Edmonds council agrees to place interim landmark-tree ordinance on April 21 agenda after days of public comment

Councilmember Payne introduced a draft interim ordinance on April 8 that would pause removal of privately owned “landmark” trees for one year while the city completes code updates. The pause would apply to trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 30 inches or greater and would not change existing processes for hazard, nuisance or vested permits, Payne said.

The measure follows more than two hours of public comment highlighting the community response to the recent removal of a large redwood known as Big Red. Residents called for a temporary halt so the council and staff can refine the tree code, improve public notice and coordinate the work with the city’s urban forestry and climate goals.

“Allowing this year-long pause will help the planning and development department conduct the needed code reviews, community outreach and planning-board review,” Councilmember Payne said. Payne described the draft as a focused, temporary measure to preserve large trees while a permanent code is developed.

Speakers at the podium urged action. Nora Carlson of Westgate told the council that landmark trees and the city’s canopy…