City of Tumwater, WA
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Urban Forestry Code Update
Urban Forestry Code Update Project
Project Overview
The City of Tumwater adopted an Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) in 2018 and is now in the process of updating its urban forestry regulations and guidance to implement the UFMP to help protect, preserve, and grow Tumwater's urban forest.
Trees provide many benefits to Tumwater, including cleaner air and water, shade, wildlife habitat, reduced urban heat, improved stormwater management, and more attractive neighborhoods. This project will update Tumwater regulations and guidance to better protect existing trees, improve landscaping and street tree standards, and support a healthy, resilient urban forest for future generations.
The project includes updates to the following Tumwater Municipal Codes (TMC) and documents:
- Tree and Vegetation Preservation Code (TMC Chapter 16.08) – Updates regulations for protecting, retaining, and replacing trees on private property.
- Street Tree Code (TMC Chapter 12.24) – Updates regulations for planting, maintaining, and managing street trees within public rights-of-way.
- Landscaping Code (TMC Chapter 18.47) – Updates landscaping standards for new development, including tree planting requirements.
- Street Tree Plan – Updates Tumwater's guidance and best management practices for planning, planting, selecting, and maintaining street trees throughout the community.
Together, these updates implement Tumwater's Urban Forestry Management Plan by protecting existing trees, expanding the tree canopy, improving tree health, supporting climate resilience, and creating more attractive and livable neighborhoods.
How to participate
Public comments will help refine the proposed updates before they are considered by the Planning Commission and City Council in late 2026 and early 2027.
There are several ways to stay informed and participate in the project:
- Review project information and draft documents posted on this webpage.
- Attend public meetings to learn about the proposed updates and ask questions.
- Submit written comments during the public review period.
- Follow the city on Facebook, Instagram and Nextdoor for project updates and meeting announcements.
Upcoming Milestones and Public Meetings
| DATE | MILESTONE |
| July 28, 2026 |
Joint City Council, Planning Commission, and Tree Board bus tour to discuss trees and landscaping around Tumwater. Reservations are required. Contact Dana Bowers at dbowers@ci.tumwater.wa.us to reserve a seat. Thank you to those who attended the Urban Forestry Tour. If you were unable to attend, please see the Urban Forestry Tour handout with speaker notes. Please send comments and questions to Dana Bowers at cdd@ci.tumwater.wa.us so they can be included for consideration as a public record. |
| TBD | Release of the Public Review Draft of the proposed code updates and Street Tree Plan |
| TBD | Joint Planning Commission and Tree Board work session |
| TBD | Planning Commission work session |
| TBD | General Government Committee work session |
| TBD | Release of the final draft of the proposed code updates and Street Tree Plan |
| TBD | Planning Commission hearing to make a recommendation to City Council for adoption |
| TBD | General Government Committee work session |
| TBD | City Council consideration of adoption |
Meeting dates, agendas, project materials, and draft codes will be posted on the city's website as they become available.
Project Documents
Project documents will be added as they become available.
- Public Review Draft of the proposed code updates
- Public Review Draft of the Street Tree Plan
- Final Draft of the proposed code updates
- Final Draft of the Street Tree Plan
Questions and Comments
If you have questions about the project or would like to submit comments, please contact Dana Bowers, Tumwater Community Development Department.
Email: dbowers@ci.tumwater.wa.us
Phone: 360-754-4180