Portland has designated over 325 Heritage Trees since 1993 under City Code 11.50 (former 20.40). Heritage Trees receive the highest protection - removal requires Portland City Council or Heritage Tree Committee approval. Damage or removal carries civil penalties up to three times the tree's appraised value. Nominations are made by residents and approved by City Council.
Portland's Heritage Tree program, one of the oldest in the Pacific Northwest, was established in 1993 and is now codified in Portland City Code Title 11 Chapter 11.50. Trees are nominated by residents and evaluated by the Urban Forestry Commission based on: size (among largest of species), age (historic significance), unique form or species rarity, association with historic events or people, or exceptional community value. As of 2024, Portland has over 325 officially designated Heritage Trees on public and private property. Removal requires City Council approval after Urban Forestry Commission review - rarely granted except for imminent hazard. Private property owners can refuse Heritage Tree designation, but once accepted the protections run with the land. Pruning beyond standard maintenance requires city arborist approval. Construction near Heritage Trees requires a protected root zone barrier (typically 1 foot radius per inch of DBH). Unincorporated Multnomah County and other cities do not have formal Heritage Tree registries, but MCC 39.5500 protects Significant Natural Resource trees. Oregon Heritage Tree Program (OPRD) also recognizes state-level heritage trees, including several in Multnomah County.
Heritage Tree damage or unauthorized removal: civil penalty up to 3x appraised value, often $10,000-$100,000+ depending on species and size. Replacement planting required at 3:1 or greater ratio. Portland Code 11.80.040. Construction damage without protection plan: $5,000+ per violation plus remediation.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Multnomah County.
See how Gresham's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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