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

Gresham has a heritage tree program (Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance.). Medford 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, Gresham or Medford?

Gresham publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks; Medford publishes 4-6 weeks. Compare each city's published timeline and plan removal accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may shorten the wait in either city.

Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Gresham or Medford?

Gresham requires a replacement ratio of Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. Medford requires a replacement ratio of Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. Gresham: 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: Gresham vs Medford, Oregon

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

Side-by-side comparison

Field	Gresham	Medford
Protected tree definition	Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Tree preservation standards apply during land use review. Heritage trees designated separately.	Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater on development sites. Tree preservation required during development per land development code.
Heritage / landmark trees	Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance.	Not documented
Who can apply	Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report	Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report
Replacement ratio	Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation	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	4-6 weeks	4-6 weeks
Permit fee	Not documented	Not documented
Permitting department	Urban Design and Planning Department	Planning Department
Municipal code	View ordinance →	View ordinance →

How they differ

Which city has stricter heritage tree protections, Gresham or Medford?: Gresham has a heritage tree program (Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance.). Medford 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, Gresham or Medford?: Gresham publishes a typical processing time of 4-6 weeks; Medford publishes 4-6 weeks. Compare each city's published timeline and plan removal accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may shorten the wait in either city.
Where are tree replacement obligations heavier, Gresham or Medford?: Gresham requires a replacement ratio of Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. Medford requires a replacement ratio of Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. Gresham: 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.

Gresham next steps

Medford next steps

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