Committee splits over tree protections; some incentives advance, other proposals fail

The Seattle City Council’s Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan spent much of Sept. 18 debating how the city should balance tree preservation with added housing capacity. Committee members considered a package of amendments affecting tree protection areas, minimum tree plantings, incentives for retention, and rules for historic‑district cladding and other items. The committee adopted several incentives and minimums but rejected other proposals, and members agreed to continue deliberations at a follow‑up meeting.

What the committee adopted and rejected

- Amendment 102 (sponsor: Council member Rivera) revised the definition of the “tree protection area,” allowed certain modifications based on species/health, and removed the earlier “basic tree protection area” construct; it passed on a 4–3 roll call. The change makes it more likely developers and property owners will engage an arborist early to calibrate exactly how much area a given tree needs, staff said.

- Amendment 100 (sponsor: Council member Strauss) established a…