Tree removal permit rules in Washington County, OR — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Tree removal in unincorporated Washington County is regulated by the Community Development Code. The county's landscape design standards (CDC 407) include tree preservation and replacement requirements. Clean Water Services approval is needed for trees in sensitive areas.
Washington County tree removal regulations protect the urban canopy by requiring permits for trees above a size threshold, typically 6 to 12 inches trunk diameter measured at breast height (4.5 feet). Applications may require an arborist report. Street trees in the right-of-way are managed exclusively by Washington County public works or urban forestry. Dead, dying, or hazardous trees may qualify for expedited removal. Replacement planting is usually required. Oregon state law may preempt local tree ordinances in certain circumstances.
Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.
Washington County, OR
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See how Washington County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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