Portland, OR Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Portland, 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
- Standard rule
- Tree-for-tree replacement
- Large/high-volume removals
- Inch-for-inch replacement required
- Trigger for inch-for-inch
- 20"+ diameter or 4+ trees/year
- Alternative
- Payment into Tree Planting Fund
- Enforcing office
- City Administrator (Urban Forestry)
Summary
Portland requires tree-for-tree replacement for most permitted removals under Title 11, stepping up to inch-for-inch replacement for large or high-volume removals, with a payment-in-lieu option into the city's Tree Planting and Preservation Fund.
Generally, the City Administrator will require replacement of trees removed under a tree permit as specified in Subsection A. However, the City Administrator may instead allow payment into the Tree Planting and Preservation Fund as specified in Subsection B., or may waive or reduce the replacement requirement as specified in Subsection C.
A. Tree replacement specifications.
1. Quantity. Specific tree replacement requirements are shown in Tables 40-2 and 40-3. Where the requirement specifies "up to inch for inch" replacement, the City Administrator will determine the appropriate number of new trees that are required based on the total number of diameter inches of the trees removed. The replacement requirement will compensate for the lost functions of trees removed, and ensure the application meets the applicable standards and review factors.
2. Planting. Size, species, location, timing of planting, and on-going maintenance of replacement trees must be in accordance with the technical specifications in Chapter 11.60.
B. Payment into Tree Planting and Preservation Fund. When the City Administrator determines that there is insufficient or unsuitable area to accommodate some or all of the replacement trees within the street planting area or site, the City Administrator may require payment into the Tree Planting and Preservation Fund instead of requiring replacement trees. Payment is based on the adopted fee schedule.
Full Breakdown
Under Portland City Code section 11.40.060, a permitted tree removal generally must be replaced tree-for-tree, one new tree per tree removed. Removing a tree 20 inches or larger in diameter, or removing more than 4 healthy trees from a site or right-of-way in a year, triggers inch-for-inch replacement instead, where the City Administrator sets how many new trees are needed to match the total diameter inches removed. When there isn't room to plant enough replacement trees, the City Administrator may instead require payment into the Tree Planting and Preservation Fund, or waive or reduce replacement if site density standards are already met.
Violations & Fines
Removing or altering a regulated tree without a tree permit is unlawful under Portland City Code section 11.70.050(B); the City Administrator issues a notice and order requiring correction, restoration, or replacement, with civil penalties under Chapter 11.70 for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to plant a replacement tree?
What if I don't have room to replant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle tree removal & heritage trees.