Thank you to the 1,000 Shoreline community members  who completed the Code Recommendations Survey. This survey is concluded as of January 31, 2026. Check back soon to read the summary of responses received.  

Thank you to all the community members who filled out the Tree Code Update Kick Off Questionnaire. This survey is concluded as of November 3, 2025. Check back soon to read the summary of responses received. 

Big changes to the rules are proposed, and input from the community on the draft code is being collected to gauge how well it responds to the community’s priorities about how the City regulates trees on private property.

Key Draft Tree Code Features

• Hazard/Nuisance Trees: Updated definition and criteria to allow for hazard trees and trees causing infrastructure damage to be removed.
• Exceptional Trees: Extra protections to preserve large, mature trees 24 inches DBH or greater and large groves of trees.
• Recommended Planting List: A city maintained list of trees recommended to be used as replacement trees.  
• Minimum Tree Credits: A new tree credit method for regulating private property tree replanting. 
  • A minimum number of tree credits is required per lot.
  • The number of credits you need depends on the size of your lot and the zone you are in.
  • Tree credits are based on how wide their trunk is.
  • You only need to plant trees if your lot doesn’t have enough credits.
  • Planted trees are worth a credit based on their future size.

Key Draft Tree Code Outcomes

• Some small trees can continue to be removed annually without replacement
• Removing many small trees or proposing development will trigger tree credit compliance.
• Development in all zones must show compliance with minimum tree credit through retention, planting, or fee in lieu.
• Lots with many of trees do not need to replant, lots with few trees need to plant.
• Large mature exceptional trees can only be removed if necessary for building or because a hazard/nuisance.