Salem's Unified Development Code Chapter 808 protects significant trees on private property—including Oregon white oaks 20″ DBH and all species 30″ DBH—requiring a land-use permit before removal and mandatory two-for-one replanting when a healthy tree is removed.
UDC Chapter 808 (Protected Trees and Vegetation) classifies as protected: Oregon white oaks at 20 inches or greater diameter at breast height (DBH), and any tree species at 30 inches or greater DBH (excluding tree-of-heaven, empress tree, black cottonwood, and black locust). Removal requires a Tree Removal Permit from the Planning Division. A healthy protected tree may be removed only when required by development that cannot meet code through design alternatives; even then, a 2:1 replacement ratio applies—two new trees for each removed tree. Heritage trees designated by City Council receive added protections. Mitigation may be satisfied via a fee to the City's Urban Forest Fund if on-site replanting is infeasible.
Removing a protected tree without a permit violates UDC § 808; penalties include civil fines, required replanting at a punitive ratio, and stop-work orders on associated construction. Willful violations may result in criminal citation.
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See how Salem's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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