Before cutting down certain types of trees on your property, you need to get a permit or other approval. 

Significant Trees

Oregon White Oaks

Oregon White Oaks are significant trees if they are at least 20 inches in diameter when measured at breast height, which is 4.5 feet above the ground. These trees have rounded, finger-like lobes on their leaves, unlike the pointed lobes of Red Oaks.

Other Significant Trees

Any tree species that is at least 30 inches in diameter at breast height is also considered significant, except for the following: 

• Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
• Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
• Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa)
• Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Report Illegal Tree Removal

If you think someone is removing trees without permission, please contact Code Compliance. 

When You Can Remove a Protected Tree

You can only cut down a protected tree if you have one of the following: 

• A tree and vegetation removal permit
• A tree variance (call and talk to a Planner)
• The tree is scheduled for removal in a Tree Conservation Plan

Trees in a Riparian Corridor

What is a Riparian Corridor? 

Riparian areas are natural spaces along waterways, such as creeks, rivers, and streams. These areas usually include the land within 50 feet on each side of the waterway. Trees and native vegetation in riparian corridors are protected and require approval before removal. 

Approval for Removing Trees in Riparian Corridors

You cannot remove trees or native plants in a riparian corridor unless you have one of the following approvals:

• A tree and vegetation removal permit
• A tree variance (call and talk to a Planner)
• The tree is scheduled for removal in a Tree Conservation Plan

If you receive approval to remove a tree in a riparian corridor, you must leave the roots, trunks, and branches in place unless the City decides they are hazards or block the stream's flow. 

Trees on Large Lots

On lots larger than 20,000 square feet, you can cut down up to five trees or 15 percent of the trees on the property in a single calendar year, whichever is greater. However, you cannot remove heritage, significant, or riparian trees. Additionally, no more than 50 percent of the trees can be removed within five consecutive calendar years. 

Additional Approval Needed

If you want to remove more than the allowed amount, you must get one of the following: 

• A tree and vegetation removal permit
• A tree variance (call and talk to a Planner)

If you are developing your property, tree removal will be reviewed during your site plan review approval or through a Tree Conservation Plan as part of your residential development proposal. 

Heritage Trees

What Are Heritage Trees? 

Heritage Trees are designated by the City Council because of their size, age, location, or historical significance. To remove a heritage tree, you must do both of the following: 

• Have a certified arborist determine that the heritage tree is hazardous. 
• Have the City Planning Administrator verify the arborist’s determination.

If you want to remove the Heritage Tree designation, contact the Planning Division to learn how to do this. 

Trees in Tree Conservation Plans

A Tree Conservation Plan is needed when a developer wants to create lots for building homes and plans to remove trees. This plan shows which trees can be removed and which must stay. Trees protected by a Tree Conservation Plan must be preserved until a house is built and occupied. 

If you want to change your approved tree plan, call and talk to a Planner about applying for a Tree Conservation Plan Adjustment. 

Required Landscaping

All businesses, schools, and apartment complexes must have landscaping, including trees and shrubs. Both new and old developments must set aside some of their property for landscaping and trees. Additionally, property owners must maintain their landscaping, including trees, in good condition to keep a healthy and neat appearance. The Landscaping for Businesses page can help you learn about the requirements for maintaining, replacing, or removing landscaping. 

Exceptions

There are some exceptions to the permit requirements. Call and talk to a Planner to see if your tree removal qualifies for an exception.

If you want to remove a protected tree using a tree removal permit, check if you meet one of the following criteria [SRC 808.030(d)]: 

1. Hazardous Tree

A tree is considered hazardous if its location or condition poses a danger, and pruning or treatment will not fix the problem. Or a tree may also be diseased and could spread the illness to other trees, even with treatment. 

2. Repair or Replacement of Structures

You can remove a tree to repair, change, or replace a structure that has been in place since June 21, 2000. However, you must not enlarge the footprint of that structure or disturb more of the riparian corridor than necessary. 

3. Water-Dependent Activities

You may remove a tree to develop a water-dependent activity, as long as you do not disturb more of the riparian corridor than necessary. A water-dependent activity requires access to a waterway for purposes like transportation, recreation, energy producing, or as source of water. 

4. Restoration Activities

You can remove a tree or native plants as part of a project aimed at restoring and improving the habitat, hydrology, or water quality of the riparian corridor. 

5. Removal of Significant Trees for Development

You can remove a significant tree if it is necessary for the construction of a development that is not a single-family, two-family, three-family, four-family, or cottage cluster. This is allowed only if the development cannot meet the required standards without a variance or adjustment, and there are no reasonable design alternatives that would allow the tree to be preserved. For more information on this, please refer to SRC 808.030(d)(5). 

Write a statement that explains how your plan to remove trees meets the tree removal criteria. If you are dealing with a hazardous tree, include an ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form completed by an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) arborist.

Submit any photos or other information that can help your application. If you are removing trees as part of a restoration activity in a riparian corridor, you must also include additional items, such as a map showing the boundaries of the riparian corridor. You can find the complete list of requirements in SRC Chapter 808.

The Planning staff will review your tree removal permit application to check if you meet the criteria. You will receive the decision about your permit application by mail. Please note that you cannot appeal the decision.