H-3292.1
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2267
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By House Local Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Duerr, Berry, Ramel, Parshley, and Zahn)
READ FIRST TIME 02/03/26.
AN ACT Relating to urban forest management ordinances; amending RCW 36.70A.190 ; adding a new section to chapter 43.31 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that tree canopy and green space are necessary for the health and wellness of Washingtonians, and that the presence of sufficient tree canopy provides numerous benefits, including mitigating the urban heat island effect, improving air and water quality, and assisting in stormwater management. The legislature finds that it is important to retain these functions in our communities. To improve the quality of tree canopy and green space in the state, the legislature previously adopted chapter 76.15 RCW to encourage planning for, planting, maintaining, and managing trees in the state's cities, counties, and tribal lands.
It is the intent of the legislature to expand on these efforts and to provide a framework for local governments to regulate and protect local tree canopy while, at the same time, allowing for sufficient development opportunities to satisfy housing needs. The legislature intends to encourage and assist local governments in the development and use of regulations to avoid and minimize impacts to tree canopy, and to provide adequate remediation measures if impacts are unavoidable.