Tree Trimming: Beaverton vs Tualatin
How do tree trimming rules compare between Beaverton, OR and Tualatin, OR?
Beaverton and Tualatin have similar restriction levels.
Beaverton, OR
Washington County
Beaverton regulates tree trimming and removal under the Beaverton Development Code Chapter 60.60 (Trees and Vegetation), which protects designated Significant Trees, Significant Tree Groves, and Historic Trees. Routine pruning of small private trees is allowed without a permit, but pruning, topping, or removing a Significant Tree or any street tree in the public right-of-way requires city approval through Beaverton Planning. Property owners are responsible for keeping trees clear of sidewalks, streets, and intersection sight lines.
View full Beaverton rules →Tualatin, OR
Washington County
Property owners are responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks, tree grates, and planter strips in good condition. Trees and shrubs must be trimmed to prevent hazards. Owners may be liable for injuries caused by negligent sidewalk and vegetation maintenance.
View full Tualatin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Beaverton | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | Beaverton Development Code Chapter 60.60 | - |
| Routine Pruning | Allowed without permit for non-designated private trees | - |
| Significant Trees | Permit required for removal or substantial pruning | - |
| Street Trees | City coordination required for pruning/removal | Parks Dept permit needed |
| Clearance | Sidewalk ~7 ft, street ~14 ft, plus sight-line triangle | - |
| Sidewalk Trees | - | Owner maintains |
| Liability | - | Owner liable for injuries |
| Dead Branches | - | Must be removed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Beaverton FAQ
Do I need a permit to trim a tree in Beaverton?
Routine pruning of a small or non-designated tree on your private property generally does not require a city permit under Beaverton Development Code Chapter 60.60. A permit or city approval is required to prune, top, or remove any designated Significant Tree, any tree within a Significant Tree Grove, or any street tree in the public right-of-way.
Who is responsible for trimming the tree between the sidewalk and the street in Beaverton?
The adjacent property owner is responsible for maintenance, but because that tree sits in the public right-of-way the work must be coordinated with the City of Beaverton. You must keep at least about 7 feet of clearance over the sidewalk and 14 feet over the street, and you cannot remove or top the tree without city authorization under Beaverton Development Code Chapter 60.60.
Tualatin FAQ
Can I trim tree branches that hang over my property in Tualatin?
Property owners are responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks, tree grates, and planter strips in good condition. Trees and shrubs must be trimmed to prevent hazards. Owners may be liable for injuries caused by negligent sidewalk and vegetation maintenance.
Do I need a permit to trim trees in Tualatin?
Sidewalk Trees: Owner maintains. Liability: Owner liable for injuries. Dead Branches: Must be removed. Street Trees: Parks Dept permit needed.
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