Cut out the loophole

SEATTLE Public Schools moved too fast when it sought to cut down a stand of neighborhood trees before the district applied for a development permit.

The district's actions were unsavory but legal. Mayor Greg Nickels smartly prevents a repeat by proposing rules to prevent builders from clearing trees before filing for a building permit. The mayor's action broadens the preservation issue beyond the district.

A King County Superior Court judge had already ordered the district to preserve the trees until it had a city permit. That was appropriate. Permit applications invite environmental and land-use reviews, things that inform the public and monitor legal compliance.

The district's use of a loophole to avoid part of the public process fueled mistrust over plans to expand Ingraham High School. The district has a second chance.

As it applies for the necessary permits, school officials ought to make a reasonable and convincing case for removing the trees in order to build a school addition and get students out of cramped portables. If the district cannot do that, the trees ought to be preserved.