During development of proposed amendments to the City’s urban forestry related municipal codes, the project team identified potential issues related to the Washington Wildland-Urban Interface Code (WWUIC, Chapter 51-55 WAC) that was recently adopted by the State Building Code Council.  After conversations with the Mayor and members of the City Council, City staff are placing work on our three urban forestry regulatory amendments on a temporary hold as we develop a comprehensive strategy to respond to the WWUIC vegetation management requirements and defensible space which will likely impact certain aspects of the amendments to TMC 16.08, TMC 12.24, TMC 18.47 and the Street Tree Plan.  For an introduction to the Wildland-Urban Interface, go to the WA Department of Natural Resources Story Map.

Protection of Trees and Vegetation

Two young boys in warm clothes are sitting at the base of a large tree. It is autumn and there are brown leaves on the ground.

Where We Start

Any effort to update municipal code starts with the current ordinance. You can familiarize yourself with Tumwater’s current code by reviewing the chapter at the link below:

Chapter 16.08 Protection of Trees and Vegetation

Public Engagement

The City of Tumwater hosted a series of three community engagement meetings online. If you were unable to attend, please check out the presentation and meeting video links below and feel free to share your feedback through the Public Comment Portal.

Public Engagement Plan

Summary of Public Comments

November 21, 2022: Stakeholder Meeting No. 1 - TMC 16.08

December 9, 2022: Stakeholder Meeting No. 2 - TMC 16.08

January 9, 2023: Stakeholder Meeting #3 – TMC 16.08

Ordinance Development


Image Credits (from top to bottom):
Street trees (banner image) by Facet
Children leaning against a tree by Marcus Wallis