Street Tree Planting Permit
馃嚭馃嚫 Seattle, WA, United States 路 Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) Urban Forestry
Free permit and arborist site visit to plant a tree in the planting strip next to your property
SDOT manages Seattle's street trees and issues free permits to plant a tree in the planting strip between the sidewalk and curb. An SDOT arborist inspects the proposed spot and decides whether a tree is suitable; after approval you plant the tree and take on its care. Residents who want a free street tree can instead choose the street tree option in the Trees for Neighborhoods application each July, and the program handles the permit.
Who qualifies
Any Seattle planting strip at least 4 feet wide that meets SDOT spacing rules (for example 30 feet from intersections, 20 feet from street lights and other trees, 7.5 feet from driveways). Sites under overhead power lines need a tree that stays under 25 feet at maturity. Fruit trees, big leaf maples, cottonwoods, and Lombardy poplars are prohibited.
How to apply
Submit the SDOT urban forestry permit application (Permit Use Code 1A) to sdotpermits@seattle.gov or through the Seattle Services Portal; the permit is free. Mark the spot, call 811 to locate underground utilities, and request an arborist inspection. Questions: (206) 684-TREE (8733) or Seattle.Trees@seattle.gov.
Program details are the provider's own and change by season. Something out of date? Tell us.