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Eugene, OR Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing sections: EC 6.300, 6.305(4), 6.330(b)
Heritage tree basis: Size, history, location or species
Classification method: Set by administrative rule (EC 2.019)
Right-of-way heritage trees: Felling barred without city authorization
Penalty: $100-$4,000 per tree, up to 100 days jail

Summary

Eugene designates heritage trees by administrative rule based on size, history, location or species, and separately bars anyone from felling a heritage tree standing in the public right-of-way unless the city grants authorization to protect public health, safety or welfare.

Heritage tree. Any tree of exceptional value to our community based on its size (relative to species), history, location, or species, or any combination of these criteria. The specific methodology for classifying a tree as a heritage tree shall be established by administrative rule of the city manager adopted pursuant to section 2.019 of this code. ... Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section and section 6.330(b) of this code, no person shall fell a heritage tree from within the public right-of-way except where such removal, and authorization for its removal, has been granted by the city because its removal is necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 20739, passed June 8, 2026).

Full Breakdown

019. 330(b), so no one may fell a right-of-way heritage tree at all unless the city has specifically authorized the removal as necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare. 320's criteria. 6210's development agreement requires the developer to replace it, with the heritage replacement ratio tied to the number of credits the tree earned. The Eugene Code is current through Ordinance 20739, passed June 8, 2026.

Violations & Fines

Felling a heritage tree from the public right-of-way without the city's specific authorization falls under the general tree-felling penalty at EC 6.990(3): a fine of $100 to $4,000 per tree removed, up to 100 days in jail, or both, and the city attorney may pursue legal action at the city manager's request to enforce EC 6.305 and 6.310.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a tree a "heritage tree" in Eugene?

EC 6.300 defines it as any tree of exceptional value to the community based on its size relative to species, its history, its location, its species, or a combination of those factors. The exact methodology for classifying a specific tree is set by the city manager through an administrative rule adopted under EC 2.019, not by the ordinance itself.

Can I cut down a heritage tree on the parking strip in front of my house?

No, not without the city's authorization. EC 6.305(4) overrides both the standard felling-permit thresholds and the small-lot exemption, so a heritage tree within the public right-of-way can only be felled if the city grants authorization because removal is necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare.

Does preserving a heritage tree during development help meet city requirements?

Yes. EC 9.6215 gives development credit for preserving a heritage tree, and if a credited tree later dies within five years, the replacement agreement under EC 9.6210 requires replacement trees equal to the number of credits the original tree earned.

Sources & Official References

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All Eugene rules

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