Multnomah County, OR Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Multnomah County, 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
- Removal cap
- 50% of mature trees (6"+ DBH)
- Replacement ratio
- 1-for-1, comparable species
- Applies where
- mapped SEC-wr/SEC-s riparian overlay only
- Not covered
- Portland and other cities in county
- Enforcement
- Notice of Violation + civil fine
Summary
In unincorporated Multnomah County's mapped Significant Water Resources (SEC-wr) overlay, no more than half of mature trees over 6 inches DBH may be cut without one-for-one replacement and a county-approved mitigation plan.
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 one-for-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 replacement trees shall be 5 gallon or greater.
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Code Chapter 39.5590 sets vegetation-removal limits inside SEC-wr and SEC-s overlay zones along protected streams, wetlands and other significant water features shown on the county zoning map. Development within a mapped Riparian Area needs an SEC permit; where dense standing trees exist, no more than 50% of mature trees (6-inch DBH or greater) may be removed without replacing each one with a comparable species at least 5 gallons in size. Existing vegetation must otherwise be protected in place, and site plans must map every tree over 6-inch DBH. This overlay applies only where mapped along water features in unincorporated county land. Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village have their own tree codes.
Violations & Fines
Cutting protected riparian trees without a permit is a code violation under MCC 39.1510, handled by Code Compliance Specialists with a Notice of Violation, required corrective/mitigation action, and a civil fine; unresolved cases go to the county's Compliance Hearings Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tree rule apply to my Portland yard?
Can I remove any tree near a stream on rural county land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon landscaping rules overview
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