Portland, OR Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing body
- Urban Forestry Commission + City Council
- Designation basis
- Age, size, historical or horticultural value
- Private tree consent
- Owner consent required, recorded on deed
- Removal without consent
- Unlawful without written authorization
- Removal vote threshold
- 6 of 11 UFC members
Summary
Portland designates Heritage Trees by City Council action, and removing, pruning, or injuring one without written authorization from the City Administrator is unlawful.
Heritage trees on private property must be maintained by the property owner. It is unlawful for any person without prior written authorization from the City Administrator to remove, prune, or injure any Heritage Tree. The City Forester will report to the Urban Forestry Commission any such authorization granted.
I. Emergencies.
1. If the City Administrator determines that a Heritage Tree is dangerous and is a threat to public safety, the City Administrator may order the tree to be removed without prior consent from the UFC.
2. In an emergency, when the City Administrator is unavailable, pruning only what is necessary to abate an immediate danger may be performed without authorization by the City Administrator. Any additional work must be performed under the provisions of this Section.
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 11.20.060, trees become Heritage Trees only through City Council designation on a recommendation from the Urban Forestry Commission, and private-property designations require the owner's consent, recorded on the deed. Once designated, a Heritage Tree may be removed only with Urban Forestry Commission consent after a public hearing, and it is unlawful for anyone to remove, prune, or injure a Heritage Tree without prior written authorization from the City Administrator. Emergency pruning to abate immediate danger is allowed without authorization, but only what is necessary.
Violations & Fines
Removing, pruning, or injuring a designated Heritage Tree without prior written City Administrator authorization is unlawful under § 11.20.060(H); removal otherwise requires Urban Forestry Commission consent following a public hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a Heritage Tree on my own property in Portland?
Who designates a tree as a Portland Heritage Tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
Compare Portland to another location·View the Oregon tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle heritage & protected trees.