Do I Need a Tree Permit? — Intro
Do I Need a Tree Permit?
Source: Do I Need a Tree Permit? ↗
Update: Tree Permit Fee Changes Starting July 1, 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, most Urban Forestry tree permit fees will be eliminated or significantly reduced. Permits are still required, but in most cases, there will no longer be a cost to apply.
This change is made possible by funding from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund ↗ (PCEF) and is part of a larger effort to reduce barriers and support a healthy, accessible urban forest.
Permits with no fee beginning July 1:
- Tree Removal and Replanting
- Street Tree Pruning (with inspection)
- Tree Chemical Treatment
- Street Tree Attachment
- Ornamental Tree Lighting – Street Trees
- Administrative Reviews and Appeals
Permit with a reduced fee:
- Replanting Waiver – reduced from $100 to $50
These updates apply to applications received on or after July 1, 2025.
Is it a Street Tree or Private Tree?
Street trees and private trees are regulated with differing codes and standards.
Start by understanding the difference between these categories.
Street Trees
Trees planted in the street right-of-way are considered street trees.
A Street tree is any tree growing in the City's right-of-way (ROW), or strip of land near City streets.
Care and maintenance of Street Trees in the right-of-way is the responsibility of the closest bordering property owner (adjacent).
See Trees and Street Visibility, Clearances, Sidewalks, and Safety ↗ for basic maintenance requirements.
See Street Tree or Private Tree? ↗ to see more photographs and descriptions of trees in the right-of-way.
Street Tree Permits
A permit is required for any activity that may harm a street tree.
A permit is required to remove any street tree.
Pruning permits are required to prune street trees. You don't need a permit to prune sucker shoots or self-sown (volunteer) trees that are less than 1/2 inch in diameter. See How to Measure Trees ↗.
Staff will let you know if the property is in a regulated historic or environmentally sensitive zone or plan district ↗. Additional requirements may apply.
Private Trees
Example of a tree in private property
A Private Tree is a tree located on private property. They do not straddle the right-of-way line.
A removal permit is needed for trees 12 inches diameter at 4.5 feet tall and larger. See How to Measure Trees ↗ for details.
For more information, see:
Do I Need a Permit to Remove Trees on Private Property? ↗
Private Property Tree Replacement Lists and Requirements ↗
Overlay Zone or Plan District
Private property trees of any size may require a permit for removal in certain environmental overlay zones and plan districts. See the Overlay Zone Map ↗ for directions on finding the Overlay Zone and Plan District based by address.