In Portland, Oregon, getting a tree removal permit now costs $0. As of July 1, 2025, the city waived the fee for most tree permits. In other words, you can apply to remove a regulated tree (on your property or a street tree) for free – the city won’t charge you a permit fee. This change was made possible by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), so homeowners no longer pay to apply. (Keep in mind you’ll still pay the tree service itself, and any replacement-tree requirements or fines for violations.)
Portland Parks & Rec recently announced that tree removal permits are now free starting July 2025. Permit fees that used to be charged for things like removing a street tree or pruning on city property have been eliminated. For example, a “Tree Removal and Replanting” permit has no fee under the new rules. The same goes for street tree pruning permits and even chemical treatment permits – all those applications are now fee-free. The only remaining charge is a small $50 fee for a replanting waiver (down from $100) if you opt out of planting a replacement tree. In short, if you’re in Portland and need to remove a tree that requires a permit, the permit itself won’t cost you anything.
Here are the key fee changes in Portland as of mid-2025:
- Tree Removal & Replanting Permit: No fee (free).
- Street Tree Pruning Permit (with inspection): No fee.
- Tree Chemical Treatment Permit: No fee.
- Street Tree Attachment Permit: No fee.
- Street Tree Lighting Permit: No fee.
- Administrative Reviews/Appeals: No fee.
- Replanting Waiver Application: $50 fee (reduced from $100).
Who Needs a Permit (Even If It’s Free)?
Remember, the permit is free, but it’s still required for many trees. In Portland, you must have a permit to remove any street tree (the ones in the planting strip by the sidewalk). On private property, a permit is required if the tree is 12 inches in diameter or larger (measured about 4.5 feet off the ground). In other words, big trees need a permit even though there’s now no fee. If you remove a regulated tree without a permit, the city can impose stiff penalties. Portland’s tree code allows fines of up to $1,000 per tree per day of violation, plus mandatory replacement fees. So it’s important to follow the rules: apply for the permit (at no cost), and make sure to plant any required replacements or pay the reduced waiver fee.
Applying for the Free Permit
Getting the (free) permit is fairly straightforward. You can apply online using Portland’s DevHub system or download and mail in a paper application. (Portland’s Urban Forestry website has forms and instructions under “Tree Permits and Regulations”portland.gov.) As of 2025, the city even removed some paperwork requirements on DevHub to speed up applications. All you really need is a City of Portland account to log in, pick the Tree Removal and Replanting permit, and submit your application. You will answer questions about the tree’s size and location, and agree to plant replacements as required by code. The best place for step-by-step guidance is the City’s official Urban Forestry site at Portland.gov/trees or by calling (503) 823-TREE for help.
Other Costs to Consider
While the permit itself is free, keep in mind that actual tree removal services still cost money. Hiring a professional to cut down and haul away a tree can run anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the tree’s size and difficulty. For example, local estimates suggest that removing a small tree (up to 30 feet tall) might cost around $200–$450, whereas very large trees (80 feet or taller) can cost over $1,000. That’s paid to the arborist or tree company, not the city. Also, if you plan to remove a private tree, remember that Portland’s rules generally require you to plant new trees to replace it. If planting isn’t practical, you can apply for a waiver (that’s the $50 fee option) to count existing trees instead. Failing to comply with these requirements can trigger fines or restoration fees.
Key Takeaways
- Tree removal permits are now free in Portland. Thanks to new funding, the city waived fees on most tree permits as of July 2025.
- Permits are still required for regulated trees (all street trees, and private trees 12″+ in diameter), even though you don’t pay a fee.
- Replanting Waivers cost $50 (down from $100) if you need one.
- Actual removal services are not free. Expect to pay your tree service company hundreds or more to cut down a large tree.
- Follow the rules or risk fines. Unauthorized tree removal can lead to penalties (up to $1,000 per tree per day) and hefty restoration fees.
In summary, Portland’s tree removal permit itself now costs nothing – the “price” is simply filling out the application and complying with replacement requirements. Always check the City of Portland’s Urban Forestry pages for the latest permit info and application steps. With the fee gone, there’s no financial hurdle to applying – just make sure to do it correctly so you stay within the law and keep Portland’s trees healthy and replaced.