Tree Protection & Removal

When is a tree permit required?

Before removing any trees on residential property within the City of Lacey, property owners must obtain a land clearing permit exemption or a land clearing permit. In certain cases, a Class IV Forest Practice Permit may be required.  

Land Clearing Permit Exemption 

A land clearing permit exemption is typically required in the following situations, provided the required minimum tree density remains or is replanted on the site:  

• Removal of up to three trees during a five-year (60 month) period and removal of ground cover for the purposes of solar access, maintenance, landscaping or gardening. 

• Removal of hazard trees and ground cover in emergency situations involving immediate danger to life or property. Trees must be deemed hazardous by the City Arborist.  

• Removal of trees and ground cover within ten feet of the construction line of a proposed single-family or duplex dwelling structure construction line, and any area proposed to be cleared for related driveway and utility purposes. 

• Removal of obstructions required for vision clearance at intersections. 

A hazard tree is a tree that is dead, dying, damaged, diseased, structurally defective, or has some other factor that will subject the tree to failure within reasonable reach of a target.  

If a property owner wishes to remove more than three trees within five years because they believe them to hazardous, the City Arborist must review the tree(s) to determine they are a hazard. The City Arborist is a recognized expert in tree preservation and management with whom the City has contracted in the interest of achieving professional assistance and consistency in tree protection decisions. 

View the code requirements for Land Clearing Permit Exemptions 

Land Clearing Permit  

A land clearing permit is required when removing more than three trees during a five-year (60 month) period, not including the removal of hazard trees. Before applying for a land clearing permit, applicants must attend a free presubmission conference to review their proposal with staff. Land clearing permits are processed in accordance with our full administrative review procedures.  

View the code requirements for Land Clearing Permits  

Class IV Forest Practice Permit  

A Class IV forest practice activity is a timber harvest, thinning, or similar activity allowed by the Washington State Forest Practices Regulations (WAC Title 222) that results in the removal of more than 5,000 board feet of timber.  

Class IV forest practice permit applications must be submitted with a land use application for a development proposal. They are processed in accordance with our full administrative review procedures.  

View the code requirements for Class IV Forest Practice Permits 

How do I calculate required tree density for my property?  

Anytime trees are removed from residential property the standards for tree density must be maintained. Generally, each residential property in Lacey must have a minimum tree density of four trees per 5,000 square feet of total lot area. If your property is 10,000 square feet, you must maintain a total of eight trees. 

Table 14T-18 provides a summary of the minimum tree requirements for developed and developing properties. View Table 14T-18 in the Lacey Municipal Code.  

What do I need to submit?

To request a Land Clearing Permit Exemption 

Submit a completed Land Clearing Permit Exemption form, including a drawing of the property showing all tree(s) to be removed. For suspected hazard trees, submit a Request for Review by the City Arborist.  

Land Clearing Permit Exemption Request  

Request for City Arborist’s Review 

To apply for a Land Clearing Permit or Class IV Forest Practice Permit 

Presubmission Conference Request Form 

Land Clearing/Class IV Forest Practice Application 

Environmental Checklist  

For Tree Removal Professional Acknowledgement 

Contracted Professional Tree Removal Service Acknowledgment Form 

How much does it cost?  

Land clearing permit exemptions 

There is no charge to obtain a land clearing permit exemption. In certain cases, property owners may be responsible for paying the City Arborist for hazard tree reviews. Table 14T-66 provides a summary of payment responsibility. View Table 14T-66 in the Lacey Municipal Code. 

Land clearing permits and Class IV forest practice permits 

Fees for land clearing permits and Class IV forest practice permits can be found in our planning fee schedule. View the planning fee schedule. 

Should I hire a contractor?  

If you hire a contractor to remove the trees(s), the City requires that they have a Lacey endorsement to their State Business License. The City also recommends, for your protection, that the contractor be licensed and bonded. Any contractor who is removing a tree within the City must also sign and submit an agreement that they have read and understand the City of Lacey’s Tree Protection Regulations.