How Portland Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Portland maintains 203 local ordinances across all categories, and 7 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Portland falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Ordinances

Portland has one of the strictest tree codes in the U.S. under PCC Title 11 Urban Forestry; permits are required to remove trees over 6 inches DBH on private and public property.

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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Portland code enforcement](https://www.portland.gov/code/11) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Compared to other cities, Portland takes a harder line on tree ordinances. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Urban Forest Equity

Portland Tree Code Title 11 and the Urban Forestry Division target equitable tree-canopy expansion, prioritizing East Portland and frontline neighborhoods with historically low canopy coverage and higher heat exposure.

Key details: Code: Title 11 Trees. Replacement: Two-to-one minimum. Equity zone: East Portland priority. Goal: 30% canopy citywide.

Removing a regulated tree without a Title 11 permit triggers fines starting at hundreds of dollars per inch of trunk diameter, plus mandatory replacement at two-to-one or higher and possible criminal misdemeanor referral.

Parkway Planting

Planting, removing, or pruning trees in the public planting strip between sidewalk and curb requires a free Urban Forestry permit, ensuring species suitability, utility-clearance compliance, and Title 11 standards.

Key details: Permit: Free, mandatory before work. Authority: Urban Forestry Title 11. Maintenance: Adjacent property owner. Heritage status: Extra protection.

Unpermitted parkway tree work triggers Title 11 civil penalties scaled to trunk diameter, mandatory replacement, and stop-work orders for ongoing landscaping work in the right-of-way.

Protected Tree Species

Portland's Heritage Tree program under Title 11 grants permanent protection to specially designated trees and confers similar safeguards on large-stature trees and certain native species in environmental overlay zones.

Key details: Designation: City Council confirmed. Oversight: Urban Forestry Commission. Protected zones: Title 33 overlays. Native preference: Higher replacement credits.

Removing or significantly damaging a Heritage or protected-overlay tree without authorization can produce penalties exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars per tree, mandatory restoration, and criminal misdemeanor exposure under Title 11.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Portland actively enforces its protected tree species requirements.

Tree Removal Permits

Portland's Title 11 (Trees) requires permits for the removal of most trees 12 inches or greater in diameter at breast height (DBH) on private property. The Bureau of Development Services Urban Forestry division administers tree permits. Portland's tree code was significantly updated effective January 2025.

Key details: Governing Code: Title 11 (Trees). Permit Threshold: 12 inches DBH or greater. Administering Agency: BDS Urban Forestry division. 2025 Update: Strengthened protections (Ord. 191988). Penalty: Fines based on tree size + replacement.

Removing a protected tree without a permit carries significant penalties under Title 11. Fines are based on tree size and can reach thousands of dollars. Violators must also plant replacement trees at required ratios. Repeat offenders face enhanced penalties.

Compared to other cities, Portland takes a harder line on tree removal permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Portland City Code Title 11 protects all trees on private property 12+ inch DBH (development sites) or 20+ inch DBH (non-development). The Heritage Tree Program separately designates specimens of exceptional value. Removal requires an Urban Forestry permit, replacement planting, and may require a public hearing for Heritage Trees.

Key details: Non-development DBH: 20-inch DBH triggers permit. Development DBH: 12-inch DBH on active permits. Heritage program: City Council designation. Replacement: 1–3 trees based on size removed. In-lieu fee: $300+ per inch into Tree Planting Fund.

Removing a regulated tree without a permit is a violation of Title 11 carrying civil penalties up to $1,500 per tree plus mandatory replacement or fee in lieu. Heritage Tree removal without authorization is a Class A civil violation with fines up to $5,000 per tree and possible criminal misdemeanor referral. Repeat violators face revocation of related building permits.

This is one of the stricter rules in Portland's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Portland's Title 11 (Trees) requires replacement plantings when permitted tree removal occurs. Replacement ratios range from 1:1 for smaller trees to 3:1 or higher for larger trees. In flood hazard areas, replacement ratios are 3:1 to 6:1 based on tree size. The 2025 code amendments increased replacement requirements.

Key details: Standard Ratio: 1:1 minimum, up to 3:1 for large trees. Flood Zone Ratio: 3:1 to 6:1 depending on size. Minimum Caliper: Specified in Title 11. Alternative: Payment into city tree fund. Monitoring: Urban Forestry tracks compliance.

Failure to plant required replacement trees results in additional penalties and potential liens on the property. The city may plant replacement trees and assess costs to the property owner. Non-compliance extends the violation period and increases penalties.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Portland actively enforces its tree replacement requirements requirements.

The Bottom Line

Portland is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 5 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Portland, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Portland's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.