Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Bend or Gresham?

Gresham has a heritage tree program (Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance.). Bend does not document a heritage / landmark designation in its ordinance, so heritage protections are stricter in Gresham.

Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Bend or Gresham?

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

Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Bend or Gresham?

Gresham requires a replacement ratio of Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. Bend does not document a fixed replacement ratio in its ordinance, so replacement obligations are typically heavier in Gresham.

Tree removal permit rules: Bend vs Gresham, Oregon

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

Side-by-side comparison

Field	Bend	Gresham
Protected tree definition	Protected tree: 8 inches DBH or greater for most species; juniper and native species have separate criteria. Tree retention required during development.	Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Tree preservation standards apply during land use review. Heritage trees designated separately.
Heritage / landmark trees	Not documented	Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance.
Who can apply	Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report	Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report
Replacement ratio	Not documented	Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation
Replacement details	Not documented	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	Urban Design and Planning Department
Municipal code	View ordinance →	View ordinance →

How they differ

Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Bend or Gresham?: Gresham has a heritage tree program (Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance.). Bend does not document a heritage / landmark designation in its ordinance, so heritage protections are stricter in Gresham.
Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Bend or Gresham?: Gresham publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks. Bend does not publish a typical processing time, so confirm the current turnaround directly with Bend's permitting department.
Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Bend or Gresham?: Gresham requires a replacement ratio of Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. Bend does not document a fixed replacement ratio in its ordinance, so replacement obligations are typically heavier in Gresham.

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Gresham next steps

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