Tree Protection in Multnomah County, OR (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Multnomah County, Oregon.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Multnomah County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Protected Tree Species

Within Multnomah County's mapped SEC riparian overlays, developers cannot clear more than half of mature trees (6-inch DBH or larger) without replacing them one-for-one with a comparable native species. The rule applies only inside the SEC-wr and SEC-s zones, not countywide and not in Portland.

Riparian Tree Removal Limits, Multnomah County

Some Restrictions

Multnomah County Code § 39.5590(C)(4)(b)

Development in areas of dense standing trees shall be designed to minimize the numbers of trees to be cut. No more than 50 percent of mature standing trees (of 6-inch DBH or greater) shall be removed without a onefor-one replacement with comparable species. Replacement trees shall be placed within the riparian corridor or adjacent to it to provide shade and water retention. Size of the replacem...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parkway Planting

Planting, maintaining or removing a street tree in the public right-of-way of unincorporated Multnomah County requires a permit under the county's Street Standards subchapter, which sets species, location and maintenance rules through the Design and Construction Manual.

Multnomah County Street Tree Permit Rule

Some Restrictions

Multnomah County Code § 29.580

Requirements and standards for street trees may be established by administrative rule or the County Design and Construction Manual under this subchapter, and may include the following subjects: (A) Permit, agreement and issuance procedures. (B) Species and location. (C) Maintenance and removal. (D) Other matters of design, installation and procedure.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Protection by City in Multnomah County

2 cities in Multnomah County have their own tree protection rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

PortlandPop. 652,503

2 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Parkway Planting

GreshamPop. 114,247

3 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Parkway Planting

All Multnomah County ordinances

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