Do you need a permit?
It depends on the tree
Federal Way's rule is that no one may remove trees on a site without first getting a tree retention plan approved by the director — unless the activity is on the exempt list. That list includes tree and vegetation removal on a lot in the SE or RS zone that already contains one or more dwelling units and is maintained for the homeowner's use. The exemption has conditions we could not read in full, so confirm yours with the Permit Center.
What's protected in Federal Way
- Trees on sites subject to a tree retention plan under FWRC 19.120
- Trees in environmentally critical areas (FWRC 19.145)
Fees, penalties, and the ordinance
- Ordinance
- Federal Way Revised Code Chapter 19.120 — Clearing, Grading, and Tree and Vegetation Retention (exemptions at FWRC 19.120.030; tree density at FWRC 19.120.130)
Worth knowing
- The code reads: "No person shall remove any trees on a site without first obtaining approval of a tree retention plan by the director, except for those activities that are exempt as described in FWRC 19.120.030."
- One exemption covers "tree and vegetation removal actions conducted on a lot in the SE or RS zone that contains one or more dwelling units together with any contiguous lots under the same ownership that are being maintained for the use and enjoyment of the homeowner(s)."
- Individual single-family lots comply only with the applicable requirements of FWRC 19.120.130, which sets tree density in tree units per acre.
- The Permit Center is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and closed to the public on Wednesdays.
What we could not confirm
We would rather tell you what we don't know than guess. Call the office below to confirm these before you cut.
- — The full conditions attached to the SE/RS single-family exemption. The excerpt we could read is cut off and the code site blocks automated access, so we cannot tell you it applies to your specific lot.
- — Any diameter threshold or "significant tree" definition in Federal Way.
- — Permit fees, replacement obligations and penalties.