In Portland, Oregon, the short answer is yes – most mature trees require a city permit before they can be removed. Portland’s Urban Forestry rules say that any street tree (the ones in the public right-of-way by the curb) “requires a permit” to remove. Likewise, on private property any tree 12 inches or more in diameter (measured at about 4½ feet above the ground) needs a removal permit. In other words, if your tree is big (over 1 foot wide) or it’s a street tree, you can’t just chop it down without permission.
Permit Rules for Street Trees and Large Private Trees
- Street Trees: These are trees in the city strip between sidewalk and street. Portland explicitly requires a permit for all street trees, except for tiny suckers or self-seeded seedlings under ½ inch wide. (So you can trim out small shoots yourself, but anything larger is city property and needs approval.)
- Private Property Trees: For trees on your land, Portland’s rule is: “A removal permit is required” for any tree 12 inches in diameter or larger. That means if the trunk is 12 inches or more around, you must apply for a permit through Portland Parks & Rec (Urban Forestry). If it’s smaller than 12 inches wide, no permit is usually needed – but double-check if the tree is in a special overlay zone (see below). Keep in mind, if you do remove a permitted tree, Portland will require you to plant a new replacement tree on your property or pay a fee.
These rules come from the City’s tree code (Title 11, Chapter 11.40). For example, the code even limits how many healthy trees you can remove each year: “Up to four healthy trees may be removed per site per calendar year” (provided each is under 20 inches and not a protected “Heritage Tree”). So, if you’re planning a big cleanup of many trees, you may need a special permit or waiver.
Exceptions and Special Cases
There are a few exceptions and special cases to know about:
- Small Trees and Shoots: You don’t need a permit for very small trees. On private land, trees under 12 inches DBH can be removed freely (unless they’re in a protected zone). And on public land, removing sucker shoots or naturally sprouted seedlings less than ½ inch wide is allowed without any permit.
- Emergency or Hazardous Trees: If a tree becomes an immediate hazard (for example, it’s cracking, uprooting, or otherwise about to fall), Portland lets you remove the dangerous portion right away to protect people or property. You must then apply for a retroactive emergency permit within 7 days of removal. You’ll need to include proof (like an arborist’s report or photos) that it was a real emergency. If the city later finds it wasn’t urgent, the removal would be a code violation, and you could be required to remedy the situation (often by planting a replacement).
- Special Trees or Areas: Some trees have extra protection. For example, Portland designates certain large, historic, or unique trees as Heritage Trees (marked with a sign). Any work on a Heritage Tree – even on private land – requires a permit. Also, if your property is in a historic or environmentally sensitive zone, the city may impose additional review before you can cut trees. (In these overlay zones, you might need extra permits or have limited removal options.)
How to Apply for a Permit
If you determine a permit is needed, you can apply online or by mail through the City of Portland’s Urban Forestry division. The city provides a Tree Removal and Replanting Permit application on its website. You will log into Portland’s DevHub system, fill out the form for each tree or site, and pay the fee. (See the official site for the current fee schedule and detailed instructions.) If you prefer paper, you can download the PDF form from Portland.gov, fill it out, and mail it in.
When applying, be ready to provide the tree’s location, size, and reason for removal. Keep in mind that the city will almost always require you to plant one or more replacement trees, or pay an in-lieu fee, to mitigate the loss. If you’re unsure about the rules, you can call Portland Urban Forestry at 503-823-8733 (TREE) or email Trees@portlandoregon.gov for guidance.
Summary
In short, don’t assume you can just cut down that oak or maple. In Portland, most significant trees are regulated. If it’s a big tree or a street tree, you’ll need a city permit. If it’s small and on your land and not in a protected zone, you’re likely fine to remove it. And if the tree is a safety hazard, you can remove it immediately but still must report it to the city and file for a permit afterward.
Always check the official Portland website or contact Urban Forestry before you cut. That way you avoid fines or having to replant trees after the fact. (For more information, see Portland Parks & Recreation’s Tree Permitting page or review City Code Title 11, Chapter 11.40 on the city’s website.)