Shoreline council waives permit fees for high‑hazard tree removals, 6–0

Shoreline City Council on Monday approved Resolution 558, amending the city fee schedule so removal fees are waived for trees rated “high” or greater in a TRACK tree risk assessment by a qualified arborist. The 6–0 vote clears a short‑term path for owners who must remove dangerous large trees without paying the standard permit fee.

City planning staff presented the proposal, saying the waiver applies only when a professional arborist’s TRACK assessment shows a high or greater risk and that permitted removals remain necessary to allow the city to track tree loss and require replacement plantings. “That tree removal fee would be waived for those high hazard trees,” staff said in the presentation.

Public testimony split. Kathleen Russell, speaking for neighbors who follow the code changes, supported the resolution and asked that removal fees be eased for exempt trees as well. “I support resolution 5 5 8 to adjust the hazardous tree code,” she said. Patricia Weber urged caution, arguing a full waiver based on a single professional opinion could be abused and recommending a second opinion or a sliding‑scale fee instead.

Councilmembers discussed balancing tree canopy preservation and homeowner burdens. Several members noted that TRACK assessments require qualified arborists and that the city also uses third‑party review when necessary. After debate the council voted to adopt the staff recommendation 6–0.

The resolution does not alter the city’s longer process to update its tree code; staff said the interim change will operate while the comprehensive tree code update continues into 2026.