Tree Code Update

The City of Shoreline is recruiting applicants to be part of the Tree Code Update Community Advisory Group.

Why apply?

Work with the City to draft the new tree code! The tree code holds the rules for trees on private property.

This advisory group will provide input to inform the draft code and give feedback on key issues, such as tree retention requirements and alignment with the City’s housing goals.

The group will meet up to seven times starting in Fall 2025. Meetings will be held in person at City Hall. You will earn $50 per meeting for your participation.

Who can apply?

Anyone over the age of 16 who lives or works in Shoreline is encouraged to apply. This group will be made up of community members from a wide range of backgrounds, including but not limited to...

• Residents (homeowners and renters)
• Community Advocates
• Business Owners
• Youth Representative (16- 21 years old)
• Local Developers
• Arborist and Landscaping Professionals

Apply today!

Fill out this short Tree Code Advisory Group Application to tell us why you want to join. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Paper copies are available by emailing scarson@shorelinewa.gov or calling 206-801-2561.

On July 14th, 2025, City Council and Planning Commission held a joint Dinner Meeting to discuss the goals of the Tree Code Update. The purpose of the meeting was for City Council and Planning Commission to discuss policy ideas and guidance on key topics for the Tree Code Update.

You can ready the Staff Memo written for the meeting here: July 14th Joint City Council and Planning Commission Meeting Memo

You can read the full meeting summary at this link: July 14th Joint City Council and Planning Commission Meeting Summary

Key points discussed at the meeting by Council and Commission members are summarized below.

• Support for better protections for very large and native trees.
• Supported exploring expanding tree retention requirement areas zoned for high density commercial and mixed use development, such as areas near the light rail stations and along Aroura.
• Concern that protections for trees could impede housing development, and that it will be very important to balance tree protections with the City’s housing goals.
• Support for flexibility in the code. There are many competing interests, such as increased housing density, affordable housing, and maintaining trees. These goals should all be balanced.
• Support for charging reasonable fees for tree removal and having a better process to track tree removals.
• Support for exempting trees that are damaging foundations and/or water/sewer lines from the tree code.
• Supportive of developing a tree code that is easy to understand, with consistent requirements.