Before you call a tree company — or pick up a chainsaw yourself — there’s one question worth answering first: does your city require a permit to remove this tree?
The answer depends entirely on where you live. In some cities, you can take down almost any tree on your private property without paperwork. In others, removing a single medium-sized tree without a permit can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines.
We serve homeowners across a wide stretch of the Portland south metro and Willamette Valley, and permit rules vary dramatically from one city to the next — sometimes from one neighborhood to the next. Here’s a straight-talk breakdown for every city in our service area.
The Universal Rule: Street Trees Always Require a Permit
Before getting into city-by-city differences, there’s one rule that applies everywhere: street trees always require a permit.
A street tree is any tree in the public right-of-way — typically in the planting strip between the sidewalk and the curb. Even though these trees sit in front of your house and you’re often responsible for maintaining them, they belong to the city. Removing one without authorization can result in significant fines and a required replacement at your expense, no matter which city you live in.
If you’re not sure whether a tree is on your private property or in the right-of-way, call us — we can help you figure it out before any work begins.
Permit Requirements by City
Beaverton
Most trees on private residential property in Beaverton do not require a removal permit. However, Beaverton has designated certain trees as protected — including those in Significant Tree/Grove zones, Historic Tree/Grove designations, Significant Natural Resource Zones, and trees designated as Landscape Trees. These zones are not always visible on public maps, so if you’re unsure, call the Beaverton Planning Division at 503-526-2420 before proceeding.
Street trees: Always require a permit. Contact Beaverton Urban Forestry at 503-526-3724.
Tigard
In Tigard, single-family homeowners can generally remove trees on their private property without a permit — with some important exceptions. A permit is required if the tree is a street tree, a median tree, a heritage tree, a tree planted using the Urban Forestry Fund, or a native tree in a sensitive area (steep slopes, 100-year floodplain, stream corridors, wetlands, or significant habitat areas).
If you’re not sure whether your tree falls into one of those categories, Tigard’s Urban Forestry department can help, or we can advise you during a site visit.
Street trees: Always require a permit. Contact Tigard Community Development at 503-718-2421.
Sherwood
Sherwood takes a relatively relaxed approach: trees on single-family residential property generally do not require a removal permit, but homeowners are limited to 5 trees per calendar year. If you need to remove more than 5 trees in a year, additional approval is required. Street trees are regulated under city code.
Street trees: Always require a permit. Contact Sherwood Planning at 503-625-5522.
Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego has one of the more comprehensive tree codes in the region. A permit is required to remove any tree 6 inches DBH (diameter at breast height) or greater on private residential property. DBH is measured at 4.5 feet above the ground — roughly chest height.
There are two types of private tree removal permits:
- Type 1 — No application fee. For trees that are dead, hazardous, or otherwise qualify for streamlined approval.
- Type 2 — $50 application fee. For elective removals or more complex situations, requires a public notice period.
Dead and hazardous trees are generally approved through the Type 1 process with appropriate documentation. Applications can be submitted to the Lake Oswego Planning Department by email at trees@lakeoswego.city or in person.
Street trees: Always require a permit. Contact Lake Oswego Planning at 503-635-0290.
West Linn
West Linn has a broad tree ordinance. A permit is required for all trees within city limits that meet these size thresholds:
- Oregon White Oak, Pacific Madrone, and Pacific Dogwood: 6 inches DBH or greater
- All other species: 12 inches DBH or greater
Emergency removals (storm damage, immediate hazards) must be reported to West Linn’s non-emergency dispatch at 503-635-0238. For standard removals, permit applications are processed by West Linn Parks & Recreation — budget up to 30 business days for review.
Street trees: Always require a permit. Contact West Linn Parks & Recreation at 503-557-4700 or email treepermits@westlinnoregon.gov.
Tualatin
In Tualatin, single-family homeowners can remove up to 4 trees per year without a permit — unless the tree is a Heritage Tree, located in a wetland, or within a Clean Water Services vegetated corridor. If you want to remove more than 4 trees in a year, you’ll need to submit a single-family tree removal permit through the Tualatin Planning Division.
Trees 8 inches or greater in diameter on private property are regulated under Chapter 33 of the Tualatin Development Code, so when in doubt, check with the city before starting work.
Street trees: Always require a permit. Contact Tualatin Parks and Recreation at 503-691-3061.
Wilsonville
Wilsonville requires a permit to remove any tree 6 inches DBH or greater on private property. There are three permit types depending on the scope of work:
- Type A — Up to 3 trees per property per calendar year
- Type B — 4 or more trees on a single property (apply through the City’s Online Permitting Portal)
- Type C — Required for site development work
Pruning does not require a permit in Wilsonville, but all work must follow ANSI A300 standards, and tree topping is prohibited.
Street trees: Always require a permit. Contact Wilsonville Planning at 503-682-4960.
Oregon City
Oregon City requires a permit for removing trees on private single-family lots — but the good news is that these permits are free of charge. You’ll apply through the Oregon City Planning Department, and replacement may be required depending on the circumstances.
For hazardous trees, an ISA Certified Arborist report strengthens your application. If replanting on-site isn’t feasible, alternatives include planting a tree on another property in Oregon City, donating a tree to city parks, or paying a mitigation fee as a last resort.
Street trees: Always require a permit. Contact Oregon City Planning at 503-657-0891.
Canby
In Canby, residents can remove up to 2 trees per year on private property without a permit. The same applies to commercial properties (up to 2 trees per year, per acre). Removing additional trees requires a more detailed permit through the Canby Public Works Department.
Street trees: Always require a permit. Contact Canby Public Works at 503-266-0759.
Newberg
Newberg is relatively homeowner-friendly: if you own a single-family home, the city does not require a permit to remove trees on your private property. The main exception is trees within a stream corridor overlay zone — those require approval before removal. Commercial, multifamily, and institutional properties have additional rules, particularly for trees required as part of a design review approval.
Street trees: Always require a permit. Contact Newberg Planning at 503-537-1240.
Quick Reference Table
| City | Private Property Permit Required? | DBH Threshold | Street Trees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaverton | Generally no (exceptions for designated trees) | Varies by zone | Always required |
| Tigard | Generally no (exceptions apply) | N/A | Always required |
| Sherwood | No (max 5/year) | N/A | Always required |
| Lake Oswego | Yes | 6″ or greater | Always required |
| West Linn | Yes | 6–12″ depending on species | Always required |
| Tualatin | No (up to 4/year) | 8″ triggers review | Always required |
| Wilsonville | Yes | 6″ or greater | Always required |
| Oregon City | Yes (free permit) | All trees | Always required |
| Canby | No (up to 2/year) | N/A | Always required |
| Newberg | No (exceptions apply) | N/A | Always required |
What About Emergency Removals?
When a tree fails in a storm and poses an immediate safety threat, the normal permit process doesn’t always apply — but you should still notify your city as soon as possible after the emergency work is done. Most cities have provisions for emergency removals, but documentation (photos, an arborist’s written assessment) protects you if questions arise later.
If a branch or tree comes down on your property during a storm, call Grove Tree Care at 503-208-4071. We handle emergency work throughout our service area and can help document the situation for city reporting requirements.
Can a Tree Company Pull the Permit for Me?
Yes — and we do. Grove Tree Care handles the permit process for our customers as part of the job. We know the local requirements, know which forms to file, and can get your project moving without you spending hours on the phone with city planning departments.
If you’re unsure whether your tree requires a permit, the simplest thing to do is give us a call. We’ll assess the tree, confirm your city’s requirements, and handle the paperwork so your removal goes smoothly — no surprises, no fines.
Ready to get started? Request a Free Estimate or call 503-208-4071.
Permit rules are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with your city’s planning or urban forestry department before beginning any tree work. Grove Tree Care serves Beaverton, Tigard, Sherwood, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Oregon City, Canby, Newberg, and surrounding areas in Washington, Clackamas, and Yamhill counties.
Grove Tree Care | 2050 Beavercreek Rd, STE 130, Oregon City, OR 97045 | 503-208-4071 | info@thegrovetree.com