Are there recommended trees in the development code for landscaping?
Yes. Wilsonville Code section 4.176, titled Landscaping, Screening, and Buffering, regulates materials, placement, layout, and timing of installation of all landscaping. The Recommended Street Tree List can also be a helpful resource for street trees or landscaping. Be sure to consult an arborist to determine that the desired tree will thrive in the space that you plan to plant.
Can I be reimbursed for trees I buy to replace the trees I cut down?
The City of Wilsonville Tree Replacement Reimbursement Program offers reimbursement for a replacement tree to any type A tree removal permit grantee who buys and plants a tree and provides the appropriate documentation. Applicants can receive up to $100 per person per year from the city’s tree fund.
Can I cut down a street tree?
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.
Can the City help me pay for a replacement street tree?
The City does not currently have a program to assist with the costs of removing and replacing street trees. The Sidewalk Repair Reimbursement Program can help with costs of sidewalk repairs related to tree root damage. The City also frequently works with Friends of Trees, who may be able to help source and replant street trees for a lower cost. To sign up for a street tree with Friends of Trees, please visit their website or contact Friends of Trees directly to determine eligibility.
Can trees be cut down on property along the Willamette River?
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.
Can trees be cut down on property in the Significant Resource Overlay Zone (SROZ)?
The SROZ protects the most important natural resources in the City of Wilsonville. Most proposed tree cutting in the SROZ requires a Significant Resource Impact Report (SRIR) prior to any tree removal. Prior to tree cutting activities in the SROZ, property owners will need to coordinate with members of the Planning Division and Natural Resources Program. The creation of snags and woody debris is often required for tree removal activities in the SROZ. Alternative mitigation can be considered in cases where the ecosystem would benefit most from understory, mid-story, or mixed replanting. See Wilsonville Code section 4.139.00. View the SROZ Map or see the SROZ layer on www.wilsonvillemaps.com.
If there is imminent danger to the public’s health, safety, and welfare, one may initiate measures to remove or abate a hazard under the emergency exemptions provision of the Wilsonville Code. An imminent hazard must be documented and submitted to city staff after the emergency has been eliminated within 30 days of the emergency.
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?
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.
Do I need a permit to prune a tree on my property?
No. The Tree Code requires pruning to be performed according to the most current version of the ANSI 300 standards for tree, shrub, and other woody plant maintenance. Topping of trees is prohibited.
Does the city have information on naturescaping?
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.
Does the City of Wilsonville have an ordinance regulating trees?
Yes. It is found in Wilsonville City Code Section 4.600.
How many trees can I cut down at once?
A Type A Tree Removal Permit allows a property owner to remove three trees excluding street trees, required landscape trees, and other retained trees per property, per calendar year, per permit.
How much does a Tree permit cost?
The cost depends on the permit type and the number of trees being proposed for removal. See the Planning Fee Schedule.
I am proposing to develop property and may have to remove trees. What do I have to do?
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. To start this process, an application needs to be submitted via the City's Online Permitting Portal and the fees need to be paid. When applying for a Type C Tree Removal Plan online, you must submit a "DRB Master Plan application."
Is there a list of recommended street trees for development projects?
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.
Is there a standard drawing for planting street trees?
Yes. The Engineering Division’s Public Works Standards Drawing R-1157 demonstrates how street trees should be planted in relation to other infrastructure. This drawing also demonstrates minimum vertical clearances for streets and sidewalks, root barrier requirements, and site planning relating to trees and parking requirements.
What are heritage 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.
What are street trees?
Street trees are trees that have been required to be planted as part of a land use approval for entire residential subdivisions, commercial, and industrial developments. Street trees can be found in the public right of way, as well as on private property. Older subdivisions often have street trees planted in front yards. Call the Planning Division to discuss questions related to street trees or the status of a tree at 503-682-4960.
What if a windstorm or other natural phenomenon has damaged or partially damaged a tree on my property?
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.
What if I want to cut down 4 trees or more?
A Type B Tree removal permit is required. An applicant will need to apply for a Type B Tree Removal via the City's Online Permitting Portal, and upload all required documentation for staff to review. Once staff have confirmed the application type, fees will be invoice for payment. An application is not considered officially submitted until all documents have been received and fees have been paid.
What is a Type C Tree Removal permit? How much does it cost?
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.
Where can I find more information on trees?
Where can I get information on requirements for a tree protection plan, related to a Type C Tree Removal permit?
The tree code provides a detailed list of requirements for tree protection plans. See Wilsonville Code subsection 4.610.40(.02) and section 4.620.10 The Public Works standards provides a drawing that demonstrates the minimum requirements for tree protection fencing on site. See the Public Works Standards Drawing R-1155.
2025 Street Tree List (437 KB) 