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

Neither Bend nor Medford documents a heritage / landmark tree program in its ordinance — protected status follows each city's standard DBH and species criteria.

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

Medford 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 Medford?

Medford 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 Medford.

Tree removal permit rules: Bend vs Medford, 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 Medford ordinance page.

Side-by-side comparison

Field	Bend	Medford
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 required during development per land development code.
Heritage / landmark trees	Not documented	Not documented
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	Planning Department
Municipal code	View ordinance →	View ordinance →

How they differ

Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Bend or Medford?: Neither Bend nor Medford documents a heritage / landmark tree program in its ordinance — protected status follows each city's standard DBH and species criteria.
Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Bend or Medford?: Medford 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 Medford?: Medford 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 Medford.

Bend next steps

Medford next steps

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