City Tree Removal Notices

Effective December 4, 2020, the City Commission passed Resolution Number 20-33, which adopted a policy for additional permitting, notification and other requirements for removal of significant city trees. This policy applies for removal of trees on city-owned land or any tree removal by city staff. This policy applies in addition to existing tree removal permit requirements. The policy is triggered when trees over a certain diameter are proposed for removal.

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Oregon City recognizes the importance of preserving significant trees located on City property or within the public right-of-way. While the City has a lot of regulations in the Oregon City Municipal Code regarding tree removal, the City did not have an internal policy with the process for considering alternatives if significant trees should be removed. Also, the City did not have a process for public notification for the removal of large trees, or reuse of large timber.

See a copy of Resolution Number 20-33 (PDF).

This policy was developed through an extensive public process. In response to tree removal on City property, the City Manager directed staff to work together to draft code amendments and/or a policy including new procedures and policies to avoid inappropriate tree removal by City staff. The draft policy was developed with input from the Natural Resources Committee, the Planning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and the City Commission. Highlights of the policy include:

• Primarily using the heritage tree list as the basis for requiring additional review.
• Exempting trees in certain situations, even if they meet the heritage tree requirements.
• Requiring that proposed tree removal include an explanation as to why the tree is being removed as well as an analysis of the removal and alternatives to removal by an internal panel or an arborist. Arborist review is required for all trees over a certain size.
• Public notice for 14 days placed on the tree itself and via this website.
• Unresolved questions or concerns by the public will be elevated to the City Manager's office.
• City Commission will review trees 40 inches DBH or greater
• The wood of healthy trees 25 inches or greater will be reused if feasible
• An annual budget will be established to support the tree retention with use of alternatives to tree removal and putting the wood of a removed tree to use.
• No fee-in-lieu will be allowed for mitigation plantings associated with the removal of trees 50 inches DBH or greater

Permit Requirements for City Staff

For any tree removal performed by the City, the City Staff Application for Removal of Significant Public Trees (PDF) (Fillable Fields) is required.

In addition to the City Staff Application for Removal of Significant Public Trees, for tree removal on city-owned tax lots use the following process and forms:

• Type I Minor Site Plan Application
• Addendum 4a - Landscaping (PDF) or
• Addendum 4b - Tree Removal (PDF)

In addition to the City Staff Application for Removal of Significant Public Trees, for tree removal within city right-of-way use the following process and forms:

• Street Tree Removal Permit Application (PDF)

Further Information

For further information about Oregon City's tree removal and replacement requirements, and to find additional resources about urban forestry, please visit the following city webpages:

• How to Remove and Replace a Street Tree
• How to Know if You Need a Tree Removal Permit
• Trees in Oregon City