Work to update Tumwater’s tree codes resumes this year 

Tumwater will resume work to update its various tree and vegetation codes in 2025 after experiencing delays to address state regulations. 

The city council adopted its 2025 long-range planning work program on Jan. 21, putting back the tree codes on the city’s agenda for this year.  

Some members of the council, such as Joan Cathey, were initially concerned upon hearing from staff in December 2024 that they were planning to delay the work on the tree codes again. 

The tree codes refer to TMC 16.08 (Protection of Trees and Vegetation), TMC 12.24 (Street Trees), and TMC 18.47 (Landscaping), which the city has been working to update since 2022. 

The work has been delayed to address how the state would implement the Washington State Wildland - Urban Interface Code. The city was particularly concerned about the new state code requiring structures to be at a certain distance from trees, which complicated how the city was developing its new tree retention program. 

The implementation of the new state code is still delayed, as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants an updated map that shows where the new rules would apply.  

In exchange for the work hours to be spent on updating the tree codes, city staff is delaying work for updating the multi-family tax exemption program until next year.  

The program grants multifamily housing developers exemption from property tax for either eight or 12 years.

Cathey has made several comments about the program in the past, questioning who it benefits, and whether the city could impose additional requirements before developers get the incentive. 

Council members and city staff were fine postponing updates for the program as they do not have to immediately renew the program, which expires at the end of 2026. 

The long range planning work program, which is adopted near the start of the year, lists what the city aims to work on in terms of code updates and amending the comprehensive plan.  

Other priorities for 2025 include the continued work for the city’s habitat conservation plan, updating the city’s urban growth area and creating a city food system plan. View the full work program at this link.