How to apply for a tree removal permit in Ashland, Oregon

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Ashland's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 6" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Significant tree: 6 inches DBH or greater. Heritage trees designated separately. Tree Preservation and Protection chapter governs removal citywide. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage Tree designation by Tree Commission for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Ashland: Property owner or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree inventory with DBH, species, condition, justification for removal, mitigation plan; Tree Commission review applies to heritage trees under Ashland Municipal Code Chapter 18.5.7. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Community Development Department / Tree Commission. Reference the full ordinance at https://ashland.municipal.codes/LandUse/18.5.7.

    View the full Ashland ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 to 2:1 mitigation based on tree category. On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible.

Where to file

Community Development Department / Tree Commission

(541) 488-5305

Other Oregon permit walkthroughs

See Oregon replacement obligations compared — how Ashland's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See Oregon heritage criteria compared — how Ashland's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Ashland permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Ashland's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment