Tree removal permit rules: Corvallis vs Gresham, Oregon
A side-by-side comparison drawn from each city's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying full ordinance text, see the Corvallis ordinance page or the Gresham ordinance page.
Side-by-side comparison
| Field | Corvallis | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Protected tree definition | Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection. Native Oregon white oak and other native species of particular concern. | 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 | Heritage Tree Program designates trees for exceptional size, species, or historical significance. | 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, Corvallis or Gresham?
- Both Corvallis and Gresham maintain heritage / landmark tree designations. Corvallis: Heritage Tree Program designates trees for exceptional size, species, or historical significance. Gresham: Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance.
- Where is a tree removal permit processed faster, Corvallis or Gresham?
- Gresham publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks. Corvallis does not publish a typical processing time, so confirm the current turnaround directly with Corvallis's permitting department.
- Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Corvallis or Gresham?
- Gresham requires a replacement ratio of Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. Corvallis does not document a fixed replacement ratio in its ordinance, so replacement obligations are typically heavier in Gresham.
Corvallis next steps
Gresham next steps
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