Planners weigh data, equity and feasibility of Lakewood's 40% tree canopy goal

Planning staff presented multi-year tree canopy assessments and related policy work at the Lakewood Planning Commission meeting on March 4, 2026, and commissioners engaged in extended questioning about the feasibility of the city's 40% canopy goal by 2050.

Staff (identified in the transcript as Miss Spear) summarized the background: the city adopted new tree protections in 2022 and City Council adopted a 40% citywide canopy goal in ordinance 775 after the commission had recommended 30%. A 2022 lidar-based canopy assessment showed roughly 26% coverage; a more refined 2024 assessment that included field surveys, FLAT electronic analysis, and LiDAR produced an updated figure of about 24.4% canopy cover and identified approximately 31% of city land as "plantable." Staff and consultants estimated roughly 60,000 additional trees could be needed to raise canopy equity scores for low-canopy census blocks.

Staff said the 2022 advisory committee prioritized planting in locations that combine low canopy, high surface temperatures and the opportunity to plant on parcels (for example, parts of Woodbrook, Springbrook, areas around Pierce College and some open-space parklands). Staff noted constraints: a large share of existing canopy sits on private property (about 72% of canopy in 2022), portions of prioritized acreage are outside city ownership (state, county, private), and some parkland is used for recreation and cannot be converted to continuous tree canopy.

Commissioners pressed staff on multiple implementation issues. One commissioner proposed incentivizing builders to build upward (two to four stories) to conserve land and retain trees; staff said incentives already under consideration include additional height, reduced parking, reduced fees, and fee-in-lieu payments that fund city plantings. A commissioner asked whether Meadow Park Golf Course and Camp Murray (shown on some maps) were included; staff explained LiDAR and LAR methods use census-tract data and maps can show adjacent areas but city totals exclude lands outside city boundaries.

On the question of how many trees have been planted so far, staff said they could not confirm a count and doubted the city has planted the several thousand trees mailed in one commissioner's back-of-the-envelope estimate. Staff acknowledged better tracking is necessary and said tracking of permits issued and fee-in-lieu payments would be part of the urban forestry program. Regarding species and resilience, staff said state law requires a native and climate-resilient species list for city projects and public guidance; the city is working with Pierce Conservation District, Tacoma Tree Foundation and Tacoma Bird Alliance on outreach materials and species guidance.

Commissioners also raised equity and water-supply concerns: staff noted hotter surface temperatures and lower canopy generally coincided with lower-income neighborhoods and higher shares of people of color. On irrigation, staff said the city would need to coordinate with the Lakewood Water District for long-term water planning and that there is not yet a finalized approach.

Staff outlined next steps: the City Council will soon consider whether to create a Natural Environment and Climate Change advisory board (a council discussion is scheduled for the next Monday); the commission will receive further direction and additional materials at upcoming meetings, including an ADA transition plan and shoreline master program amendments. Staff said the development of an urban forestry program will include tracking mechanisms, outreach campaigns (tree sales and giveaways) and potential reconsideration of parcel-size exemptions.

The commission did not take formal action on the canopy goal itself; the discussion focused on data, program design choices and coordination needs across city departments, utilities and partner organizations.