Tree Replacement Requirements: Gresham vs Portland
How do tree replacement requirements rules compare between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR?
Gresham has fewer restrictions than Portland.
Gresham, OR
Multnomah County
Portland City Code 11.50 requires replacement planting or fee-in-lieu when regulated trees are removed. Ratios scale with the removed tree's size: 1 replacement for trees 12-19 inches DBH, 2 replacements for 20-35 inches, and 3+ replacements for larger trees. Fee-in-lieu is paid to the Portland Tree Planting Fund. Replacement trees must meet minimum 1.5 to 2 inch caliper at planting.
View full Gresham rules →Portland, OR
Multnomah County
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.
View full Portland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gresham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Ratio | 1:1 to 3:1 by size | - |
| Min Caliper | 1.5-2 inches | - |
| Establishment | 2-year period | - |
| Fee-in-Lieu | ~$450/inch DBH | - |
| Species | Native preferred | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gresham FAQ
Can I pay a fee instead of planting a replacement tree?
Only if site constraints prevent on-site planting. The fee-in-lieu goes to Portland's Tree Planting Fund at approximately $450 per inch of removed DBH.
What trees are recommended for replacement in Portland?
Native species: Douglas fir, Western red cedar, big-leaf maple, Oregon white oak, Oregon ash. The Portland Tree Selection Guide lists approved urban-adapted species by site type.
Portland FAQ
How many replacement trees must I plant in Portland?
Replacement ratios under Title 11 range from 1:1 for smaller trees to 3:1 for large trees. Trees removed in flood hazard areas require 3:1 to 6:1 replacement. The exact ratio depends on the size and location of the removed tree.
What if I cannot plant replacement trees on my property?
If on-site planting is not feasible, you may pay into the city's tree fund as an alternative. The payment amount is based on the number and size of required replacement trees.
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