Seattle’s New Tree Ordinance

Published by DontClearcutSeattle on

Seattle's 2023 Tree Protection Ordinance

The long awaited update to Seattle’s Tree Protection Ordinance  was passed by the Seattle City Council May 23rd with  a June signing ceremony and press conference planned by the mayor’s office. But there was no signing ceremony or press conference… the controversy around this legislation had already become the main story.

The Details

Action Needed

  • Support the petition to the WA State Growth Management Hearings Board to ensure the City meets the City’s current Comprehensive Plan goal of 30% tree canopy by 2037,  as required by the WA Growth Management Act (GMA). Find out how you can help: click Seattle Needs Trees 
  • Support and help elect Seattle City Council Candidates who support trees and our urban forest. Here is a list of the candidates, their campaign contact information, and their completed TreePAC questionnaires. Contact their campaigns (via email, phone or contact forms on their websites) and let them know that you support the requirement that developers maximize the retention of existing trees on site, by modifying their plans (by building-up or by using alternative site plans) to save more trees. Feel free to include other items from the “Fixes Urgently Needed” section above.
  • Contact the current City Council, Mayor and/or staff.

Like the message above for the candidates, let them know that you support the requirement that developers maximize the retention of existing trees on site, by modifying their plans (by building-up or by using alternative site plans) to save more trees. Feel free to include other items from the “Fixes Urgently Needed” section above.