City Council Approves Updates Modernizing Tacomas Code Regarding Street Trees After Nearly 100 Years

The Tacoma City Council has approved substantial updates to the city’s street tree code, modernizing regulations that have remained unchanged for nearly a century. This initiative is part of Tacoma's broader commitment to enhancing its urban forest, which plays a vital role in community health and environmental sustainability. Key updates include new permit requirements for the pruning, removal, and planting of street trees, as well as the establishment of a heritage tree program that recognizes significant trees. The revised regulations aim to improve air quality and mitigate the urban heat island effect, with a focus on benefiting historically underserved communities. Mayor Victoria Woodards highlighted the critical role of the urban forest in shaping Tacoma’s future and the importance of community engagement in these efforts.

Additionally, the updates are aligned with the City’s Climate Action Plan, which seeks to achieve 30% tree canopy coverage by 2030. Community outreach efforts are set to begin in early 2024 to ensure residents are informed about the new regulations. Overall, these updates represent a significant step forward in sustainable urban forestry management for Tacoma.