Gresham, OR Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Trees covered
- Regulated, Required, Significant trees
- Zone radius
- 1 ft per inch DBH
- Fence height
- 4 feet minimum chain-link
- Trenching in root zone
- Prohibited
Summary
Before a Gresham building or land-use permit disturbs ground near a Regulated, Required, or Significant tree, the developer must fence off a protection zone sized to the tree's trunk diameter.
A Tree Protection Plan is required and shall designate as protected all Regulated, Required, and Significant Trees/Significant Groves that are to remain on the site after development is complete and other trees recommended for protection by the Certified Arborist preparing the plan, if a Certified Arborist is required below. The Tree Protection Plan shall show all required tree protection, but is only required to be prepared by a Certified Arborist if activity (including but not limited to: construction equipment traffic/maneuvering, material storage, and grading) is proposed within the tree protection zone. A tree protection zone shall be installed with protective fencing around all Regulated, Required, and Significant Trees/Significant Grove to remain on site and shall be located in a radius from the tree at a rate of 1 foot of horizontal distance from the tree for each 1 inch diameter of tree, or as determined by a Certified Arborist. For a Significant Grove, the perimeter of the Grove shall be where the area of protection is located with the radius measured from each tree located along the perimeter of the Grove, or as determined by a Certified Arborist.
City of Gresham Development Code
[9.1000]-8
(06/26)
Figure 9.1031: Illustration of a Tree Protection Zone
Full Breakdown
Section 9.1031 protects three tree categories during construction: Regulated Trees 8 inches DBH or larger, Required Trees such as street or landscape trees, and City-designated Significant Trees and Groves. A Tree Protection Plan must fence the protection zone at a radius of one foot for every inch of trunk diameter, using chain-link fencing at least 4 feet high or an approved alternative staked every 4 feet. No soil compaction, vegetation removal, machinery cleaning within 10 feet, or utility trenching is allowed inside that zone, and no protected tree may be removed without the Manager's prior written approval.
Violations & Fines
Disturbing a marked Tree Protection Zone or removing a protected tree without the Manager's written approval violates Section 9.1031 and is enforceable under GRC Article 7.50 civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can construction equipment get to a protected tree?
Can I remove a tree marked for protection on my building permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon tree protection overview
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