Portland, OR Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

1. Sidewalk clearance. Branches of trees extending over sidewalks may not be less than 7½ feet above the sidewalk.

2. Roadway clearance. Branches of trees extending into any public or private roadway may not be less than 11 feet above the pavement. Moreover, on any street designated as a Regional Trafficway, Major City Traffic Street, District Collector, or a one-way street where parking has been prohibited, branches must be trimmed to a height of 14 feet above the crown of the street.

3. Overhead powerline clearance. Branches of any tree may not interfere with any light, pole, or overhead powerline used in connection with or as a part of the City or public utility system. In addition to the authority granted to the City to prune or direct property owners to prune trees in violation of this Section, a public utility operating pursuant to an approved programmatic permit may also prune any tree that interferes with the safe operation of the utility system.

E. Visibility. The owner or responsible party must keep trees located on the property or on the adjacent street planting area from completely or partially obstructing visibility as follows:

1. Visibility of traffic control devices such as directional and informational signs as defined by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices;

2. Visibility for drivers, bicyclists, or pedestrians; or

3. In any way that presents an unreasonable hazard to the travelling public.

F. Sidewalks and curbs.