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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Who may nominate
Any person, agency, or group
Owner consent
Required for designation
Review body
Urban Forestry Subcommittee
Re-inventory interval
Every 4 years

Summary

Gresham designates individual trees or groves as Significant when they show distinctive size, beauty, historic association, or ecological value, adding them to a protected inventory the Urban Forestry Subcommittee maintains.

An individual tree may be considered Significant if it is apparently in a healthy growing condition and on of the following exist: 1. The tree has a distinctive size, shape, or location, or is of a distinctive species or age which warrants a Significant status; or 2. The tree possesses exceptional beauty which warrants a Significant status.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Any person, agency, or group may nominate a tree or grove for Significant status, but only with the property owner's consent. The City's Urban Forestry Subcommittee evaluates each nominee against the designation criteria, then forwards recommendations to the Development Code Manager for approval under a Type II procedure. Listed trees are re-inspected at least every four years, and an owner who wants a tree removed from the list outside that review cycle must go through a Type II procedure of their own, unless the Subcommittee finds the tree hazardous or the owner withdraws consent.

Violations & Fines

Pruning more than 20 percent of a Significant Tree's limbs, or removing it without following the Section 9.1051-9.1056 procedures, is enforceable under GRC Article 7.50 civil penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the City designate my tree as Significant without my consent?
No. Designation requires the property owner's consent, and the Significant Tree list nomination process runs through the Urban Forestry Subcommittee per Section 9.1053.
How do I get a tree removed from the Significant Tree list?
Outside the Subcommittee's periodic review, an owner must apply through a Type II procedure, unless the Subcommittee finds the tree hazardous or the owner withdraws consent, per Section 9.1053.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Gresham

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParkway PlantingSome RestrictionsProtected Tree SpeciesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Gresham rules

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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Multnomah County handle heritage & protected trees.

Portland, OR
Significant Restrictions