Planning

Infestation must be determined by a certified arborist. Tree removal should be done during Emerald Ash Borer’s dormant period, approximately October 1 – March 31. Movement of ash material out of quarantine is prohibited for more information review the Oregon State Extension EM9607.

Additional information can be found by contacting the Oregon Department of Agriculture or the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Tree Removal Applications are found online, submit the completed application, supporting documentation and any required fees to the Planning Department.  After application is received, the Planning Department will provide a sign to Post on property for the 10-day Public Notice. Most Street Tree Removal Permit decisions can be processed in a few weeks.

Yes, trees in these areas, usually referred to as street trees, can be removed through a tree removal permit. In most cases, a replacement tree is required. For more information, please see Street Tree Removal Permits.

Most likely. In addition to street trees, permits are required to remove trees that were required with development. Trees in commercial, industrial or apartment/condominium developments most likely were required by land use approval. In most cases, a replacement tree is required. If you need assistance with the application process, contact the Planning Department by email planning@sherwoodoregon.gov or by phone at (503) 925-2308.

Maybe. Trees on individual single family lots do not require a permit, unless they are a street tree. A tree removal permit is required for street trees. If not a street tree, you can remove up to five trees in a calendar year.

The only way to definitively determine the ownership of a tree is by hiring a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) to survey the tree in relation to property lines. A local PLS can be found at www.plso.org.

Street tree maintenance is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.

Street trees, although they may be in the public right-of-way, are the adjacent property owner’s responsibility. We recommend hiring ISA certified arborists for tree inspections.

Visit the ISA website or www.treesaregood.org for more arborist information and search for a certified arborist.

Yes, the city must approve the species and planting location for street trees per the Sherwood Municipal Code Section 16.140.060 Check with the city regarding specific permit requirements.

Consult with an ISA certified arborist to determine whether the tree can be preserved. If not, check to determine if a street tree removal permit is required and obtain one if needed. A Right-of-Way (ROW) permit may be required for the repair of the sidewalk. For more information on Right-of-Way Permits contact the Engineering Department staff at (503) 925-2305.

Contact the Public Works Department, (503) 625-5722 or operations@sherwoodoregon.gov

We recommend contacting your neighbor to try and work out a solution.

No, trees on private property are the owner’s responsibility. We recommend hiring an ISA certified arborist for tree inspections.

No, street tree maintenance is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. Street trees should be maintained per tree care industry standards. In addition, tree branches need to be maintained 7 feet above sidewalks and streets per Municipal Code 16.58.010 – Clear Vision Areas. The city recommends working with an ISA certified arborist to maintain street trees.

The abuse, destruction, defacing, cutting, removal, mutilation or other misuse of any tree planted on public property or along a public street, shall be subject to the penalties defined by Section 16.02.040 of the Sherwood Zoning and Community Development Code, and other penalties defined by applicable ordinances and statutes. Each tree abused shall be deemed a separate offense. The penalty is: A civil infraction that could cost up to $500 per day, per offense.

The City often receives calls from neighbors when a tree is removed. Notifying us ahead of time lets us confirm you don’t need a permit and helps us respond to callers without sending a code compliance officer out to investigate.

To determine if a tree removal permit is not required, email the tree type, DBH size, location, reason for removal, and a drawing or photo to planning@sherwoodoregon.gov at least 72 hours prior to scheduling removal of the tree.

For trees on private property that are not subject to a Land Use Action:

In general, existing mature trees on private property shall be retained unless determined to be a hazard to life or property. For purposes of Municipal Code section 16.140.080 only, existing mature trees shall be considered any deciduous tree greater than ten (10) inches diameter at the breast height (DBH) or any coniferous tree greater than twenty (20 inches DBH).

In the event a property owner determines it necessary to remove existing mature trees on their property they may remove the trees as described in Municipal Code section 16.140.080.

In Residential (Single Family Detached and Middle Housing) removal of up to five (5) trees, or up to 10% of the number of trees on site (whichever is greater), within a twelve-month period. No review or approval is required provided that trees are not located within a wetland, floodplain, or protected through prior land use review. Homeowners living within a neighborhood HOA should contact the HOA for specific requirements within the neighborhood.

For trees in a front yard without a planter strip, contact the planning department at planning@sherwoodoregon.gov or (503) 925-2308 to verify whether the tree is classified as a street tree.

Yes. The Sherwood Zoning and Community Development Code Section 16.142 contains information regarding the city’s tree canopy requirements. Incentives for preserving existing trees, such as receiving double credit towards the canopy requirements, are also found in this section.