Trees & Remodels: Staying Compliant in Shoreline

Planning a remodel in Shoreline and eyeing that big fir near your foundation? Trees can make or break your permitting timeline. You want to protect what matters, keep your project on schedule, and avoid costly surprises. In this guide, you’ll learn when Shoreline requires a tree permit, what counts as a “significant” tree, and how to fold tree protection into your site plan so your remodel moves forward smoothly. Let’s dive in.

Shoreline tree rules at a glance

The City of Shoreline regulates tree removal and construction activity that could damage regulated trees. These rules apply to private property and to trees in the public right-of-way within city limits. If your remodel or addition needs a building permit, expect tree-related review when regulated trees are on or near your site.

Local codes often define a “significant tree” by diameter at breast height, also called DBH. Many Puget Sound cities use a threshold around 6 inches DBH, but you should confirm Shoreline’s current definition and submittal requirements with the city’s permit center. The safest approach is to plan for tree inventory and protection early, then verify thresholds before you submit.

For the most current rules and forms, check the City of Shoreline’s tree regulations and permit guidance on the city website. You can start at the City of Shoreline homepage and navigate to permits and tree regulations for details.

• Visit the City of Shoreline for official tree regulations and permitting guidance: City of Shoreline

What is a “significant tree”

Codes use DBH to decide if a tree is regulated. DBH is the trunk diameter measured 4.5 feet above the ground on the uphill side. Healthy native or specimen trees often receive higher priority for preservation. If a tree meets the significant size threshold in Shoreline or sits in a regulated area, removal or disturbance usually needs a permit.

When in doubt, bring in an ISA-certified arborist to measure DBH, assess condition, and advise on protection. Accurate identification early can save redesigns and delays later.

When you need a permit

You typically need review or a permit if your project will remove or damage a regulated tree. That includes activity that affects the trunk, canopy, or root zone, as well as work near steep slopes or critical-area buffers. If tree work is part of your building permit, the city may require a combined tree plan and mitigation.

Common triggers include:

• Voluntary removal of a significant tree on your lot, unless an exemption applies.
• Grading, excavation, utility trenching, or new foundations within a regulated tree’s root zone.
• Work within critical-area buffers or on steep slopes.
• Any work on street trees or trees in the public right-of-way.

Exemptions and emergencies

Shoreline’s code allows some exemptions. Examples often include emergency removal of a hazardous tree that poses immediate risk, routine pruning that does not remove a regulated-sized tree, and removal of trees below the significant threshold. If you remove a hazardous tree in an emergency, cities usually require you to notify them within a set time frame and provide documentation.

Always verify exemptions with the City of Shoreline before you act, and keep photos and an arborist’s note if you remove a hazardous tree for safety.

Private trees vs. street trees

Trees on private property are regulated by the city’s development code. Trees in the public right-of-way, including many “street trees,” require separate approval from the City or Public Works, even if you have a private development permit. Do not assume a private permit covers street trees.

If you’re not sure where the right-of-way line falls, ask the city to confirm during pre-application or permit intake. This avoids costly rework.

What to submit with a remodel

If tree review is required, Shoreline commonly asks for a clear, complete set of materials with your building permit. Plan to include the following:

• Tree inventory and map. Show location, species, DBH, health, and which trees you’ll retain or remove.
• Tree retention and protection plan. Fold this into your site plan. Show protective fencing, limits of disturbance, access routes, and staging areas.
• Root protection calculations. Define the critical root zone or root protection zone and label construction limits and methods within that area.
• Arborist report. Required when trees are in marginal condition or when you propose encroachment or seek retention credits or exceptions.
• Replacement and mitigation plan. Show replacement species, sizes, locations, and maintenance commitments if removal is approved.

Poor or missing documentation is a top reason for permit delays. Build these items into your submittal checklist from day one.

Build tree protection into your site plan

Early planning protects trees and schedules. Use these best practices from industry standards and local expectations.

Map and inventory early

Start with a site walk and a basic tree inventory during pre-design. Map all trees at or above the significant threshold on your lot and within a short distance of proposed work, such as 10 to 15 feet. Rank trees by priority, focusing on healthy native or specimen trees and trees in public view.

Define root protection zones

Most tree damage happens underground. Define the critical root zone or root protection zone for each retained tree and show this on your plan. Within this zone, avoid excavation, grade changes, equipment, storage, and parking. If limited encroachment is unavoidable, specify careful methods such as hand excavation, root pruning by a certified arborist, or air spading.

For practical guidance on root protection during construction, see the International Society of Arboriculture’s best management practices: International Society of Arboriculture

Fencing and signage

Install sturdy fencing around the root protection zone before any site work starts. Label it clearly with “Tree Protection — Keep Out.” Keep fencing in place through construction. Locate staging, material storage, and concrete washout away from protected zones.

Grading, utilities, and access

Minimize grade changes near retained trees. Where grade changes are necessary, consider solutions that reduce root stress, such as small retaining walls or bridging. For utilities, consider trenchless methods near major trees. If trenching is unavoidable, use hand excavation and coordinate with your arborist.

Replacement and maintenance

Many cities require tree replacement when removal is approved. Your plan should include suitable species, minimum sizes, planting locations, mulch and staking notes, and a maintenance period. If on-site planting is not feasible, some cities allow monetary mitigation. Confirm what Shoreline requires before finalizing your plan.

Inspections and monitoring

Expect city inspections at key milestones, such as before grading, before foundation work, and at final. If you encroach into a root protection zone, plan for arborist monitoring. List your arborist’s contact information on the plan and outline the monitoring schedule.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Starting design before you inventory trees. This leads to avoidable redesigns and delays.
• Confusing public and private trees. Street trees require separate approval and are often more restricted.
• Underestimating root impacts. Trenching and compaction within the root zone can kill trees even if they look fine at final.
• Incomplete paperwork. Missing arborist reports or unclear protection notes can trigger corrections and slow review.
• Mis-measuring DBH or misidentifying species. Have a qualified arborist confirm measurements and condition.

Step-by-step checklist

Use this simple timeline to keep your project on track:

• Before design

  • Review the City’s current tree and development guidance.
  • Hire an ISA-certified arborist to create a basic inventory and recommendations.

• During schematic design

  • Map all significant trees and flag likely removals and high-priority trees to preserve.
  • Adjust footprint, driveway, and utilities to avoid root zones where feasible.

• At permit submittal

  • Provide a combined site and tree protection plan with fencing, access, and staging.
  • Include an arborist report if required, plus a replacement and mitigation plan.

• During construction

  • Install fencing before mobilizing. Keep equipment and storage out of protected zones.
  • Have your arborist on call for any unexpected root exposure.

• After construction

  • Complete required replacement plantings and follow maintenance requirements.

Who to contact and resources

For current definitions, thresholds, and forms, contact the City of Shoreline and review official materials.

• City of Shoreline permits and tree regulations: City of Shoreline
• Tree protection best practices and certified arborists: International Society of Arboriculture
• Critical areas context for King County projects: King County
• Washington Department of Ecology guidance on critical areas and stormwater: Washington Department of Ecology

Final thoughts

If you plan ahead, trees do not have to slow down your remodel. Inventory early, build protection into your site plan, and confirm Shoreline’s current thresholds before you submit. Clear documentation and a practical protection strategy help you avoid penalties, preserve the landscape, and keep your schedule intact.

If you want a second set of eyes on your plan or you’re considering a remodel before selling, reach out to Unknown Company for local guidance tailored to Shoreline. Request a Free Home Valuation and plan your next steps with confidence.

FAQs

Do I need a tree permit for a Shoreline remodel?

• If your project removes or could damage a regulated tree or affects trees in the right-of-way or critical areas, you likely need city review or a permit.

How do I measure DBH for a significant tree?

• Measure trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground on the uphill side, and have an ISA-certified arborist confirm measurements.

What if a tree is hazardous and needs urgent removal?

• Emergency removal is often exempt, but you usually must notify the city promptly and provide documentation such as photos and an arborist’s note.

Are street trees treated differently in Shoreline?

• Yes, trees in the public right-of-way require separate approval from the City or Public Works and are not covered by private permits.

What happens if I remove a regulated tree without a permit?

• Cities can issue fines, stop-work orders, and require mitigation such as replacement plantings or in-lieu fees.

Can replacement plantings count as mitigation in Shoreline?

• Replacement is commonly required when removal is approved; your plan should list species, sizes, and locations and follow city guidance.