Tree Removal - Routine Vegetation Management Permit (RVMP)

Determine the Necessary Permit

This handout addresses the most commonly asked questions and provides general information regarding tree cutting, removal, and vegetation management. Please see RMC 4-4-130 for more detailed information.

Application Materials Needed

In most cases, the following information is required for application submittals: 

• Project Narrative: a clear and concise description of the proposed project;
• Site Plan: A single fully dimensioned plan sheet drawn at scale of one inch equals twenty feet (1”=20’) or another scale approved by staff;
• Tree Retention Plan/Planting Plan: (which includes a completed Tree Retention Credit Worksheet);
• Arborist Report: A report prepared by a certified arborist or licensed landscape architect that correlates with the Tree Retention Plan and identifies size, species, health and reason for removal. The report shall identify the limits of disturbance for all retained trees, and a recommendation for mitigation of the tree(s) proposed for removal.

Find A Local Certified Arborist

In some cases, if applicable, additional materials may be required, which may include:

• Wetland assessment
• Habitat data report
• Flood Hazard data
• Stream or Lake study and Narrative
• Geotechnical Report
• Grading Plan
• Biological Assessment/Critical Area Study

For a full list and details of possible submittal items required please see the Routine Vegetation Management Submittal Requirement Checklist.

Properly Name Your Files

Each page of your plans/drawings must be named individually and must follow a naming convention before you can upload your documents. Each document must be submitted as a single file. 

Visit this page to view instructions on the naming convention. 

NOTE: Your application will not be accepted if the naming convention is not followed. 

Decision Document

Once the Notice of Decision has been received, your Routine Vegetation Management Permit has either been approved, approved with condition(s), or denied. It is important to read through and understand any approval conditions and expiration dates. 

*Please note that there is a two-week appeal period following the Notice of Decision. No work should begin until this period has ended to ensure compliance with all conditions.

If approved, what do I do now?

When you receive decision approval to perform the work on the property, you will follow the approved plans including any mitigation requirements and conditions of permit approval.