Permit acquisition is not included in the TreeMedics service, and must be requested.
We will assume that you've done the research yourself and obtained the proper permits if you don't request our permit acquisition services. You can always ask an expert at TreeMedics if you're not sure, and we'll help you figure it out.
Call TreeMedics today to receive a free estimate from one of our qualified arborists.
TREE PERMIT ASSISTANCE
A permit is likely required if you plan to prune, remove or plant trees, no matter where they're located - in your parking lot, on the side of your house, at the back of your acreage. In the Portland metro area, securing a tree permit can be a confusing and frustrating process.
At TreeMedics, we have been dealing with tree permit processes for years, which means we are quite familiar with all their intricacies.
TreeMedics offers the best tree permit assistance service.
We're looking forward to working with you!
FAQs about Tree Permits
When is a tree permit required? When trimming or removing trees on a commercial property or on the street, you need a permit. Depending on where you live, your city may require you to obtain a permit to prune trees in your yard. With TreeMedics, you will be informed if you need a permit as part of our tree service process.
We can also assist you in obtaining a permit, replanting, or preparing a mitigation plan.
What happens if I do not obtain a permit? In Portland, you could be fined up to $1,000 per tree or $100 per inch in diameter even if the arborist never told you to get a permit.
THE Portland AREA is known for its beautiful trees
One of the most popular and admired things about the Portland metro area is its green canopy. The National Arbor Day Foundation has honored Portland as a "Tree City USA" 41 times, and American Forests recently named Portland one of the Top 10 cities for urban trees.
Communities must meet four standards to be designated a “Tree City” by the Arbor Day Foundation:
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There must be a tree board or department.
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The city must establish a tree care ordinance.
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An annual budget of at least $2 per capita must be allocated to its forestry program.
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Arbor Day must be observed and proclaimed annually.
In order to maintain environmental, ecological, safety, and aesthetic standards, cities require homeowners to get tree permits. Despite its inconvenience, the permitting process contributes to keeping the region green and reduces the urban heat island effect.
Portland, Oregon Tree Permits
TreeMedics can help you obtain your Portland tree permits. We are experienced in obtaining permits for tree work, which must be perfectly executed.
A failure to comply with the city's tree permitting process can result in steep fines - sometimes as high as $1,000 - and a denial of the permit often means you'll have to wait a year before applying again.
Depending on the city and the department that manages the permit you need, enforcing these rules varies quite a bit. Still, it's better to be safe than sorry. It's not always easy to determine which department to call. As an example, in Portland, six different agencies handle different types of tree removal permits. Lastly, homeowners are not always aware of changes to the city's tree code.
As a general rule, the process for obtaining a tree permit is determined by factors such as where you live; your zoning code; what kind, size, and location of trees you have; and even whether or not you live on a corner lot.
Beaverton
Does the City require a permit for a homeowner or business to remove a tree? Yes. The City requires the owner of the property to obtain a permit using the Tree Plan Application (pdf) prior to removing any tree located within the rights of way. The information shown is based on information obtained from the City of Beaverton website and only applies to trees within the city limits. Please contact the city for specifics regarding permits and fees.
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Permits are required prior to removing any tree located within the rights of way.
Canby
The information shown is based on information obtained from the City of Canby website and only applies to trees within the city limits. Please contact the city for specifics regarding permits and fees.
Happy Valley
Type A Permit: This permit is required for tree removal within a residential zone that is occupied by a single-family dwelling, where a maximum of three trees is being identified for removal. Information shown is based on data provided by the City website and only applies to trees within the City limits. A tree is considered to be 6” DBH (Diameter Breast Height….4.5ft up from the ground.) Please contact the city for specifics.
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Single Family Residences: $50 Fee for up to 3 trees removed per calendar year. Type A
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Commercial or Unimproved areas: $75 Fee for up to 3 trees per calendar year. Type B
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Tree Replacement Requirement: Any person granted a Type B tree permit shall replace each removed tree with at least one replacement tree on the same property, or an approved alternate public property in the City, or shall make financial contribution to the City’s “Tree Bank” equal to $250.00 per tree.
Lake Oswego
A permit is required to remove a tree 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) or greater.
Information shown is based on data provided by the City website and only applies to trees within the City limits. Permits available at the Planning Department, 3rd floor of City Hall. Please contact the city for specifics.
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Type 1 Permit required for trees measuring 5” to 10” DBH. Up to two per year allowed.
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Type 2 Permit required for trees measuring over 10” DBH. Permit include a 14 day public comment period.
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Type 2 Permits $ 107 + $ 10 for each additional tree
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Over‐the‐Counter Permits – Type 1 $ 20
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Over‐the‐Counter Permits – Dead $ 20
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Over‐the‐Counter Permits – Hazard $ 20
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Invasive and/or Emergency tree removal permits –No Fee
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Dead Tree permits can generally be issued over the counter. Bring photos.
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Hazard Tree Permits required Certified Arborist to complete a Hazard Tree Evaluation form.
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Invasive Tree Removal Permits. No cost. See Invasive Tree List on City Website.
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Emergency Tree Removal Permits. Assumes the tree could fail before the normal permit process could be completed. Take photos for a record.
Newberg
Street trees are regulated in the city of Newberg. Trees on private property are not and do not require a permit for removal, with the exception of trees that are within stream corridor overlay zones. The information shown is based on information obtained from the City of Newberg website and only applies to trees within the city limits. Please contact the city for specifics regarding permits and fees.
Oregon City
Public / Street Tree Permits are free. Oregon City Municipal Code Chapter 12.08 requires owners to care for public / street trees in the planter strip abutting their property. Information shown is based on data provided by the City website and only applies to trees within the City limits. Please contact the city for specifics.
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Generally, no permit is needed for tree removal on Single Family private property residences (restrictions apply).
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Street trees always require a permit and a public tree removal application is required. These permits are typically approved administratively.
Portland
While tree pruning might be necessary in the Portland area and many nearby cities, obtaining a permit from the city is usually required before any pruning can be undertaken. It is possible to face hefty fines if you fail to obtain the proper permits, as well as liability for the cost of replacing the tree. Information shown is based on data provided by the City website and only applies to trees within the City limits. Please contact the city for specifics.
Sherwood
Trees on individual single family lots do not require a permit, unless they are a street tree. A tree removal permit is required for street trees. Though the City of Sherwood does not encourage removal of trees, sometimes it is necessary. This is especially true when trees are considered hazardous or in poor condition. Information shown is based on data provided by the City website and only applies to trees within the City limits. Please contact the city for specifics.
Tigard
Trees on individual single family lots do not require a permit, unless they are a street tree, heritage tree, a tree planted using the Urban Forestry Fund or are native and located within sensitive lands (steep slopes, 100-year floodplain, stream corridors, significant habitat areas or wetlands). Information shown is based on data provided by the City website and only applies to trees within the City limits. Please contact the city for specifics.
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Six types of trees that require a permit for removal: street tree, median tree, sensitive lands tree, urban forestry fund tree, heritage tree, and development-required tree.
Tualatin
Removal of up to 4 trees in a calendar year is allowed without a tree removal permit, except for: Trees approved as part of a site plan approval. Trees designated as a Heritage Tree. Information shown is based on data provided by the City website and only applies to trees within the City limits. Please contact the city for specifics.
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Removal of up to 4 trees in a calendar year is allowed without a tree removal permit, except for:
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Trees approved as part of a site plan approval.
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Trees designated as a Heritage Tree.
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Removal of 5 or more trees in a calendar year on sites without a site plan approval may be allowed with a tree removal permit.
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Fee Schedule here. Contact planning department for procedures. 503-691-3026
West Linn
The Tree Removal Permit is required for any tree defined as a "Tree" or "Street Tree" in City Ordinance. Information shown is based on data provided by the City website and only applies to trees within the City limits. Please contact the city for specifics.
Wilsonville
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree? Yes, any tree in the City, six inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH), measured at four and one-half feet above grade, requires a permit prior to cutting it down. Information shown is based on data provided by the City website and only applies to trees within the City limits. Please contact the city for specifics.
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No person shall remove any tree without first obtaining a Tree Removal Permit.
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Approvals to cut down street trees are given by the Planning Division through the tree permitting process.
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Any tree in the City that is six inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH), measured at four and one-half feet above grade, requires a permit prior to cutting it down.
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A Type A Tree Removal Permit ($22) allows a property owner to remove three trees per property, per calendar year, per permit.
Note: This information is not comprehensive. Please contact your local government agency for complete rules and regulations regarding tree care in your city or county.
