Uncontrolled cutting or destruction of trees within the city decreases the community's livability. It is in the public interest to preserve significant trees, to control the cutting of trees, and to protect trees from damage. Trees in Gresham are regulated differently depending on their location, purpose, size, and significance.
Before removing any tree on your property, and to determine whether you need a removal permit, contact the Planner on Duty at 503-618-2780 or POD@GreshamOregon.gov. Contact us with any questions about trees in your yard. Visit our online permit system to apply for a tree removal permit or exception request. If you do not have access to a computer, contact the Planner on Duty.
When is a permit not required?
Any tree less than six inches in diameter measured at 4.5 feet in height may be removed without a permit. Outside sensitive areas trees 6-8 inches in diameter may also be removed without a permit. Relocation of a healthy tree is encouraged.
Trees in sensitive areas
In the floodplain, hillside and geologic risk and natural resource overlays, trees more than six inches in diameter perform special functions, so they have special protections. Contact the Planner on Duty at POD@GreshamOregon.gov for specific regulations. Most need to be retained if they are healthy and replaced if they need to be removed. You can check whether any of these areas are present on your property by typing your address into Gresham Map.
Regulated trees
Trees more than eight inches in diameter, measured at 4.5 feet, are regulated trees. Except on properties in the Hillside, Habitat Conservation Area, or Flood Plain areas or as otherwise specified in the City's tree regulations:
- Up to three regulated trees on an undeveloped or low density residential property 35,000 square feet or less may be removed within a 12-month period.
- Six regulated trees on an undeveloped or low density residential a property over 35,000 square feet may be removed within a 12-month period.
You must obtain a
tree removal exemption prior to removal of any regulated trees on your property.
When is a permit required?
Tree locations and permits required
- Trees located around the perimeter of a site that were required through a development permit as buffer trees:
Type I tree removal.
- Trees more than six-inch in diameter, measured at 4.5 feet, in the floodplain, hillside and geologic risk overlay, resource area or potential resource area can be removed with a Type I tree removal permit if they are dangerous or invasive and will need to be replaced at a ratio of one-to-one. Trees that are not dangerous can only be removed with another development permit.
- Trees located within a commercial, industrial, or multi-family landscaping area or a parking lot:
Type I tree removal; additionally, these trees must be replaced at a ratio of one-to-one
- Removal of more than three or six regulated trees (as described above under regulated trees):
Type II tree removal permit
- Removal of a significant tree:
Type III hearings official decision based on criteria in Section 9.1000 of the Development Code.
- Removal of a street tree:
Type I tree removal
If you have any questions about tree removal contact the Planner on Duty at 503-618-2780 or POD@GreshamOregon.gov for additional information.
Fees and timelines
- Permit: Type I tree removal permit: no fee
Timeline: Up to one week - Permit: Type II tree removal permit: see the City fee schedule
Timeline: Up to three three months - Permit: Type III hearings procedure: no fee
Timeline: Up to four months