Tree Code Update

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The City of Redmond adopted the current tree protection regulations (Ordinance 1998) in 1998. The regulations contain tree retention standards for new developments, as well as tree removal permit requirements on developed lots. These regulations have not had a comprehensive review since they were adopted over 20 years ago. It is time to check back with the community to determine if these regulations need modifications and are achieving their goals in the context of urban growth.

To gain input and feedback from the community, a questionnaire was available July/August 2020, city staff set up two virtual office hours events for people to ask questions and share ideas on Aug. 19, 2020, and the Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission reviewed the project and provided input on Sept. 3, 2020. All of the community input will help inform Redmond City Council's decision-making regarding tree regulations. Visit the document library on this project page to review a summary of the questionnaire results.

The Tree Regulation Update was on hold from December 2022 to spring 2025, to further evaluate options. Staff has resumed work on the updated code and plans to return to the Planning Commission and incorporate comments from the community and city staff, as well as ensure alignment with the recently adopted Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan update and related code amendments.

We are now accepting responses to our questionnaire and comment form (below) until July 31, 2025.


The City of Redmond adopted the current tree protection regulations (Ordinance 1998) in 1998. The regulations contain tree retention standards for new developments, as well as tree removal permit requirements on developed lots. These regulations have not had a comprehensive review since they were adopted over 20 years ago. It is time to check back with the community to determine if these regulations need modifications and are achieving their goals in the context of urban growth.

To gain input and feedback from the community, a questionnaire was available July/August 2020, city staff set up two virtual office hours events for people to ask questions and share ideas on Aug. 19, 2020, and the Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission reviewed the project and provided input on Sept. 3, 2020. All of the community input will help inform Redmond City Council's decision-making regarding tree regulations. Visit the document library on this project page to review a summary of the questionnaire results.

The Tree Regulation Update was on hold from December 2022 to spring 2025, to further evaluate options. Staff has resumed work on the updated code and plans to return to the Planning Commission and incorporate comments from the community and city staff, as well as ensure alignment with the recently adopted Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan update and related code amendments.

We are now accepting responses to our questionnaire and comment form (below) until July 31, 2025.


CLOSED-Submit Your Comment

Submit Your Comment is now closed. 


Thank you for your interest in Redmond’s Tree Code Update!
We value your input as we work to enhance our tree regulations. Please share your thoughts, questions, or concerns about trees and the Proposed Tree Regulations using this form.

Your feedback will help shape how we protect, manage, and grow Redmond’s tree canopy for years to come.

This comment form will close on July 31, 2025.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Is there any thought to licensing and/or registering businesses that cut trees in Redmond? It seems like homeowners and tree cutting businesses might not have knowledge of the rules and needs for a permit, but if businesses were required to be licensed, they could be required to know the rules and not be clear-cutting a lot, as is happening in my neighborhood now. In many other businesses (i.e. gun sales, alcohol, and many others), it is up to the business to know the rules. Perhaps requiring that in the tree business would result in fewer landmark trees in neighborhoods being cut down. Thanks for your consideration.

Kathy about 2 months ago
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Page last updated: 31 Jul 2025, 03:59 PM