Eugene, OR Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Eugene, 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
- Governing sections
- EC 6.305, 6.310, 6.320, 6.325
- Large-lot threshold
- 5 trees/12 months free on parcels 20,000+ sq ft
- Small-lot rule
- Any felling needs a permit under 20,000 sq ft
- Permit timeline
- 10 business days (10 trees), 30 days (more)
- Neighbor notice
- Mailed within 200 feet, 15-day comment period
- Appeal window
- 15 days to appeal denial or conditions
- Penalty
- $100-$4,000 per tree, up to 100 days jail
Summary
Eugene requires a permit before felling most trees on private property, with stricter thresholds on larger lots: more than five trees per year on parcels over 20,000 square feet, or any tree at all on smaller parcels, plus a separate permit for any street tree removal.
(1) Except as provided in section 6.330, no person may fell more than five trees within a period of 12 consecutive months from a parcel of private property consisting of 20,000 or more square feet of area without a permit. (2) Except as provided in section 6.330, no person may fell one or more trees from a parcel of private property consisting of less than 20,000 square feet of area without a permit. (3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section and section 6.330(b) of this code, no person shall remove a street tree without first obtaining a permit from the city manager specifically authorizing the removal of a street tree.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 20739, passed June 8, 2026).
Full Breakdown
305 sets the baseline: on a private parcel of 20,000 square feet or more, a person may fell up to five trees in any 12 consecutive months without a permit, but a sixth tree in that period requires one. 330(b). 305(3) requires a permit from the city manager to remove any street tree, and approval can be conditioned on replacing it with a pre-approved tree or paying the city to plant one, valued using the International Society of Arboriculture's Guide for Plant Appraisal. 020, and a logging plan if more than ten trees are proposed.
The city manager must act within 10 business days for ten or fewer trees (extendable to 30 days if public notice is warranted) and within 30 days for more than ten trees, after mailing notice to neighbors within 200 feet and taking 15 days of written comment. 320 lists the approval criteria: tree condition and hazard, erosion and drainage effects, environmental and wildlife impact, necessity for construction, fire safety, and replanting proposals; the city manager may attach conditions and require a bond. 021. 010, and trees already cleared for approved PUD development. The Eugene Code is current through Ordinance 20739, passed June 8, 2026.
Violations & Fines
Felling trees in violation of EC 6.305 or 6.310 is punishable under EC 6.990(3) by a fine of $100 to $4,000 for each tree removed, up to 100 days in jail, or both, and the city attorney may bring legal action at the city manager's request to enforce compliance. The application fee and any replacement-tree valuation are separate from this penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my Eugene backyard?
How long does the city take to decide a Eugene tree felling permit?
What happens if I remove a tree without a Eugene permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Eugene
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