Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Beaverton or Medford?

Beaverton has a heritage tree program (Heritage Tree designation for exceptional size, species, or community significance.). Medford does not document a heritage / landmark designation in its ordinance, so heritage protections are stricter in Beaverton.

Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Beaverton or Medford?

Medford publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks. Beaverton does not publish a typical processing time, so confirm the current turnaround directly with Beaverton's permitting department.

Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Beaverton or Medford?

Beaverton requires a replacement ratio of Based on retention percentage and mitigation standards. Medford requires a replacement ratio of Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. Beaverton: On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. Medford: On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible.

Tree removal permit rules: Beaverton vs Medford, Oregon

A side-by-side comparison drawn from each city's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying full ordinance text, see the Beaverton ordinance page or the Medford ordinance page.

Side-by-side comparison

Field	Beaverton	Medford
Protected tree definition	Significant tree: 10 inches DBH or greater. Heritage trees designated separately. Tree preservation required during development.	Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Tree preservation required during development per land development code.
Heritage / landmark trees	Heritage Tree designation for exceptional size, species, or community significance.	Not documented
Who can apply	Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report	Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report
Replacement ratio	Based on retention percentage and mitigation standards	Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation
Replacement details	On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible.	On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible.
Typical processing time	Not documented	4-6 weeks
Permit fee	Not documented	Not documented
Permitting department	Community Development Department	Planning Department
Municipal code	View ordinance →	View ordinance →

How they differ

Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Beaverton or Medford?: Beaverton has a heritage tree program (Heritage Tree designation for exceptional size, species, or community significance.). Medford does not document a heritage / landmark designation in its ordinance, so heritage protections are stricter in Beaverton.
Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Beaverton or Medford?: Medford publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks. Beaverton does not publish a typical processing time, so confirm the current turnaround directly with Beaverton's permitting department.
Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Beaverton or Medford?: Beaverton requires a replacement ratio of Based on retention percentage and mitigation standards. Medford requires a replacement ratio of Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. Beaverton: On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. Medford: On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible.

Beaverton next steps

Medford next steps

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