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What Do I Need to Know Before Pruning or Removing a Tree? Tree regulations are found in different City Codes. Title 33, Zoning Code regulations require tree planting and/or preservation in scenic and environmental zones and on other private property during land division and property development.. The City Forester also has authority through Title 20 to regulate tree planting, pruning, or cutting on all public property and within the public right-of-way. The City Forester also has authority in certain cases through Title 20 to regulate tree cutting on private property. Tree topping is not permitted.

What type of cutting on private property is restricted?

"Cutting" is defined as felling or removal of a tree, or any procedure in which the natural result will lead to the death or substantial destruction of a tree. Such acts include but are not limited to the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three inches in diameter and damage inflicted upon the root system of the tree." Normal pruning on private property within the bounds of accepted arboricultural practices is not "cutting".

What are the tree planting and protection requirements?

The Portland Zoning Code requires the planting of trees for most new construction projects, including new homes on single lots. Trees are required in building setbacks for commercial, industrial and multi-dwelling residential projects. And, trees are required to shade and screen parking lots and other exterior development. When required to fulfill Zoning Code standards, the trees must be maintained. Removal, without replacement, would constitute a violation of the Zoning Code. Contact the Planning and Zoning staff at 503-823-7526 for more information.

The City specifically restricts tree cutting and vegetation removal as follows:

· Environmental resources are identified throughout the city with the "c" or "p" overlay zones. Tree removal and other activities are regulated in Chapter 33.430 of the Zoning Code. (Zoning Code)

· Scenic corridors and viewpoints are identified throughout the city with the "s" overlay zone. Tree preservation is part of the regulations along scenic corridors. Those regulations are in Section 33.480.040 B 2 g of the Zoning Code.

· Sites in the Johnson Creek Basin are included in the Johnson Creek Basin Plan District. The South subdistrict and 100-year floodplain restrict tree removal in Chapter 33.537. (Zoning Code)

· Properties on Rocky Butte are subject to the tree preservation regulations of the Rocky Butte Plan District in Section 33.570.040 of the Zoning Code. (Zoning Code)

· On the southern edge of downtown, the South Auditorium Plan District contains tree preservation regulations in Section 33.580.130. (Zoning Code)

· Many subdivisions created in the past twenty years (and some older ones) were approved with tree preservation plans. Tree removal may require amending the subdivision review.

The City Forester requires street trees along street frontages for most development. Street trees are required in new residential subdivisions as well. The City Forester works with property owners to determine the appropriate spacing and type of tree to be used within the public right-of-way. Cutting, pruning, and planting of street trees requires a tree permit. For information about street trees, call Urban Forestry at 503-823-4489.

When is a tree cutting permit required from the City Forester for private-property trees? A tree cutting permit is required from the City Forester to prune Heritage Trees or to cut trees that fall under Chapter 20.42 "The Tree-Cutting Ordinance". A Tree-Cutting Ordinance permit is required to remove, substantially prune or damage a tree that is over than 12 inches in diameter measured 4 ½ feet above the ground for the following situations: · When tree removal is not otherwise regulated by Title 33 or a previous land use review. Examples of other reviews include land division, building permits, and environmental or scenic zones. · On property that is not located in a single-family residential zone. · On property in a single-family residential zone that does not have a single-family residence on it. Examples would be property with a duplex or apartments. · Property that can be subdivided pursuant to the Portland Zoning Code, whether there is a structure on the property or the property is vacant. Call Planning and Zoning staff at 503-823-7526 for zoning and land division (lot size requirements) information. To apply for a tree-cutting permit, call the Urban Forestry Division at 503-823-4489. The City Forester may require the planting of new trees to replace the removal of a mature tree.