Corvallis, OR Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for plantings taller than
- 24 inches
- Permitting authority
- City Manager
- Hydrant/utility pole clearance
- 10 feet minimum
- Streetlight clearance
- 20 feet minimum
- Sewer/water line clearance
- 10 feet minimum
- Maximum fine
- $500 per tree
- Appeal deadline
- 10 days to City Council
Summary
Anyone planting a tree, shrub, or other plant that can grow taller than 24 inches in a City of Corvallis park strip needs a permit from the City Manager under Municipal Code Section 2.19.060. The Land Development Code sets clearance rules keeping new plantings at least 10 feet from fire hydrants, water lines, and sewers and 20 feet from streetlights.
1)No adjacent property owner shall plant, any tree, shrub or vegetation that has the potential to grow 24 inches or taller in the park strip areas and other public lands of the City without first obtaining a permit to do so from the City Manager. The City maintains a list of recommended trees. ... c)Location of parking meters, light standards, crosswalks, buildings, entrance and exit ways, streets, utility poles, alleys, loading zones, and other physical conditions and legal restrictions then existing or reasonably contemplated. Reference Corvallis Land Development Code 4.2.30 (Required Tree Planting), trees shall not be planted within 10 feet of fire hydrants and utility poles; within 20 feet of street light standards; or within 10 feet of a public sanitary sewer, storm drainage or water line.
Full Breakdown
The Corvallis Municipal Code regulates planting in the park strip, defined at Section 2.19.020 as the space between the curb and the sidewalk, along with other City rights-of-way and public lands. Section 2.19.060 requires an adjacent property owner to obtain a City Manager permit before planting any tree, shrub, or vegetation capable of growing 24 inches or taller there, and the City keeps a recommended tree list to guide the choice. Anyone paid to plant, prune, root-prune, or remove a street or public tree must first meet current state licensing requirements, carry insurance and bond, and be registered with the Construction Contractors Board under Section 2.19.040.
In reviewing an application, Section 2.19.070 directs the City Manager to weigh the width of the planting space, the species and growth habit proposed, and the location of parking meters, light standards, crosswalks, utility poles, and similar features; it also cross-references Land Development Code Section 4.2.30, which keeps new plantings at least 10 feet from fire hydrants and utility poles, 20 feet from street light standards, and 10 feet from a public sanitary sewer, storm drain, or water line. Section 2.19.080 makes any resulting permit nontransferable and revocable at the City Manager's discretion, and puts the cost of installation and upkeep on the permittee, who must also indemnify the City.
An aggrieved applicant can appeal the City Manager's decision to the City Council within 10 days under Section 2.19.090. Planting without the required permit is punishable under Section 2.19.180 by a fine of up to $500 per tree.
Violations & Fines
Planting a tree, shrub, or other vegetation over 24 inches tall in a Corvallis park strip without a City Manager permit is punishable under Section 2.19.180 by a fine of up to $500 per tree and can be charged as a Class A infraction under ORS 153.110 to 153.310. The City Manager can also revoke a noncomplying permit at any time under Section 2.19.080(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the park strip in Corvallis?
How far from a fire hydrant can I plant a street tree?
What if the City denies my planting permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corvallis
Compare Corvallis to another location·View the Oregon tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.