Jun 9, 2025 - News

Portland to get rid of fees for some tree permits

Meira Gebel

Illustration of a tree with money as the leaves. — Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Starting next month, Portland Parks & Recreation will get rid of, or greatly reduce, many of its tree permit fees thanks to new funding from the city's clean energy fund.

Why it matters: Portland's tree code — which requires property owners to acquire permits for removing, replanting, pruning or chemically treating trees — has long been the ire of residents due to high costs and long bureaucratic review processes.

The latest: With $400,000 from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, the Urban Forestry division is eliminating fees for permit applications for tree removal, replanting, street tree pruning and administrative appeals.

The replanting waiver application fee will be reduced from $100 to $50
"Permit fees have been a burden for many," City Forester Jenn Cairo, said in a written statement last week.
"With this new funding, we can remove those costs—making it easier for people to protect trees, improve safety, and contribute to a greener, healthier Portland."

What we're watching: The agency also plans to revise its tree code early next year.

Add Axios on Google

Portland to get rid of fees for some tree permits

More Portland stories