Portland Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Multnomah County, Oregon

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

6.0" DBH minimum for protection

Any tree 6 inches DBH or greater is regulated on most private property under Title 11. Street trees of any size require city approval. Heritage Trees designated by City Council receive enhanced protection regardless of size.

Protected Species

No blanket species protection; Heritage Trees individually designated for exceptional size species age or historical significance

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Heritage Tree designation by City Council for exceptional size, species, age, historical association, or community value. Removal requires Council approval.

Permit Requirements

Tree Removal Permit required for regulated trees on private property. Street Tree Permit required for work on trees in the right-of-way. Tree preservation plans required during development.

Who can apply: Property owner or authorized agent; ISA Certified Arborist report typically required

Required Report Sections

Tree inventory with DBH, species, condition, risk assessment, reason for removal, replanting plan

Replacement Requirements

1:1 to 3:1 depending on tree size and reason for removal; in-lieu fees to Tree Planting and Preservation Fund available

On-site replacement preferred; payment to Tree Planting and Preservation Fund if infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Permit fee
$96.00
Max fine/tree
$1,500.00

Permit fees vary by tree size and permit type. Significant fines for unauthorized removal of regulated or Heritage trees.

Processing Time

2-6 weeks

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist

Municipal Code

Portland City Code Title 11 (Trees)

View full ordinance

Contact

Bureau of Development Services / Urban Forestry

(503) 823-8733

trees@portlandoregon.gov

Nearby Cities in Multnomah County

Gresham

Other Oregon cities

Beaverton Bend Corvallis Gresham Lake Oswego Medford Oregon City Salem
See all Oregon cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Portland before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Portland →

See Oregon permit fees compared: How Portland's $96.00 fee ranks in Oregon →

See Oregon replacement obligations compared: How Portland's replacement ratio ranks in Oregon →

See Oregon heritage criteria compared: How Portland's heritage designation ranks in Oregon →

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