Edmonds City Council Regular Meeting: Tree Code, Traffic Safety, and Anniversary – August 11, 2026

The Edmonds City Council met on August 11, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting included presentations, public comments, approval of consent items, and two major council business items: the 2026 Tree Code Amendments (fifth reading) and a first reading of an ordinance to expand the automated traffic safety program to 24/7 school zone enforcement. No formal action was taken on either item; the tree code discussion was for information and direction, while a motion to place the traffic ordinance on the next consent agenda failed.

Presentations

• Resolution Recognizing the 136th Anniversary of Edmonds: The council unanimously adopted a resolution celebrating the city's founding on August 11, 1890. Members of the Edmonds Historical Society accepted the resolution, noting that 2026 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Historical Society.
• Resolution Commending Student Representative Vivian Liao: The council adopted a resolution commending Vivian Liao for her service as student representative during the 2025–2026 term. Liao thanked the council and stated the experience strengthened her passion for public service.
• Mayor’s Finance Update: The mayor reported that departments are building budgets and that sales tax revenue is $1.6 million ahead of forecast, even after a conservative upward revision of $500,000. A significant leap in June revenue is being analyzed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Georgina Armstrong (Edmonds): Urged the council to consider the impact of the new tree code on heat-vulnerable populations, citing that Edmonds’ 2022 canopy assessment shows single-family residential accounts for 58% of tree canopy while multifamily residential has only 5%. She noted that frontline communities along the Highway 99 corridor have low canopy and high heat, and argued for best practices such as tree equity scores to direct planting incentives.
• Kathleen Sears (Edmonds, representing Friends of Edmonds Trees): Supported the Planning Board’s recommended draft code, highlighting a citywide canopy goal of 35%, a tiered tree density credit system, fee-in-lieu of $1,600 per credit, fines at least double the fee to deter illegal removal, landmark trees defined at 24 inches, and a tree species list. She requested additional changes including applying TDC to multifamily and mixed-use zones.
• Deborah Ashland (Edmonds, representing Friends of Edmonds Trees): Supported the Planning Board’s TDC system but noted the staff alternative of 50 credits per acre is at the bottom of the range compared to other cities (e.g., Kirkland saw canopy reduction with 50 credits, while Bellevue increased with higher credits). She urged adding TDC requirements for zones other than low-density residential and a minimum retention requirement (e.g., one landmark or three significant trees per lot).
• Margie Field (Edmonds): Continued the previous speaker’s remarks, reiterating support for applying TDC to multifamily and mixed-use, minimum retention, removal of vague language, and climate-related recommendations.
• Roger Pence (Edmonds): Associated himself with tree advocates’ goals but expressed concern that the proposed code is overly complex—22 pages—and would require a lawyer or arborist for homeowners to understand. He recommended sending the draft back to the Planning Board for simplification.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, payroll and benefit checks, claim checks). Approved unanimously.

Council Business

• Confirmation of Becky Peterson as Liaison to South County Fire Authority: Council confirmed Becky Peterson as the non-voting liaison, following the resignation of Officer William Morris. Councilmembers thanked Morris and praised Peterson’s expertise. Unanimous approval.

• 2026 Tree Code Amendments, File #AMD2026-0001 (Fifth Reading): This was a discussion-only item. Planning Director Mike Clugson and Urban Forest Planner Deb Powers presented the draft code. Key points:

  • The draft addresses legal challenges, clarifies definitions (landmark tree at 24 inches DBH for all trees, plus species-specific thresholds), and reorganizes code.
  • Introduces a tiered Tree Density Credit (TDC) system for low-density residential: 110 credits/acre for 1 unit, 88 for 2-3 units, 66 for 4 units. Site improvements over 500 sq ft are now regulated.
  • Fee-in-lieu is $1,600 per credit. For an average 8,500 sq ft lot with no existing trees, the required TDC for 1 unit would be 21 credits, leading to a fee-in-lieu of $33,600. The presenters and council debated whether this effectively defaults to fees rather than retention.
  • For multifamily and commercial zones, no TDC is proposed; instead, existing landscaping requirements and “if feasible” language apply. Several councilmembers questioned this approach, urging retention requirements for all zones.
  • Planning Board Chair Lauren (attending) explained that the one-tree-per-year removal allowance (without permit) was chosen over a graduated lot-size approach to balance flexibility and oversight.
  • Councilmembers raised concerns about complexity, equity across lot sizes, view covenants, staff discretion, and balance between housing needs and tree canopy.
  • Councilmember Barnett suggested a simpler canopy-based approach rather than proxy math for homeowners. Staff indicated that regulating by canopy on a lot-by-lot basis is not currently feasible due to lack of aerial imagery.
  • Next steps: Council will provide specific feedback via email or one-on-one meetings; a revised draft will be brought back. No motion was made.

• Edmonds Automated Traffic Safety Program and Draft Ordinance (First Reading): Police Chief Dawkins, Transportation Engineer Bertrand, and Court Administrator Stephanie Lukash presented. Current program has five school zone cameras operating during drop-off and pickup times (45 minutes each). Proposed expansion to 24/7 operation with revised fine structure. Data from a two-week summer study showed:

  • Over 302,000 total vehicles passed the five cameras in two weeks.
  • Approximately 9% of vehicles exceeded 6 mph over the posted speed limit (25 or 30 mph).
  • Chase Lake Elementary had a 15.4% violation rate during school zones; 24-hour data showed 8% of all vehicles going 7+ mph over.
  • 76% of speeders were non-Edmonds residents.
  • Proposed fines: $145 for 1-10 mph over, $290 for 11+ mph over (consistent with state schedule, maximum $290). Council discussed tiered approaches (like Redmond’s) and equity concerns.
  • Court administrator noted current staffing may be adequate initially but warned of auditing burden from high citation volume.
  • Councilmember Nand opposed expansion as regressive and harmful to local businesses; Councilmember Eck, Olson, Chan, Barnett, and Payne supported expansion for safety. Council President Dutch and Olson preferred a second reading for further refinement.
  • Motion: Councilmember Payne moved to place the ordinance on the next consent agenda (August 18 special meeting). The motion failed 5-2 (majority opposed). Item will return for further discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Tree Code Amendments: No vote taken. Staff will incorporate council feedback (simplification, TDC for all zones, clearer feasibility language) and return with a revised draft.
• Automated Traffic Safety Ordinance: Motion to advance to consent agenda failed. The council is scheduled to revisit the item at the special meeting on August 18, 2026, for potential action.
• Liaison Appointment: Becky Peterson confirmed unanimously.
• Consent Agenda: Approved.
• Resolutions: Both anniversary and student representative resolutions adopted.
• Councilmember Nand: Shared personal health update—completed treatment for stage 1 breast cancer, expressing gratitude.