Clearing and Grading in Critical Areas Permit

For clearing and grading that includes the following work (GJ):

• Activities conducted within a critical area or critical area buffer. Activities may include but are not limited to hazardous tree removal, vegetation, management plan, habitat improvement plan, noxious species removal, vegetation pruning, and stream and shoreline stabilization measures.
• Removal of vegetation or landscape changes on property that contain RVAs or NGPAs that are not within a critical area or critical area buffer.

This permit may or may not include SEPA.

Apply for this permit online at MyBuildingPermit. When entering your Application Information, choose the following:

1. Application type: Clearing and Grading
2. Project type: Single Family Residential 
3. Activity type: Trees or Vegetation only
4. Scope of work: Vegetation Management

Required Documents

The documents listed below are the minimum necessary to proceed with the application process. If you believe that a required submittal document does not apply to your project, please upload the Document Waiver Form in place of the required document. 

• Boundary and Topographic Survey
• Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (CSWPPP)
  • for projects with less than 7,000 square feet of clearing and less than 100 yards of grading, a CSWPPP Short Form for Small Construction Projects may be submitted.
• Final Landscape Plan
• Geotechnical Report
• SEPA Environmental Checklist
• Site Plan
• Stream Typing Report
• Tree Hazard Declaration Form
• Wetland Report

Additional Documents

These items may be required during plan review, as determined by the scope of your project.

• Right of Way Use Permit
• CSWPPP Requirements

Fees and Timelines

• Clearing and Grading Permit Fees
• Permit Fee Estimator
• Permit Processing Timeline