Corvallis, OR Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Corvallis, OR, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit required for removal/pruning
- yes, from City Manager
- Traffic control permit
- may also be required
- Emergency suspension after storm damage
- up to 21 days
- Hazardous public trees
- City Manager abatement policy applies
- Maximum fine
- $500 per tree
Summary
A Corvallis property owner needs a City Manager permit under Municipal Code Section 2.19.060 before pruning or removing any street or public tree, and the City Manager can independently order a public tree pruned or removed under Section 2.19.120, including through a hazard-abatement policy for trees that threaten public safety.
2)No property owner shall prune or remove any street or public tree in the City without first obtaining a permit to do so from the City Manager. A separate permit for traffic control may be required, with a written plan that conforms to the Short Term Traffic Control Handbook. ... The City Manager may cause any trees, shrubs, plants, or vegetation in or upon any park strip, street rights-of-way, or other public place in the City to be pruned, or removed and said pruning, or removal may be done by anyone designated to do so by said City Manager. The City shall adopt an administrative policy to eliminate public trees known to be hazardous in a timely and efficient manner, in order to reduce unsafe conditions.
Full Breakdown
Section 2.19.060(2) of the Corvallis Municipal Code requires a property owner to get a permit from the City Manager before pruning or removing any street tree or public tree in the City, and a separate traffic control permit conforming to the Oregon Department of Transportation's Short Term Traffic Control Handbook may also be required for the work. Section 2.19.070 lets the City Manager grant that permit only after weighing the location of parking meters, light standards, crosswalks, utility poles, and similar features, and the permit that issues is nontransferable and revocable at the City Manager's discretion under Section 2.19.080.
Separately from any property owner's request, Section 2.19.120 lets the City Manager independently order the pruning or removal of any tree, shrub, plant, or vegetation in a park strip, street right-of-way, or other public place, performed by anyone the City Manager designates, and directs the City to adopt an administrative policy for eliminating hazardous public trees quickly to cut down unsafe conditions. Section 2.19.030 puts enforcement of the whole Chapter in the City Manager's hands. If a storm, freeze, or similar weather event damages street or public trees, Section 2.19.060(3) lets the City Manager suspend the removal and pruning permit requirement for up to 21 days at a time so the damage can be cleared quickly. An unpermitted removal is punishable under Section 2.19.180.
Violations & Fines
Removing or pruning a street or public tree without the City Manager's permit under Section 2.19.060 is punishable under Section 2.19.180 by a fine of up to $500 per tree, chargeable as a Class A infraction under ORS 153.110 to 153.310, and the appraised value of any wrongfully removed tree can be added to the penalty and paid into the Urban Forestry Project Account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to remove a street tree in Corvallis?
Can the City make me remove a hazardous tree?
Is the removal permit requirement ever waived after a storm?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corvallis
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