Tree removal in Highland: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Highland Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Highland's code says

Highland code What Highland's code adds
Exemptions	Exempt: trees that the city engineer believes will damage existing public improvements. Applies: As determined by the city engineer. § 16.64.040 · code text Trees which, in the opinion of the city engineer, will cause damage to existing public improvements. Exempt: trees needing maintenance or removal to protect existing power or communication lines or utility property. Applies: As determined by the city engineer. § 16.64.040 · code text Trees which require maintenance or removal action for the protection of existing electrical power or communication lines or other property of a public utility as determined by the city engineer. Exempt: removal under a fire hazard reduction program approved by the fire department. § 16.64.040 · code text Removal of trees as part of a fire hazard reduction program approved by the fire department. Exempt: removing trees on lots of 20,000 square feet net or less that have a primary structure. Applies: The primary structure may not be a sign structure. § 16.64.040 · code text Removal of trees on lots that have a net area of 20,000 square feet or less, which are developed with a primary structure, other than a sign structure. The permit requirement may be waived. Applies: Applies when the community development director finds a tree dangerous enough to need emergency action for public safety. § 16.64.040 · code text In the case of trees determined by the community development director, or designee, to be in a dangerous condition requiring emergency action to protect the public health, safety and welfare, the permit requirement may be waived. Emergency removal is allowed; notify the community development director within 5 calendar days. Applies: Applies when a tree is an immediate threat of damage to a structure or injury to people or fenced animals. § 16.64.040 · code text The community development director or his designee shall be notified within five calendar days of the emergency tree removal.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit is required first. Applies: Applies to removing, relocating, or destroying any heritage tree in the city, including by building permit applicants. § 16.64.040 · code text No person, firm, or corporation shall remove, relocate or destroy any heritage tree within the city limits, including an applicant for a building permit, without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the community development director. Yes; both a landmark alteration permit and a tree removal permit are required. Applies: Applies to a tree designated as a historic landmark. § 16.64.040 · code text No tree designated as an historic landmark shall be altered, removed, relocated or destroyed by any person, firm or corporation without first obtaining a landmark alteration permit and tree removal permit.
Replacement trees	Reasonably equivalent replacement trees may be required. Applies: Applies to approved removals on private property not tied to a development proposal. § 16.64.040 · code text Subsequent to investigation, the community development director may approve the permit for the removal of all or some of the trees included in the application, and may attach conditions of compliance as deemed necessary, including but not limited to the replacement of the removed tree(s) with reasonably equivalent replacement trees.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Highland?

Highland's code: Yes, a tree removal permit is required first. (Applies to removing, relocating, or destroying any heritage tree in the city, including by building permit applicants.) (§ 16.64.040); Reasonably equivalent replacement trees may be required. (Applies to approved removals on private property not tied to a development proposal.) (§ 16.64.040).

Tree removal in Highland

What Highland's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Highland property

More on building on your lot in Highland