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Tree Frequently Asked Questions
Tree Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a permit to remove a tree at my house?
A: 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.
Q: Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my commercial, industrial or apartment/condominium property?
A: 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 at 503.925.2308.
Q: Do I need a permit to remove a tree from the planter strip or public right-of-way fronting my property?
A: 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.
Q: How do I get a permit and how long does it take?
A: The application can be found online or at City Hall. Submit the completed application, supporting documentation and any applicable fees to the city for review and approval. Most Street Tree Removal Permits can be processed within 10-14 days.
Q: What should I do when a tree is lifting up the sidewalk in front of my house?
A: Consult with an ISA certified arborist about preserving the tree. If this is not possible, find out whether a tree removal permit is required and obtain one, if necessary. A Right-of-Way (ROW) permit may be required for the repair of the sidewalk. ROW permits for sidewalk repair are exempt from fees. Contact Engineering Department staff for more information at 503.925.2305.
Q: Do I need a permit to plant a tree in the planter strip or public right-of-way fronting my property?
A: Yes the city must approve the species and planting location for street trees per the in the Sherwood Municipal Code Section 16.142. Check with the city regarding specific permit requirements.
Q: I'm worried about my street tree. Can the city come out and inspect it?
A: 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.
Q: How do I determine who owns a tree or is responsible for its maintenance?
A: 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.
Q: Will the city maintain or remove the street tree in front of my house?
A: No, street tree maintenance is the responsibility of the fronting 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 (see Clear Vision Areas brochure for details). The city recommends working with an ISA certified arborist to maintain street trees.
Q: I'm worried about the condition of a tree on my property. Can the city come out and inspect it?
A: No, trees on private property are the owner's responsibility. We recommend hiring an ISA certified arborist for tree inspections.
Q: I'm worried about a tree on my neighbor's property. What can the city do?
A: We recommend first contacting your neighbor to try and work out a solution.
Q: I'm worried about the condition of a tree on city property, such as a park or greenway. Who should I contact?
A: Contact the City of Public Works Department, 503.625.5722 or operations@sherwoodoregon.gov
Q: I plan on developing my property. Am I required to plant trees? Are there incentives for preserving existing trees?
A: 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.
Q: Can I remove trees on private property that are not street trees?
A: Yes. Removal of up to 5 trees, or up to 10% of the number of trees on site (whichever is greater) is allowed 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.
Q: Why do I need to contact the City if a permit is not required
A: The City often gets calls from concerned neighbors anytime that a tree is removed. Notifying us ahead of time allows us to verify that you do not need a permit and enables us to respond to callers without having to send a code compliance officer out to investigate. Please send the type, size, location and reason for the tree removal as well as a drawing or picture to planning@sherwoodoregon.gov 48 hours prior to removing the tree.
Q: What is the penalty for illegally damaging or removing a tree?
A: As specified in Section 16.02.040 of the Sherwood Zoning and Community Development Code, the penalty is: A civil infraction that could cost up to $500 per day, per offense.
