Tree Protection in Portland, OR (2026)
7 verified tree protection rules for Portland, Oregon, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Portland Tree Removal Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & 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.
Portland Title 11 Tree Code & Heritage Tree Program
Heavy RestrictionsTree 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.
Portland Tree Replacement Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTree 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.
Tree Ordinance Rules in Portland
Heavy RestrictionsProtected 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.
Heritage Tree and Protected Species Designations
Heavy RestrictionsParkway 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.
Street Tree and Parkway Planting Permits
Some RestrictionsUrban 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.
Urban Forest Equity and Title 11 Canopy Goals
Some RestrictionsLooking for Multnomah County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Portland city rules.
Tree Protection in Multnomah County →