Frequently Requested Information - Trees

Approvals to cut down street trees are granted by the Planning Division through the tree permitting process. Typically, a Type B tree removal permit is required to remove street trees. Permits to cut down street trees are only granted under exceptional circumstances, such as when a tree is presenting an imminent hazard to person or property or the tree is diseased or dying. Typically, an arborist’s report is required, detailing information about the tree’s health and considerations of alternatives to removal. An arborist’s report may not be required in cases where there is other clear evidence that the tree is dead/dying or needs to be removed. Please contact the Planning Division if you have questions about whether an arborist’s report is required in your circumstance. All street trees permitted to be removed must be replaced or otherwise mitigated by the property owner.

All properties in Wilsonville that border the Willamette River are affected by the Willamette River Greenway (WRG) overlay zone. Generally, the WRG is 150 feet from the ordinary low water line up the bank on either side of the river. Because the intent of the WRG overlay zone is to enhance and protect the scenic view of the river, tree cutting in this zone may require a conditional use permit (CUP) which is granted by the Development Review Board. See Wilsonville Code section 4.514 for more information. In cases, where a tree is dying or damaged, removal can be reviewed through a Class 2 Administrative Review or Type B Tree Permit process.

Yes, any tree in the City measuring six inches or more diameter at breast height (DBH), at four and one-half feet above grade, requires a permit prior to cutting it down. Smaller trees may require approval if they are street trees or other required landscape trees. The Wilsonville Tree Manual is a helpful reference for the type of permit/process that may be required to remove a tree.

Yes. Periodically, the city, in conjunction with other agencies, offers workshops on naturescaping. Naturescaping is landscaping that allows people and nature to coexist. By incorporating native plants into your yard, you can attract insects, birds, and other creatures and help keep Wilsonville’s wetlands and streams healthy. Visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website for more information.

Yes. It is found in Wilsonville City Code Section 4.600.

The cost depends on the permit type and the number of trees being proposed for removal. See the Planning Fee Schedule.

The City does not have an official street tree list. Please see the Recommended Street Tree List or contact the Planning Division for the latest resources on street trees.

Heritage trees are trees that have been classified as unique and/or significant by the Heritage Tree Committee, a subcommittee of the Art’s Culture, and Heritage Commission. If you are interested in being on the Committee, open Commission seats are posted on the Apply for a Board or Commission page. If you would like to nominate a tree to be designated a Heritage tree please contact the Planning Division at 503-682-4960 or visit the Heritage Tree Nominations page to submit a nomination form online.

If a tree has been damaged or is likely to cause imminent injury or damage to person or property after a storm or other event, tree removal is allowed without a permit. However, the property owner must take a photograph, or still image of the tree, that will clearly demonstrate the hazard(s) that are to be mitigated by removing the tree. The property owner must still apply for a retroactive type A tree removal permit within 30 days following the emergency removal and include proof of hazard.

A Type C Tree Removal Plan must be applied for if a property owner is proposing to remove trees as part of a site development application. The cost depends on the number of trees being proposed for removal. See the Planning Fee Schedule.