it is not a designated heritage tree, you can usually remove it without a city permit. If it is in one of those areas, or if you are not sure, the safe move is to check with the City of Spokane before any work starts. The city's planning and development departments handle tree questions, and they can tell you whether your specific tree is regulated.

What counts as a critical area in Spokane?

A critical area in Spokane is a steep slope, a wetland or its buffer, a shoreline, or a floodplain, and trees in these areas are often protected because removing them can increase erosion or flooding. The city maps these areas, and you can look up your address to see if any part of your lot falls inside one. If it does, tree removal usually requires a permit and may require a replacement tree or a plan showing how you will control erosion.

Steep slopes are the most common trigger. A slope of 40 percent or steeper is generally considered a steep slope, and a slope of 25 to 40 percent may also be regulated depending on the site. If your tree is on or near such a slope, assume a permit is needed until you confirm otherwise. Wetland buffers can extend 50 to 300 feet from the wetland edge, and shoreline areas along the Spokane River have their own rules. Floodplains are mapped by FEMA and the city, and trees in a floodway can be regulated even if they are not in a wetland.

If your tree is in a critical area, the permit process usually asks for a site plan, a description of the tree, and sometimes a report from a qualified professional. The city may require you to plant replacement trees or pay a fee in lieu of replacement. The exact requirements depend on the site and the tree, so the only way to know is to ask the city with your address in hand.

Heritage trees and other protected trees

A heritage tree in Spokane is a tree that has been formally designated by the city, often because of its size, species, age, or historical significance, and removing one requires a permit and possibly a replacement plan. Heritage trees are listed by the city, and the list is not long. If your tree is on that list, you cannot remove it without approval, and removal may be denied.

Beyond heritage trees, some neighborhoods have their own rules through homeowners associations or historic districts. Those are private or district rules, not city permits, but they can still stop a removal. If you live in a historic district or an HOA, check those rules before you hire anyone. The city's heritage tree program is separate from the critical areas rules, and a tree can be protected under one, both, or neither.

If you are not sure whether your tree is a heritage tree, the city's planning department can tell you. The list is public, and a quick call or a look at the city website will confirm it. If your tree is not on the list and not in a critical area, you are likely in the clear for a standard removal.

How to check before you cut

To check whether you need a permit, look up your address on the city's critical areas map, check the heritage tree list, and call the City of Spokane planning department if either one flags your tree. The city can tell you what is required and what the application involves. Do this before you hire a tree service, because the permit process can take weeks and you do not want to remove a tree that is protected.

The steps are straightforward:

• 1 Find your parcel on the city's online maps and see if any critical area overlaps your lot.
• 2 Check the city's heritage tree list for your tree or your address.
• 3 If either one applies, call the planning department and ask what is needed for your specific tree.
• 4 If neither applies, you can usually proceed without a city permit, but check HOA or historic district rules if they apply to you.

If you are still unsure, ask the city. A short call now can save you a fine or a stop-work order later. The city's planning staff are the ones who decide, and they will tell you what they need to see.

What happens if you remove a protected tree without a permit

Removing a protected tree without a permit in Spokane can result in a fine, a requirement to replant, or both, and the city can issue a stop-work order while it investigates. The fine amount depends on the tree and the violation, and the city can also require you to replace the tree with one of a certain size and species. In some cases, the penalty can be more than the cost of the removal itself.

The city enforces these rules through complaints and inspections. If a neighbor reports a removal, or if a city inspector sees it, you may get a notice. The process usually starts with a letter and a chance to respond, but if the tree was clearly protected, the city can require restoration. That can mean planting a new tree, caring for it for a set period, and paying a fine. The exact consequences depend on the specific rules that apply to your tree and your lot.

If you have already removed a protected tree, contact the city planning department right away. Being upfront can sometimes reduce the penalty, and it is better than waiting for a notice. If you have not removed it yet, check first. The cost of a permit is almost always less than the cost of a violation.

When you do not need a permit

You do not need a permit to remove a tree on private property in Spokane if the tree is not in a critical area, is not a heritage tree, and is not covered by an HOA or historic district rule. That covers most trees in standard residential yards. If your tree is in a normal yard, away from slopes, wetlands, and shorelines, and it is not on the heritage list, you can remove it without city approval.

Even when no permit is required, other rules can apply. For example, you cannot block a sidewalk or street without a right-of-way permit, and you cannot remove a tree that is actually on the city right-of-way, even if it looks like it is on your property. The right-of-way is usually the strip between the sidewalk and the curb, and trees there belong to the city. If you are not sure where your property line is, check your survey or the county assessor's map.

If you are removing a tree near power lines, you may need to coordinate with the utility. That is not a city permit, but it is a safety requirement. The utility can tell you what they need. If the tree is on your property and not in a critical area, you can usually proceed, but it is always worth a quick check with the city if you have any doubt.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my yard in Spokane? In most cases, no. A permit is required only if the tree is in a critical area (steep slope, wetland buffer, shoreline, or floodplain) or is a designated heritage tree. If your tree is in a standard yard and not protected, you can remove it without a city permit.

How do I know if my tree is in a critical area? Look up your address on the City of Spokane's critical areas map. If any part of your lot falls within a steep slope, wetland buffer, shoreline, or floodplain, a permit is likely required. If you are not sure, call the city planning department with your address.

What is a heritage tree? A heritage tree is a tree formally designated by the City of Spokane, usually because of its size, species, age, or historical significance. Removing one requires a permit and may require a replacement plan. The city keeps a list of heritage trees, and you can check it online or by calling the planning department.

What if I remove a protected tree without a permit? You can face a fine, a requirement to replant, or both, and the city can issue a stop-work order. The exact penalty depends on the tree and the violation. If you have already removed a protected tree, contact the city planning department right away to discuss your options.

Do I need a permit for a tree on the city right-of-way? Yes, trees on the city right-of-way belong to the city and cannot be removed without a permit. The right-of-way is typically the strip between the sidewalk and the curb. If you are not sure where your property line is, check your survey or the county assessor's map before doing any work.