Auburn officials encourage residents to check before cutting trees or clearing vegetation

In response to the recent storm event along with incidents over the last few months of tree cutting, tree topping and hillside clearing, the City of Auburn strongly encourages citizens to check with the City first before doing any work to make sure they are aware of potential requirements or approvals that may needed before work begins.

February 8, 2012 4:33 pm

In response to the recent storm event along with incidents over the last few months of tree cutting, tree topping and hillside clearing, the City of Auburn strongly encourages citizens to check with the City first before doing any work to make sure they are aware of potential requirements or approvals that may needed before work begins.

Citizens also are asked to not attempt tree cutting or topping or hillside clearing on property not owned by them.

Citizens can get more information by calling the City of Auburn Planning and Development Department at 253-931-3090 or emailing permitcenter@auburnwa.gov.

City regulations generally allow property owners to remove up to six trees in a 12-month period without obtaining a City permit, however there are exceptions to this allowance requiring prior City approval including:

• Removal of trees on property that is has environmentally sensitive areas such as a wetland or stream.

• Removal of trees or clearing of vegetation on property with hillsides that have moderate to steep slopes.

• Topping of trees on property in or near a wetland or stream, or on a hillside.

Topping of trees if done excessively or not correctly can impact the long-term health of trees. Trees that are on hillsides that are improperly topped may ultimately die and make soil unstable and could ultimately contribute to a landslide or other major erosion problem.

In some instances, the City can authorize the removal of trees and other vegetation in sensitive areas or on hillsides if it determines that there is immediate danger to life or property. Even then, it’s important that to ensure that the work is done correctly. City staff are available to work with property owners to help ensure that tree and vegetation work doesn’t create additional environmental problems or unsafe conditions.

Throughout the City there are publicly and privately owned greenbelts, stands of trees and heavily vegetated hillsides. Property owners are the only ones that should be conducting work on these properties and only after speaking with the City. Persons who are not the owners who may want to improve their views by cutting trees or removing vegetation on these properties are reminded that doing so is trespassing and can result in legal action by the owners.

Questions?

For more information on the City of Auburn’s requirements, please contact Chris Andersen, Environmental Protection Manager, City of Auburn Planning and Development Department, at 253-876-1962 or candersen@auburnwa.gov.