Edmonds Extends Tree Code Interim Measure to April 2027
The City of Edmonds has approved a six-month extension of its interim tree ordinance, pushing its expiration to April 2027. The City Council gave unanimous support to the continuation during its Tuesday meeting.
The interim code first took effect in April 2025, following heightened public attention after the removal of a prominent 100-foot California redwood locally known as Big Red. That incident highlighted gaps in the prior tree regulations, which had been in place since 2021 and lacked specific safeguards for large, distinctive trees.
Under the current rules, trees measuring 30 inches or more in diameter, taken at 4.5 feet above ground, are shielded from being removed without review.
Work on a long-term framework began earlier this year with the Edmonds Planning Board, though staffing challenges delayed its start. The council had previously approved an initial six-month extension in April, and in August received formal recommendations from the board.
City staff refined those proposals ahead of a Sept. 8 public hearing, where resident input highlighted a preference for strong protections favoring tree retention over replacement planting. A coalition called Friends of the Edmonds Trees urged the adoption of incentives for developers, such as streamlined permitting and design flexibility, to keep mature trees on-site. The group also recommended setting minimum thresholds for how many trees must remain after development, and argued that fees charged in place of on-site retention or planting should be set at higher levels and applied only when alternatives are unfeasible.
Barb Steller, an Edmonds resident, emphasized environmental and ecological stakes during the hearing, noting that updated rules must support both human and wildlife needs. “Let’s not forget the Jimothys and other wildlife that share this shrinking, precious green space with us,” she said, urging policies that reflect coexistence rather than mere occupation.
At a follow-up work session the following day, council members signaled openness to incorporating financial incentives that reward tree preservation. Council member Vivian Olson noted that such measures could shift developer behavior: “You’ll think twice about getting rid of a tree that’s basically paying you just for being there.”
City staff indicated they expect the final code to be ready before the interim ordinance lapses. One topic under consideration is whether to include policies on how trees affect sightlines, specifically whether view corridors should be addressed in the core tree code or in a separate measure. Council member Chris Eck favors a stand-alone ordinance for view protections, while Olson supports integrating them.
According to city spokesperson Natasha Ryan, additional public outreach is planned over the coming months to shape the permanent code. Council member Susan Paine echoed the broader sentiment, saying the extension offers a valuable opportunity to build lasting policy: “I really want to just appreciate the gift of additional time to make sure that we have a very durable tree code.”
Council Postpones Vote on Committee Restructuring
The city council has pushed back a decision regarding the reorganization of its advisory boards and commissions. This postponement comes as many of these groups have remained inactive since the municipality declared a fiscal emergency in 2023.
A key element of the proposed reorganization involves converting the existing Climate Protection Committee into a task force. Some residents have expressed worry that this shift could curtail the group's influence going forward.
The chair of the committee cautioned against diminishing the role of the group, stating that such a change would undermine an entity that is vital during a time of escalating complexity. The chair noted that addressing resilience, extreme weather, wildfire hazards, equity, and state climate planning mandates requires consistent attention, specialized knowledge, and community involvement.
The council intends to cast a vote on a new framework in November.