Marion County, OR Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Private-tree permit
- None county-wide
- Nuisance trigger
- Blocks view of public right-of-way
- County citation
- MCC 8.15.030 / 8.15.040
- Salem exemption
- Vision-clearance trimming allowed
- Cities
- Own street-tree rules apply
Summary
Marion County requires no permit to trim trees on your own property, but vegetation that blocks the view of a public right-of-way is a traffic-hazard nuisance you must cut back. In Salem, trimming near intersections must keep vision-clearance areas open.
...vegetation that is a traffic hazard because it impairs the view of a public right-of-way or otherwise makes use of public right-of-way hazardous.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 1489, passed April 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
There is no county-wide permit to prune trees on private, unincorporated land. However, Marion County's Nuisance Vegetation ordinance (MCC 8.15) classifies vegetation that is a traffic hazard, because it impairs the view of a public right-of-way, as an abatable nuisance, so limbs blocking sight lines at driveways and intersections must be trimmed. Inside Salem, the city's tree code (SRC Chapter 808) does not require a permit for routine maintenance, and expressly exempts trimming needed to keep a vision-clearance area clear under SRC Chapter 805. Trees overhanging a county road or city street may be handled by the road authority.
Violations & Fines
Traffic-hazard vegetation is abatable under MCC 8.15 after notice; the county may cut it and charge the owner, with unpaid costs becoming a lien. City street-tree trimming standards apply inside Salem, Keizer and Woodburn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim my own tree?
What about trimming near a Salem intersection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion County
Compare Marion County to another location·View the Oregon landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.