Do I Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Spokane? (2026 Rules by City)

Tree removal permit rules across the Spokane region are inconsistent, occasionally contradictory, and updated frequently. Here's the current 2026 breakdown so you don't end up with a stop-work order or a $1,000 fine.

City of Spokane

Private property residential tree removal generally does NOT require a permit. Exceptions:

• Trees in the public right-of-way (parking strip between sidewalk and street) — permit required from Urban Forestry
• Trees in designated critical areas (steep slopes, riparian buffers, wetlands) — Conservation District review required
• Heritage trees designated by the city — special review required
• Commercial properties — site plan amendments may be required

Right-of-way street tree permit: free, takes about 5–10 business days. Apply through Spokane Urban Forestry.

Spokane Valley

Similar to City of Spokane. Private residential tree removal generally allowed without permit. Right-of-way and critical area trees require permits. Spokane Valley does have specific landscaping replacement requirements for commercial site plan-required trees.

Liberty Lake

Stricter than most. Liberty Lake regulates trees in the public realm aggressively, and many residential subdivisions have HOA covenants requiring tree preservation. Always check your CC&Rs before removing any tree in Liberty Lake.

Cheney

Permits required for trees in city right-of-way and certain conservation areas. Eastern Washington University properties have separate rules. Private residential removal generally permitted without paperwork.

Unincorporated Spokane County

Most permissive. Private property tree removal generally requires no permit unless in a critical area (steep slopes, wetlands, shorelines). Critical area review can take 30–60 days.

Coeur d'Alene & Post Falls (ID)

Idaho regulates differently than Washington. Coeur d'Alene has shoreline protection requirements that affect lakefront tree removal. Post Falls is similar to unincorporated Spokane County — generally permissive on private property.

When You Definitely Need a Permit

• Tree is in the public right-of-way (parking strip)
• Tree is in a designated critical area
• Tree is on commercial property with a site plan
• Tree is subject to a deed restriction or HOA covenant
• Tree is part of a required landscape replacement plan
• Tree is a designated heritage or landmark tree

When You Definitely DON'T Need a Permit

• Hazardous tree on your own residential property (always document the hazard with photos)
• Dead tree on your own residential property (document the death)
• Storm-damaged tree creating an immediate hazard (document storm date and damage)
• Standard tree on private residential property in most Spokane jurisdictions (still verify your specific case)

Penalties for Removing Trees Without Required Permits

• City of Spokane: $250–$1,000+ fine, plus replacement requirement
• Spokane Valley: similar fine ranges, plus restoration requirement
• Critical area violations: substantially higher fines, restoration plan required
• HOA violations: per CC&Rs, often $500+ per tree plus replacement cost

How We Handle Permits

When you hire us for any removal in a permit-required area, we handle the entire permit research and application process at no extra charge. We've done hundreds of permits across all Spokane-area jurisdictions and know exactly what each office wants. Don't try to navigate this yourself for borderline cases — call (509) 204-4333 and we'll tell you in 5 minutes whether you need a permit.