Sammamish Unified Development Code

Environment & Sustainability | Trees

21.03.060 Trees A. Purpose

v. Slowing runoff from precipitation and reducing soil erosion;

vi. Improving air quality;

1. The purpose of this chapter is to:

vii. Improving water quality;

a. Avoid the removal of significant trees, including heritage trees and landmark trees, in order to maintain the quality of Sammamish’s urban environment; b. Protect significant trees, heritage trees and landmark trees to the maximum extent possible in the design of new development proposals including, but not limited to, buildings, roadways, and utilities; c. Mitigate the environmental and aesthetic consequences of tree removal through on-site and off-site tree replacement to achieve a goal of no net loss of canopy throughout Sammamish; d. Provide measures to protect trees that may be impacted during construction; e. Maintain and protect the public health, safety, and general welfare; and f. Preserve the aesthetic, ecological, and economic benefits of forests and tree-covered areas in Sammamish, which include:

viii. Masking unwanted sound;

ix. Providing visual relief and screening buffers;

x. Providing recreational benefits;

xi. Enhancing the economic value of developments; and xii. Providing a valuable asset to the community as a whole.

B. Approval required

1. Approval Required. Except as provided in SDC 21.03.060E., Exemptions, any person who desires to cut down or remove any significant tree or who desires to conduct grading activities on a site that will result in the removal of any significant tree, must first obtain approval as required in this chapter. Approval may take the form of a tree removal permit or it may be included in conjunction with another land use approval such as a preliminary plat grading permit. 2. Forest Practices Permittees. Permittees under Class IV – General forest practice permits issued by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the conversion of forested lots to developed lots are also required to obtain approval under subsection 1. of this section. For all other forest practice permits (Class II, III,

i. Providing varied and rich habitats for wildlife;

ii. Absorbing greenhouse gas emissions;

iii. Moderating the effects of winds and temperatures;

iv. Stabilizing and enriching the soil;

Revisions | June 29, 2022 Effective | January 1, 2022

166 | Title 21: Sammamish Development Code

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