City Tree Removal Notices

Notice of Public Hearing for Tree Removal Proposal: Library Park (606 John Adams St) Dead Elm Removal

Type I Minor Site Plan & Design Review file # SP-25-00056 for removal of a 43" DBH Elm tree declared dead according to a report from Lyle Feilmeier, Certified Arborist for Bartlett Tree Experts. Mitigation of dead trees is not required for this project according to OCMC 17.41.060. However, Oregon City Parks & Recreation staff are working on, but have not yet finalized, a mitigation plan to replace the tree. 

The tree removal project and proposed mitigation plan will be discussed at the Public Hearing before the City Commission scheduled for August 6, 2025 at 7pm at the Libke Public Safety Building located at 1234 Linn Ave.

Public Comment Period: 7/17/2025 to 8/6/2025

Please contact Thomas Kissinger in Parks & Recreation (tkissinger@orcity.org or 971-204-4712) for more information.

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Notice of Tree Removal Proposal: 1726 Washington St - End of the Trail Interpretive Center

Type I Minor Site Plan & Design Review file # SP-25-00047 for removal of a 24" DBH Alder that is in severe decline and is structurally compromised. The tree is located near a picnic shelter. Replanting of 3 mitigation trees in the same park is required. A Certified Arborist, Ryan Fay of Bartlett Tree Service, has recommended English Oaks and Black Tupelos as mitigation species.

Public Comment Period: 7/7/2025 to 7/22/2025

Please contact Chris Jacobi in Parks & Recreation (cjacobi@orcity.org or 971-204-4602) for more information.

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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 to the city staff removal of trees:

  • on city-owned or urban renewal commission-owned land
  • within the city right-of-way 

The policy applies in addition to existing tree removal permit requirements. 

Subscribe to Receive Tree Removal Notices

Oregon City recognizes the importance of preserving significant trees located on city property or within the public right-of-way. While the City has regulations in the Oregon City Municipal Code regarding tree removal, the City did not have an internal policy with the process for considering alternatives to tree removal. 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:

  • Tree species listed on the heritage tree list as the basis for requiring additional review.
  • Exempting trees in certain situations, even if they meet the heritage tree requirements, such as when the tree poses an imminent hazard.
    • "Imminent hazard tree" means a hazardous tree as defined in OCMC 12.32.020, all or more than thirty percent of which has already fallen or is estimated to fall within seventy-two hours into the public right-of-way or onto a target that cannot be protected, restricted, moved, or removed. (See also tree, hazard.) Determination of imminent hazard is made by the city of Oregon City Public Works or Emergency Personnel, a PGE forester, or a certified arborist.
  • 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 tree removal performed by the City

  • on city-owned or urban renewal commission-owned land
  • within the city right-of-way

City Staff shall submit an Application for Removal of Significant Public Trees (PDF) (Fillable Fields) along with other permits described below.

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:

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:

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:

Documents

  1. City Staff App for Removal of Significant Public Trees
  2. City Staff App for Removal of Significant Public Trees - Fillable
  3. Policy for Addl Permitting, Notification & Other Requirements for City Staff Removal of Trees
  4. Resolution 20-33 (Effective 12.4.2020)