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

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

Expected processing time: 4-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  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 on development sites. Tree preservation standards apply during land use review. Heritage trees designated separately. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage trees designated for exceptional size, species, age, or historical significance.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Gresham: 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, retention plan, mitigation calculation. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Urban Design and Planning Department. Typical processing time: 4-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://greshamoregon.gov/planning/.

    View the full Gresham ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation. On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible.

Where to file

Urban Design and Planning Department

(503) 618-2260

Other Oregon permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Gresham permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment