Seattle Introduces Tree Protection Consultations for Construction Projects
Seattle launches TreeSub consultations, allowing permit applicants to meet with city arborists and understand tree protection requirements before submitting construction plans.
· AllSeattle
Seattle Introduces New Tree Protection Consultations for Construction and Development Projects
Property owners, developers, and construction professionals in Seattle now have a new opportunity to receive early guidance on tree protection requirements before submitting building permit applications.
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) has announced a new service called the Tree Pre-Submittal Conference, also known as a TreeSub. The program allows permit applicants to speak directly with city reviewing arborists about how existing trees may affect a proposed construction or development project.
The service is designed to help applicants identify potential tree-related requirements earlier in the planning process, making it easier to account for protected trees when preparing site plans.
What Is Seattle's New TreeSub Service?
A TreeSub is a preliminary consultation between a project applicant and an SDCI reviewing arborist.
During the meeting, applicants can discuss the trees located on their property and understand how Seattle's tree protection regulations may influence construction plans.
Depending on the project, the consultation may include an on-site assessment of:
- Existing trees located within the proposed development area.
- Trees on neighboring properties with branches extending over the project site.
- Off-site trees whose roots may affect construction activities.
- Potential tree protection areas that could influence building placement and site planning.
The purpose is to provide applicants with information about tree protection requirements before they submit a complete permit application.
This early guidance may help property owners and development teams identify potential challenges while there is still time to make adjustments to their proposed site plans.
How Much Does a Tree Protection Consultation Cost?
The new TreeSub service has a minimum fee equal to one Land Use (LU) hourly rate.
According to SDCI's November 3, 2026 announcement, the current hourly rate is $551.
Payment is required when requesting an appointment.
The minimum fee generally covers:
- A 30- to 45-minute virtual meeting with a reviewing arborist.
- A written summary of the discussion.
- Preliminary guidance to help applicants prepare their proposed site plans.
Applicants who request an on-site meeting should expect an additional hour of consultation time.
The exact scope and cost of a consultation may depend on the meeting arrangements and project requirements.
Why Early Tree Protection Guidance Matters
Trees can have a significant impact on construction planning, particularly on properties with large existing trees or neighboring trees whose roots and canopies extend across property boundaries.
Seattle has specific regulations governing tree protection, removal, and replacement. Depending on the tree's size, species, location, and the nature of the proposed development, additional requirements may apply.
If tree-related restrictions are identified late in the permitting process, applicants may need to revise their site plans or reconsider aspects of their proposed construction.
The TreeSub program gives applicants an opportunity to discuss these issues with city arborists before submitting a full permit application.
Early guidance can help developers make more informed decisions about building placement, construction areas, and tree protection measures.
Which Projects May Benefit From TreeSub?
The service may be particularly useful for:
- Residential construction and redevelopment projects.
- Property owners planning additions or major renovations.
- Developers preparing site plans for new buildings.
- Projects located near large or potentially protected trees.
- Construction sites affected by neighboring tree canopies or root systems.
Although the consultation provides advance guidance, applicants should understand that it is an early planning resource rather than a substitute for formal permit review or required approvals.
Final requirements will depend on the applicable regulations and the details of the submitted project.
How to Request a TreeSub Appointment
Applicants interested in receiving early guidance can submit a Tree or ECA Related Analysis request through the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections.
The request allows applicants to seek information about tree-related requirements and environmentally critical areas (ECAs) that may affect their proposed development.
The city recommends reviewing its official tree regulations and site plan requirements before beginning the application process.
Useful resources include:
- Seattle SDCI Tree and ECA Analysis requests.
- Seattle Trees and Codes information.
- Tree Protection Code, Seattle Municipal Code 25.11.
- Environmentally Critical Areas regulations, Seattle Municipal Code 25.09.
More information is available through the official city website:
Seattle Expands Early Guidance for Development Applicants
The introduction of TreeSub reflects Seattle's effort to provide more predictable and consistent guidance for people planning construction and development projects.
By allowing applicants to speak with reviewing arborists before submitting complete permit applications, SDCI aims to make tree-related planning requirements clearer at an earlier stage.
For property owners and developers, understanding tree protection requirements in advance may help reduce unexpected design changes and improve preparation for the permitting process.
Applicants considering construction on properties with existing trees can now explore the TreeSub consultation option as part of their early project planning.
For application details and additional information, visit the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and its official Trees and Codes resource page.
Source: buildingconnections.seattle.gov