Tree Protection in Salem, OR

If you live in Salem or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Salem has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.

Protected Tree Species

Salem Revised Code Chapter 808 bars removal of any rare, threatened, or endangered tree species regardless of trunk size, along with large Oregon white oaks and other big trees, unless the owner obtains a City permit, an approved tree conservation plan, or a variance.

Key details: Governing chapter: SRC Chapter 808. Protected trigger: Any size for rare/threatened/endangered species. Removal without permit: Prohibited (SRC 808.015). Permit procedure: Type I under SRC chapter 300. Restoration standard: Appraised value per ISA Guide.

Violations are enforced under SRC 110.110 and SRC 808.065. The Planning Administrator can issue a stop work order limited to the specific site phase where the violation occurred, and may revoke the permit if work is adversely affecting property, rights-of-way, or riparian corridors. A violator must fund a replanting and restoration plan valued at the tree's appraised worth under the International Society of Arboriculture's Guide for Plant Appraisals; any shortfall is paid into the Salem City Tree Fund under SRC chapter 86. The City withholds final completion approval until the violation is cured and any penalty paid, and may seek injunctive relief for up to five years against willful violators of the conservation-plan provisions.

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

Heritage & Protected Trees

The Salem City Council designates heritage trees by resolution on the property owner's own nomination, based on the tree's location, size, age, or historic significance, and once designated, SRC 808.010 bars removal unless a certified arborist confirms the tree is hazardous.

Key details: Designation method: Council resolution on owner nomination. Removal standard: Certified arborist finds tree hazardous. Verifying official: Planning Administrator. Rescission: Council rescinds designation after lawful removal. Governing section: SRC 808.010.

Because heritage trees fall within Chapter 808's protected-tree scheme, unauthorized removal triggers SRC 808.065 enforcement: a stop work order limited to the affected site area, permit revocation where work threatens public safety or adjacent property, a mandatory replanting and restoration plan valued at the tree's appraised worth under the ISA Guide for Plant Appraisals with any shortfall paid into the Salem City Tree Fund, a hold on the property's notice of final completion until the violation is cured and penalties paid, and injunctive relief for up to five years against willful violators.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Salem actively enforces its heritage & protected trees requirements.

Parkway Planting

Every property owner developing along a Salem street must plant City-approved street trees as a condition of final building occupancy under SRC 86.065(c), with the application filed alongside the building permit and verified at final inspection. Owners who prefer not to plant may instead pay a City-set fee for the City to install the required trees. Planting on City property outside that context needs the Director's written permit.

Key details: Development duty: Street trees required for final occupancy. Planting permit validity: Only 180 days from issuance. Permit specifies: Location, variety, grade, planting method. Opt-out option: Pay City-set fee instead of planting. Civil penalty: Up to $2,000 per violation.

Planting the wrong species, skipping the required permit, or occupying a new building without the street trees chapter 86 requires can each trigger enforcement. SRC 86.120(c) sets a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation for any failure to comply with chapter 86 or a permit issued under it, and the Director can withhold final occupancy approval or revoke a pending tree permit until the planting requirement is satisfied.

The Bottom Line

Salem is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Salem, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Salem can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.