What happens when a tree or tree debris falls?
Generally, because trees grow anywhere and fall anywhere, the property owner who has incurred the tree debris or sustained damage is responsible for debris cleanup and the repair of their own property damage, even if the tree originated on a neighbor’s property. This is true whether the neighbor is another homeowner, business, or the City of Tigard. This is also true when a tree falls on a vehicle. The vehicle owner is responsible for cost of their own repair. More information can be found here.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree at my house?
Maybe. Trees on individual single family lots do not require a permit, unless they are a street tree, heritage tree, a tree planted using the Urban Forestry Fund or are native and located within sensitive lands (steep slopes, 100-year floodplain, stream corridors, significant habitat areas or wetlands). In these situations a tree removal permit is required.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my commercial, industrial or apartment/condominium property?
Most likely. In addition to the situations listed above, permits are required to remove trees that were required with development. Trees in commercial, industrial or apartment/condominium developments most likely were required by land use approval.
For trees required with development, there are two options for review:
- The City Board or Committee decision-making process.
In most cases, a replacement tree is required. For more information about both processes and which might apply to your situation, please see Tree Permit Requirements.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from the planter strip or public right-of-way fronting my property?
Yes, trees in these areas, usually referred to as street trees, can be removed through either the City Manager decision making process or the City Board or Committee decision-making process. In most cases, a replacement tree is required. For more information about both processes and which might apply to your situation, please see Tree Permit Requirements.
How do I get a permit and how long does it take?
The tree removal permit application can be found online. Submit the completed application, supporting documentation and any applicable fees to the city for review and approval. Most tree removal permits can be processed within 10 days.
What should I do when a tree is lifting up the sidewalk in front of my house?
Consult with an ISA certified arborist about preserving the tree. If this is not possible, find out whether a tree removal permit is required and obtain one, if necessary. A Public Facility Improvement application is required for the repair of the sidewalk.
What is the penalty for illegally damaging or removing a tree?
As specified in Section 1.16.640 of the Tigard Municipal Code, the penalty is:
Not less than $250 per unlawfully removed tree and not more than the city's cost to plant and maintain for three years an equivalent number of 1 ½ inch caliper trees with a combined caliper equal to the DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) of each unlawfully removed tree.
As of July 1, 2015, the city's cost to plant and maintain a 1-½ inch caliper tree for three years is $550. Therefore, the maximum fine for illegally removing a 12-inch DBH tree is $4,400. The tree must be replaced per the Urban Forestry Manual replacement standards specified for each type of tree.
Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the planter strip or public right of way fronting my property?
Yes the city must approve the species and planting location for street trees per the Urban Forestry Manual, Section 2. Check with the city regarding specific permit requirements.
Is it true that the city offers free street trees for Tigard property owners?
Yes, the city's free street tree program offers street trees to Tigard residents annually.
I'm worried about my street tree. Can the city come out and inspect it?
Street trees, although they may be in the public right of way, are the adjacent property owner's responsibility. We recommend hiring ISA certified arborists for tree inspections.
How do I determine who owns a tree or is responsible for its maintenance?
The only way to definitively determine the ownership of a tree is by hiring a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) to survey the tree in relation to property lines. A local PLS can be found at www.plso.org.
Will the city maintain or remove the street tree in front of my house?
No, street tree maintenance is the responsibility of the fronting property owner. Additionally, Tigard (as with most cities) requires that street trees be maintained per tree care industry standards. In addition, tree branches need to be maintained 8 feet above sidewalks and 13-18 feet above the street depending on the street type (see Urban Forestry Manual Section 2, Part 2 for details). The city recommends working with an ISA certified arborist to maintain street trees.
I'm worried about the condition of a tree on my property. Can the city come out and inspect it?
No, trees on private property are the owner's responsibility. We recommend hiring an ISA certified arborist for tree inspections.
I'm worried about a tree on my neighbor's property. What can the city do?
Sometimes talking with your neighbor is the quickest way to address a problem. The City of Tigard partners with Beaverton's Dispute Resolution Center to offer free mediation services to Tigard residents. For more information about this program, please visit the Center for Mediation & Dialogue, or contact them at 503-526-2523, or email them.
If these efforts are unsuccessful, the city offers a hazard tree evaluation and abatement program. You can pursue the informal reconciliation process outlined in the Urban Forestry Manual, Section 1. If the issue is still unresolved, you may request the assistance of the city through a formal reconciliation process. Contact the city for more information.
I'm worried about the condition of a tree on city property, such as a park or greenway. Who should I contact?
Contact us at 503-718-2598 or parks@tigard-or.gov.
I plan on developing my property. Am I required to plant trees? Are there incentives for preserving existing trees?
Yes. The Community Development Code contains information regarding the city's tree canopy requirements. Incentives for preserving existing trees, such as receiving double credit towards the canopy requirements are also found in this section. There are additional incentives for preserving significant tree groves such as clustering development, increasing building heights and reducing setbacks.
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