Requirements & Applications
A permit is required to remove most trees within Rivergrove city limits, with the exception of Emergency permits; residents and/or arborists must obtain their permits before the tree is removed.
City tree ordinances also allow for 1 tree to be removed per calendar year, per single lot or parcel, without a permit, provided the property owner notifies the City Manager of the intent to cut the tree prior to the cutting. This notification must be made electronically (via form or email) or in writing. This exception does not apply to trees in the Water Quality Resource Area (WQRA) and/or Flood Hazard Area.
There are 4 types of removal permit requests.
Permit Types & Application Forms
- Non-WQRA or Flood Hazard Area Tree Cutting Permit (PDF): This permit is for cutting any tree NOT in the WQRA or Flood Hazard Area. Applications will be reviewed at Planning Commission meetings (applicants are welcome to attend).
- WQRA or Flood Hazard Area Tree Cutting Permit (PDF): This permit is for cutting any tree that IS in the WQRA or Flood Hazard Area. Removals in these areas require Mitigation Plans and are subject to more environmental considerations than those outside these areas.
Applications will be reviewed at Planning Commission meetings (applicants are welcome to attend). - Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Tree Cutting Permit (PDF): For trees that meet the documented criteria for being Dead, Dying, or Dangerous, as defined in Ordinance Number 89-2018 (PDF).
Once the permit is requested, the Planning Commission (with the City Arborist’s review and opinions) shall determine whether or not it agrees with the applicant’s assessment and whether or not to issue the permit. - Emergency Tree Cutting Permit (PDF): For trees that must be removed urgently due to storm damage or other hazards.
If emergency conditions require prompt cutting or removal of dangerous trees to avoid immediate danger or hazard to persons or property, an emergency permit may be issued without a formal application, by contacting any of the 3 authorized officials.
If none of the authorized officials can be reached, the tree may be removed without the permit; however, an application must be filed within 7 days of cutting, and if that application is denied, the property owner is subject to applicable penalties.
The following officials are authorized to issue Emergency Tree Cutting permits:
- The Mayor
- The President of the City Council
- The Chair of the Planning Commission
More information on the WQRA and Flood Hazard Areas in Rivergrove can be found on the Flood Plain page.
Exemptions
Certain invasive or harmful tree species do not require a permit or notification for removal.
Noxious & Undesirable Tree List (PDF)Please contact us by email if you need to submit a tree cutting permit or have any other questions about tree removal in the City of Rivergrove.
Mitigation & Replanting
If a tree is removed, replanting is encouraged, particularly in protected areas, and for certain removals, replanting may be required.
- Recommended Trees (PDF): These specific native trees are recommended by our City Ordinances, based on recommendations from the Oregon State University Department of Horticulture.
- Alternative Options (PDF): These trees are not specifically recommended, but are approved for the purposes of mitigation when options from the Native Tree List aren’t suitable.
- Prohibited Trees (PDF): These trees are specifically disallowed by City Ordinance Number 89-2018 (PDF), as they are harmful or invasive. They may not be planted, and any existing trees on this list, if found within the city, may be removed without a permit.
Permit Costs
Tree removal costs can be found in the current Fee Schedule (PDF), along with various other city fees.
As per Exhibit 1 in City Resolution Number 259-2018 and later amended by Resolution Number 300-2024, the following fees apply as of January 2025 (in addition to the actual tree removal costs, of course):
- Outside the WQRA: $75 per tree
- Inside the WQRA: $75 per tree
- Dead, Dying or Dangerous: $75 per tree
- Emergency Removal: No fee
This webpage is not the definitive source for these costs, as there are regular updates and improvements to our City codes.