Tree Permits

Tree Removal Permit (PL-TREE)

This permit is appropriate for selective removal of trees on less than 25% of lot area for general property and utility maintenance. This permit is not appropriate for activities which include the use of a bulldozer, skidder, backhoe, or similar mechanical equipment for the purpose of removing standing timber and the stacking and loading of trees or timber.

Permit requirements:

• Completed Master Planning Permit Application
• Arborist report completed by a qualified arborist
• Site plan depicting location of trees to be removed

Tree Removal with Development

Tree retention and replanting standards differ depending on project scope, and thorough review of GHMC 17.78 and 17.99 is recommended. An arborist report completed by a qualified arborist which details the species, size, condition, and recommendations for management of all significant trees on a lot is required for all proposals which include tree removal.

Per GHMC 17.78.040, in the event of a conflict between individual uses and other general requirements of GHMC Chapter 17.78, the more stringent shall apply. In the event of a conflict between the standards for individual uses and the Shoreline Master Program subsection 6.2.4, the requirements of the Shoreline Master Program shall apply.

Residential Development

• The minimum width of perimeter landscaping is 25 feet
• All significant trees shall be retained
• Modulations to the width of the perimeter landscape areas are permitted through GHMC 17.78.060, and the Alternative Landscape Plan permit process in GHMC 17.78.100

Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Development

• The minimum width of perimeter landscaping is at least the width of the required setback area
• All significant trees shall be retained
• Where a non-residential or mixed-use development abuts a residential zone, a 40-foot vegetated buffer is required to substantially separate and shield the opposing zones within the non-residential property
• Where a non-residential or mixed-used development abuts a residential development within the same zone, the full width of the required setback area shall be landscaped to provide screening and separation per GHMC 17.78.070.B
• Modulations to the width of the perimeter landscape areas are permitted through GHMC 17.78.070, and the Alternative Landscape Plan permit process in GHMC 17.78.100

Parking Lots

Public and private parking lots, paved service areas, nonresidential uses, and residential parking areas providing more than 10 parking spaces are required to provide landscaping. Landscaping requirements differ depending on project scope, please review GHMC 17.78.080.

Tree Protection During Development

• Areas of native vegetation which are designated as landscape or buffer areas shall be protected by a 10-foot-wide no-construction zone and tree protection barricade.
• No construction activities shall take place within the drop line of a tree without the recommendation of a qualified arborist.

Tree Removal Permits (PL-TREE)

1. Application is received.
2. Proposal is reviewed against prior land use and building permits, as well as the Gig Harbor Municipal Code (GHMC) and Public Works Standards.
3. Staff will determine any replanting requirements, if applicable.
4. Nonresidential projects are sent for third-party review by the City arborist, other projects may require review depending on scope. The cost of third-party review is borne by the applicant.
5. A letter with either approval or denial is sent to the applicant within 3-4 weeks.

Tree Removal with Development

Tree removal is permitted after approval and issuance of the associated land use and engineering permits. The City will inspect the site to ensure tree protection measures, including protection of the critical root zone and 10-foot no-construction zone (where applicable), are in place per GHMC 17.78.092 and Public Works Standards.

ARBORIST REPORT: A report containing the following information, at a minimum:

1. Name and certification number of the inspecting arborist;
2. Significant tree(s) requiring permit on the subject property identified by a numbering system that is consistent throughout the Arborist Report, site plan and onsite trees. 
3. Tree species and/or common name;
4. DSH of significant tree(s) requiring permit;
5. Tree Condition;
6. Proposed tree maintenance.

DIAMETER AT STANDARD HEIGHT: The diameter of the trunk of the tree measured at a point 4.5 feet above grade. This forestry standard measurement is used for established and mature trees and is referred to as “DSH”.  All reference to diameter size shall be to the DSH. When limbs or deformities occur at standard height, the measurement is taken below 4.5 ft. The DSH of multi-trunk trees is determined by taking the square root of the sum of the DSH for each individual stem squared.

TREE: A self-supporting woody plant, together with its root system, trunk, and canopy; growing upon the earth usually with one trunk, or a multi-stemmed trunk system, supporting a formed crown, and has a mature height of at least 15 feet. 

SIGNIFICANT TREE: A healthy tree measuring six (6) inches or greater in diameter at standard height (DSH).