Tree canopy and code enforcement draw public concern; staff explains tree removal and mitigation rules

Lakewood, Washington — Residents at Monday’s study session urged clearer city action after reports of mature trees removed from privately owned lots without apparent on‑site replacement.

Councilmembers relayed constituent concerns about recent clear‑cutting and asked staff whether the city’s tree code and implementation actually protect the municipal canopy goal of 40 percent.

Planning and development staff described the removal permit and mitigation process. Scott Remack (city planning staff) said tree removal applications require an arborist report that documents tree health, hazard risk and whether trees can be retained during construction. If removal is allowed, mitigation can include on‑site replacement or payment in lieu to an urban tree fund the city is standing up; the city will use those funds for tree planting elsewhere. Remack said the code also includes enforcement penalties for malicious tree removal.

“We’re very cautious when we look at that,” Remack said, explaining that oak species and hazardous trees receive special assessment and that malicious cutting can carry penalties up to three times the mitigation amount per code.

Residents and some council members said they were still seeing clear cuts and asked staff to verify whether permits had been issued and whether mitigation plans had been followed. Staff said they would research specific complaints and return with documentation.

The planning commission will continue urban forestry work in the coming year, including additional data review and a possible re‑assessment of the city’s 40% canopy goal and which lands were included in canopy calculations.

No formal action was taken. Council asked staff to follow up on specific tree‑removal complaints and to provide clearer public information on mitigation and the urban tree fund.