Seattle City Council OKs tree-cutting limit

The Seattle City Council voted Monday afternoon to make it illegal for most homeowners to cut down more than three trees per year.

The council's vote also prohibits the removal of city-designated "exceptional trees" and increases the fine for violations to $5,000 from the current $500.

The tree-removal limits — three trees of 6 inches or more in diameter per year — apply to single-family lots in the city of 5,000 square feet or more and low-rise, midrise and commercial structures on any size lot.

Some trees are exempt: hazardous trees, for example, or those that are approved to be removed as part of a construction permit.

Two recent events motivated the council: A group of residents took Seattle Public Schools to court last year when the district wanted to remove a stand of trees to make way for an Ingraham High School remodel, and a group of Maple Leaf residents opposed removing trees in Waldo Woods in North Seattle.

Only Councilmember Richard McIver voted no Monday, saying the city should conduct a tree inventory before adopting broad new rules. He also questioned whether the city would be liable if a tree it would not allow to be cut down later caused damage.

He said the new measure infringed on property rights.

Council President Richard Conlin said the city regulates lots of things to provide a better environment for the community. He and other supporters said the measure would improve property values and help increase the city's tree canopy.

"The payback that we get back from trees is more than just figuring out what's on your property-value statement," said Councilmember Sally Clark. "It has to do with how your neighborhood looks and feels."

The regulation is temporary, and the city is working on a broader tree-protection policy.

Emily Heffter: 206-464-8246 or eheffter@seattletimes.com