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The City of Tacoma is working on a major update to its tree and landscape regulations and the final rules could affect homeowners, buyers, developers, and properties throughout the city. No final ordinance has been adopted and the City is still developing draft regulations and taking public input with its next public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, August 19th.

TPCAR has been involved in this process to ensure that any recommendations proposed to increase and better distribute Tacoma’s tree canopy do not undo the hard work invested into the Home in Tacoma changes which make it possible for more infill housing to be created in the city. We cannot afford to create new barriers to housing, add unreasonable costs for property owners, or make it harder for homeowners to safely maintain their property.

What is Tacoma considering?

The City’s Tree and Landscape Code Update is looking at several potential changes, including:

  • Expanding tree canopy and tree-credit requirements to more properties and zoning districts.
  • Expanding tree-retention requirements.
  • Creating tree-removal requirements that could apply even when no development is proposed.
  • Considering canopy-loss fees tied to tree removal.
  • Increasing tree and landscaping requirements for certain development projects.
  • Finding ways to increase canopy in neighborhoods where tree coverage is lower.

TPCAR is asking the Planning Commission to evaluate new tree requirements based on whether they reduce housing capacity, make infill development more difficult, delay permits, or create unreasonable costs for homeowners and housing providers. That is especially important on smaller Tacoma lots, where setbacks, utilities, parking, stormwater, access, trees, and other requirements all compete for limited space. Our goal is to support the expansion of a healthy tree canopy without seeing new tree regulations unintentionally take back the housing opportunities the City just created.

What could this mean for your REALTOR® clients? Buyers interested in development should pay attention to existing trees as they could become a larger part of the feasibility discussion. TPCAR is asking that the City test proposed regulations on real Tacoma lots, including smaller, irregular, sloped, shallow, and utility-constrained properties before making anything final.

For current homeowners in Tacoma, tree removal as a part of property maintenance could become more regulated. TPCAR has asked for a simple and expedited process for dead, dying, diseased, structurally compromised, or hazardous trees to ensure that owners are able to remove hazards before they cause damage to persons or property. Tree removal could also carry additional costs and TPCAR is asking thatpermit fees, arborist costs, replacement requirements, and other mitigation expenses remain reasonable. Fees should not discourage homeowners from taking care of hazardous trees or make smaller housing projects financially impractical.

What REALTORS® should tell clients today

The most important point is that Tacoma is considering significant changes to its tree regulations, but new citywide rules have not yet been adopted. Buyers interested in redevelopment, ADUs, additional housing, or substantial improvements should pay attention to existing trees as part of their property due diligence.

Current homeowners should also be aware that tree-removal requirements could change in the future.

TPCAR will continue to update this issue for members as new details emerge. Members can also follow the City’s official Tree and Landscape Code Update page for draft regulations, meeting information, and opportunities to participate.

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