Hillsboro, OR Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Hillsboro, 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
- Trigger
- Type II/III development applications only
- Mature tree
- 8-in deciduous or 30-ft conifer
- Arborist plan
- Required for 5+ overlapping canopies
- Protection fencing
- 5 feet outside tree drip line
- Enforcement
- Stop Work order for violations
Summary
Removing a mature tree, 8+ inches in diameter or a 30-foot conifer, during a Type II or Type III development application in Hillsboro requires City review, an arborist's preservation plan, and proof the removal is necessary.
B.Applicability. The standards of this section shall apply to all Type II and Type III development applications.C.Standards for Mature Tree Preservation. These standards apply to deciduous trees 8 inches or greater in diameter measured 4.5 feet above native grade, or coniferous trees 30 feet or taller in height.1.Development shall be sited and constructed to avoid removing or damaging mature trees. The burden of proof is on the applicant to demonstrate the necessity of tree removal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
CDC § 12.50.230 applies only within Type II and Type III land use applications, not to routine tree work on an already-developed lot. Once triggered, development must be sited to avoid removing mature trees (8+ inch deciduous, 30+ foot conifers), and the applicant bears the burden of proving removal is necessary. Sites with five or more overlapping mature canopies need a Certified Arborist's tree preservation plan identifying which trees can be saved. Any tree marked for retention must be fenced at least 5 feet outside its drip line before construction, a condition enforced through the project's Building and Engineering Permits.
Violations & Fines
Site or building construction that violates the tree preservation standards, intentionally or through negligence, can draw a City Stop Work order under CDC § 12.50.230.C.7, halting the project until a binding mitigation agreement is signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a City permit to cut down a tree in my Hillsboro yard?
What proof does a developer need to remove a mature tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle tree removal & heritage trees.