2026 Tree Code Updates

New regulations take effect October 1, 2026

The City recently completed an update to City tree regulations to implement recommendations from the 2024 Urban and Community Forestry Plan, advance City Council goals, improve regulatory clarity and efficiency, and comply with changes in state law.

The project included extensive community and stakeholder engagement, including a City Council-appointed Tree Task Force, stakeholder focus groups, public outreach, and work sessions with the City Council, Planning Commission, and other advisory boards and commissions.

Code Update Notice

The recently adopted amendments to the Tree Code and Community Development Code are not yet reflected in the City’s online code. The City’s eCode360 vendor is expected to incorporate the amendments online by the end of October.

In the meantime, the adopted ordinances containing the amendments are available here:

What's changing?

New Clear and Objective process for limited residential development applications
To comply with state law, a new Clear and Objective (C&O) Track now applies to Type II tree removal applications for new dwelling units and creation of residential lots. Qualifying projects must generally meet a 45% minimum tree retention standard.

Revisions to the Type II Discretionary Track

All other Type II tree removal will still be reviewed under the Discretionary Track, with revisions to clarify when a tree is classified as “significant” and to provide a pathway to remove moderate risk trees when certain criteria are met.

Updated tree removal and mitigation requirements
The amendments include new tree mitigation and street tree planting requirements, as well as a new Tree Retention Deficit Fee when a qualifying Type II C&O Track project falls below the minimum tree retention standard.

Updated permit, notice and appeal procedures
All Type II applications will follow new notice, public comment, and appeal procedures. The comment period has been reduced from 14 days to 7 days and an appeal of a staff decision will be heard by a hearings officer instead of the Development Review Commission. The decision of the hearings officer is final.

State law limits public notice of tree removal applications subject to the C&O Track to properties within 100 feet of the site and only allows the applicant to appeal the decision.

New provisions for ash trees
The updated regulations include a simple over-the-counter permit to allow removal of ash trees in preparation for Emerald Ash Borer.

What does this mean for me?

The requirements depend on the type of tree removal you are proposing. Before applying to remove a tree, check the City's updated permit forms and handouts to determine what requirements apply: https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/trees/printable-forms

Not sure which process applies? Contact Planning staff at [email protected].

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the new regulations, tree retention, permits, moderate-risk trees, and Emerald Ash Borer: https://apps.lakeoswego.city/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=3408658&repo=CityOfLakeOswego

Upcoming Workshops
The City will offer workshops on October 29 and November 12, 2026, to explain the changes to tree regulations and answer questions. Both workshops will be offered in person and online.

For more details and to register for the workshops visit the following link: https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/planning/2026-urban-community-forestry-workshop-series

Tree Code Amendments Project (LU 26-0014)

For background on the project to update the City’s tree regulations, including materials from Tree Task Force meetings and works sessions with the City Council and boards and commissions, visit the project page at www.ci.oswego.or.us/boc_pc/lu-26-0014-tree-code-amendments.

Questions?

Contact the City's Planning Department for help understanding how the updated regulations apply to your property or proposed tree removal at [email protected] or 503-635-0290.