Did you know you need a permit to clear city-owned ROW? - LKW

This week we learned vegetation was removed from the public right-of-way on Westlake Avenue where the street ends at Lake Steilacoom.

The work that was done – removal of invasive species like blackberries – was unauthorized. This type of work requires city approval first. Specifically, removal of vegetation on the lake requires a shoreline exemption permit. Work within the city’s right-of-way also requires a right-of-way permit.

These permits are required to make sure any vegetation removed does not result in erosion issues on the shoreline or other environmental damage. The right-of-way permit covers concerns about liability and people doing work on city-owned property, among other requirements.

Last year we saw volunteers with good intentions cause damage to the lake access point off 100th Street on Lake Steilacoom. The removal of vegetation and subsequent work that was done resulted in the Department of Ecology visiting the site and requiring the city to repair the damage to protect the shoreline. This came at an additional cost to the city, and ultimately taxpayers, for the corrective action that was required.

While we appreciate the public’s enthusiasm to remove invasive species and try to open access to the lake using the city-owned street ends, people should not remove vegetation without city approval or necessary permits. If you see someone removing vegetation from a public street end, please report it to the city by calling the police non-emergency number: 253-287-4455.

We are in the process of creating a volunteer program to engage people interested in clearing these sites and helping maintain them. The goal of the program is to make it easier for volunteers to clear street ends in accordance with environmental regulations.

Specific to Westlake Avenue, we are actively designing a public access point to the lake at this location. We are working with the neighborhood to gather feedback and develop the site in a way that is appropriate for the area. Construction is expected to begin in 2026…