Multnomah County, OR Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Removal cap
- 50% of mature trees (6" DBH+)
- Replacement ratio
- 1-for-1 with comparable species
- Applies in
- SEC-wr / SEC-s riparian overlays only
- Fine range
- $45-$3,500 per day (MCC 39.1698)
- Not covered
- Portland and other cities excluded
Summary
Within Multnomah County's mapped SEC riparian overlays, developers cannot clear more than half of mature trees (6-inch DBH or larger) without replacing them one-for-one with a comparable native species. The rule applies only inside the SEC-wr and SEC-s zones, not countywide and not in Portland.
Development in areas of dense standing trees shall be designed to minimize the numbers of trees to be cut. No more than 50 percent of mature standing trees (of 6-inch DBH or greater) shall be removed without a onefor-one replacement with comparable species. Replacement trees shall be placed within the riparian corridor or adjacent to it to provide shade and water retention. Size of the replacement trees shall be 5 gallon or greater. The site plan for the proposed activity shall identify all mature standing trees by type, size, and location, which are proposed for removal, and the location and type of replacement trees.
(c) Areas of standing trees, shrubs, and natural vegetation shall remain connected or contiguous, particularly along natural drainage courses, so as to provide a transition between the proposed development and the natural resource, to provide food, water, and
cover for wildlife, and to protect the visual amenity values of the natural resource.
(d) The Riparian Area shall be restored to "Good Corridor condition" as defined in MCC 39.5590 (D)(1), and maintained in accordance with the mitigation plan pursuant MCC 39.5590 (D).
(e) To the extent practicable, existing vegetation shall be protected and left in place.
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Code § 39.5590(C)(4)(b) governs tree removal on land within the county's Significant Environmental Concern - Water Resources (SEC-wr) and Significant Streams (SEC-s) overlays, mapped along protected streams, wetlands and riparian corridors. Development in stands of dense trees must minimize cutting, and no more than 50 percent of mature trees at least 6 inches in diameter at breast height can come down without a one-for-one replacement using a comparable species, planted in or next to the corridor for shade and water retention. The SEC-wr overlay covers only specific mapped riparian areas in unincorporated county land - it doesn't reach Portland, Gresham or the county's other cities, and land outside the overlay boundary has no such tree limit.
Violations & Fines
Cutting past the 50 percent threshold without replacement is a code violation. County land use enforcement can fine violators $45 to $3,500 per day of noncompliance under MCC 39.1698(A), plus require restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tree rule apply to my property in Portland?
What trees count toward the 50 percent limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon tree protection overview
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