Tree Protection in Corvallis, OR (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Corvallis, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
In the City of Corvallis, a tree only becomes a protected 'Historically Significant Tree' once it sits on a Designated Historic Resource property, is at least 50 years old, and predates that property's period of historic significance. Ordinary tree removal on such properties is exempt from a Historic Preservation Permit, but removing a Historically Significant Tree is not, unless it is hazardous and the removal is cleared first by the City's Urban Forester.
Corvallis Heritage Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsCorvallis Land Development Code §§ 1.6.50, 2.9.40
Historically Significant Tree—Historically Significant Tree is defined as a tree that meets the criteria described in "a," "b," or "c," below: ... The tree is located on a Designated Historic Resource property, is at least 50 years old, and has been in existence since a time prior to, or during, the Designated Historic Resource's Period of Significance; ... 3.Removal of trees that are not consi...
Protected Tree Species
The City of Corvallis protects mapped Significant Vegetation, meaning trees over four inches in caliper and shrubs over four feet tall within designated wildlife habitat and tree grove areas, under Land Development Code § 4.12.50. Removing, damaging, or cutting that vegetation, disturbing the ground beneath it, or building a tall fence that blocks small-animal passage is prohibited unless exempted or covered by an approved Vegetation Management Plan.
Corvallis Significant Tree and Vegetation Protection
Significant RestrictionsCorvallis Land Development Code § 4.12.50
b.Within Significant Vegetation Areas, the activities in "1," through "5," below, are prohibited unless they are specifically exempted in Section 4.12.30, or are allowed as a result of the approval of a Significant Vegetation Management Plan, a land use development permit, or a construction permit. See Section 4.12.90 Standards for Significant Vegetation Management Plans.1.Removing, damaging, d...
Parkway Planting
Anyone planting a tree, shrub, or other plant that can grow taller than 24 inches in a City of Corvallis park strip needs a permit from the City Manager under Municipal Code Section 2.19.060. The Land Development Code sets clearance rules keeping new plantings at least 10 feet from fire hydrants, water lines, and sewers and 20 feet from streetlights.
Corvallis Parkway Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsCorvallis Municipal Code §§ 2.19.060, 2.19.070
1)No adjacent property owner shall plant, any tree, shrub or vegetation that has the potential to grow 24 inches or taller in the park strip areas and other public lands of the City without first obtaining a permit to do so from the City Manager. The City maintains a list of recommended trees. ... c)Location of parking meters, light standards, crosswalks, buildings, entrance and exit ways, stre...
Looking for Benton County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Corvallis city rules.
Tree Protection in Benton County →