Oregon Tree Ordinances
Tree removal permits, protected species, and statute citations for 28 Oregon cities.
Oregon tree regulation in plain terms
Oregon doesn't have a statewide tree removal permit, but SB 100 (1973) locked cities into comprehensive land use planning that includes Urban Forestry codes. Portland's Title 11 is the most restrictive, protecting trees 6" DBH and up in most zones. Other Portland metro cities (Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Tigard) mirror Portland's framework.
Rural Oregon is different. Outside Urban Growth Boundaries, tree removal falls under the Oregon Forest Practices Act (ORS 527) rather than city ordinances. If you own a forested lot outside city limits, you're talking to ODF, not the city planning office.
Cities with published ordinances (28)
Albany
Linn County
Ashland
Jackson County
Beaverton
Washington County
Bend
Deschutes County
Corvallis
Benton County
Eugene
Lane County
Forest Grove
Washington County
Grants Pass
Josephine County
Gresham
Multnomah County
Happy Valley
Clackamas County
Hillsboro
Washington County
Keizer
Marion County
Klamath Falls
Klamath County
Lake Oswego
Clackamas County
McMinnville
Yamhill County
Medford
Jackson County
Milwaukie
Clackamas County
Newberg
Yamhill County
Oregon City
Clackamas County
Portland
Multnomah County
Redmond
Deschutes County
Roseburg
Douglas County
Salem
Marion County
Springfield
Lane County
Tigard
Washington County
Tualatin
Washington County
West Linn
Clackamas County
Wilsonville
Clackamas County
Oregon statutes and primary sources
Frequent questions about Oregon tree rules
Does Oregon have a statewide tree removal permit?
No. Urban tree removal is regulated by city ordinances enabled by SB 100. Rural tree removal on commercial forestland is regulated by the Oregon Forest Practices Act (ORS 527).
What size tree requires a permit in Portland?
Portland Title 11 protects trees 6" DBH and larger in most zones, with a lower threshold for heritage-designated trees. Development sites trigger a Tree Preservation Plan regardless of individual tree size.
What is a heritage tree in Oregon?
Portland, Salem, and Eugene all maintain Heritage Tree programs. A heritage tree is nominated and approved by the city's Urban Forestry commission — once listed, removal requires a separate hearing beyond the standard permit process.
Does Oregon's Forest Practices Act apply in cities?
No. ORS 527 applies to commercial forestland outside Urban Growth Boundaries. Inside city limits, tree removal follows the city's tree code.
Do I need an ISA Certified Arborist for an Oregon tree report?
Portland and most Portland-metro cities require ISA Certified Arborist or Consulting Arborist credentials for removal permits involving protected or heritage trees.
Need a tree report for a Oregon city?
Start your free TRAQ assessment — we guide you through the specific permit your city needs.