I Want To Remove A Tree

Private Property

You don't need a permit to remove a tree on private property unless it's part of a Landscape Plan or the project is undergoing development review. Landscape Plans usually apply to commercial, industrial, apartment, and religious properties.

Street Trees

Trees are regulated by Chapter 17.58 of the McMinnville Zoning Ordinance.

You need a permit to remove a tree if:

• The tree trunk is partly or fully in a public area or right-of-way.
• The tree is undergoing development review (e.g., site plan, tentative partition, or subdivision review).

Getting Approval:

1. Find the Tree Removal Permit applications on the Applications and Fees page.
2. Apply for a "Simple" or "Complex" Tree Removal Permit to remove a Street Tree.
3. There might be requirements for how trees are removed and the need to plant new trees.
4. Street trees must be planted with a tree from the McMinnville Street Tree List or from the Street Tree Plan associated with your subdivision.

Simple Street Tree Removal Permit

A street tree may be removed if an Arborist Report shows removal is required for one of the following reasons:

1. Hazard: The tree is a hazard, and pruning or other options won't fix it.
2. Dead or Dying: The tree is dead or in advanced decline.
3. Nuisance or Invasive: The tree is on Oregon’s nuisance list or the OSU Extension's list of invasive trees.
4. Pests or Disease: The tree is infested with pests or disease.
5. Damage to Infrastructure: The tree roots are causing damage to sidewalks or infrastructure, and it can’t be fixed without removing the tree.
6. Physical Damage: The tree is physically damaged and needs removal for safety or health reasons.
7. Development or Public Projects: The removal is part of an approved development, public improvement project, or street tree improvement program.
8. Protected Trees: If the tree is on a Heritage Tree list or similar, it must meet additional protection requirements.
9. Simple Tree Removal Permit applications are on the Applications and Fees page.

Note: An Arborist Report may not be needed if the tree is clearly dead.

Typical Processing Time:

• Permits usually take 5 business days.

Complex Street Tree Removal Permit Guidelines

A Complex Tree Removal Permit may be granted by the Landscape Review Committee for one of the following reasons:

1. Public Purpose: The tree needs to be removed for a reason not covered by the Simple Tree Removal Permit, and you're not just trying to avoid those requirements.
2. Public Health/Safety: Removing the tree will help protect public health, safety, welfare, or achieve a public goal or program in the City's plans, goals, or policies.
3. Urban Forest Health: The removal supports the overall health of the urban forest, including maintaining healthy and attractive street trees.
4. Complex Tree Removal Permit applications are on the Applications and Fees page.

Typical Processing Time:

• Permits usually take 14 to 30 days to process.