YardCareDirectory

Oregon Tree Removal Permit Requirements

PERMIT LIKELY REQUIRED

No statewide permit for private property, but Portland has an extensive tree code and smaller cities follow suit. Oregon values its urban canopy.

Issuing authority: City urban forestry (Portland Urban Forestry) or county planning
Permit Fee
$50–$400 depending on jurisdiction
Processing Time
10–30 business days
Protected Species
4
City Rules Listed
3
Protected Species in OR
Oregon White OakDouglas Fir (state tree)Western Red CedarBigleaf Maple
These species commonly trigger permit requirements or stricter review in Oregon jurisdictions. Check with your specific city — protections vary by municipality.
Common Exemptions
  • +Dead trees with arborist certification
  • +Imminent hazard trees
  • +Invasive species on approved list
  • +Trees under 4 inches DBH

Exemptions still often require documentation. Bring photos, contractor assessments, or an ISA-certified arborist report to support a hazard or disease claim.

Heritage Trees

Portland's heritage tree program protects 300+ trees by city council designation. Eugene and other cities have similar programs.

Penalties for Unpermitted Removal

Portland fines for unpermitted removal start at $500 and can reach $5,000 per tree. Mitigation replanting at 2:1 typically required.

Rules by City in Oregon

Portland

All trees over 12 inches DBH require permits. Heritage trees require Urban Forestry Director approval. Trees in environmental overlay zones face additional restrictions.

Fee: $171 base fee + $29 per additional treePortland has one of the most comprehensive urban tree codes in the US.
Eugene

Trees over 5 inches DBH in regulated zones require permits. Heritage trees require planning commission review.

Fee: $75–$200Eugene's urban growth boundary limits where canopy reduction is permitted.
Bend

Street trees require permits. Private property has more limited regulation.

Fee: $50 feeDeschutes County rules apply in unincorporated areas.
Tips for Oregon Homeowners
  1. Portland's tree permit process can take 4–8 weeks — plan ahead.
  2. Oregon white oaks are protected in most Willamette Valley cities regardless of DBH.
  3. Portland's environmental overlay zones (EO, EP, EC) add significant restrictions beyond standard tree code.
HOA Consideration: Portland urban neighborhoods often have active neighborhood coalitions that can contest tree removal permits. Community notice periods are part of the review process.
Find tree services in Oregon that handle permits
Licensed professionals know local rules and will pull permits for you.
Tree Services in Oregon