Bill > HB2267

This bill aims to enhance urban forest management by requiring the Department of Commerce to develop a model urban forestry ordinance and provide guidance to local governments. This model ordinance will offer options for avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating the impact of tree removal during development, with specific considerations for residential projects of varying sizes. It will also include incentives for developers to retain trees, such as increased building density or reduced parking requirements, and provide frameworks for tree banks, which are designated areas for planting trees to compensate for removal elsewhere, prioritizing areas with environmental challenges. The bill also updates existing law (RCW 36.70A.190) to include the adoption of this model urban forestry ordinance as a measure that can be incorporated into climate change and resiliency plans, thereby promoting the protection and expansion of tree canopy within communities.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2267&Year=2025&Initiative=false