Citywide Tree Project: Proposed Portland tree regulations attract support - Portland, OR

Citywide Tree Project: Proposed Portland tree regulations attract support | OregonLive.com:

Portland may have a green reputation, but officials say that when it comes to protecting and preserving trees, the city could use an overhaul of its red tape.

And so far, newly proposed standards seem to be OK with just about everyone involved -- from homebuilders to environmentalists and residents.

The Portland City Council on Wednesday will review a new and dense plan aimed at protecting and increasing Portland's tree inventory. The proposal would consolidate regulations into one city code, and increase tree preservation and planting requirements -- and also set exemptions -- for new developments.

For many homeowners, the biggest and most notable change is this: removing a tree greater than 20 inches in diameter from private property would require a permit, followed by a tree replanting or payment to the city toward replanting efforts.