Street Tree Removal & Replacement

By ordinance, trees planted in the public right of way adjacent to private property are the responsibility of the adjoining property owner.  The City is responsible for trees planted within the downtown core area.  Two specific purposes of the ordinance is to establish the maximum amount of tree cover on public and private lands in the city and to provide tree lined streets. Typically trees are planted as part of new development by the developer, or by property owners. 

The ordinance also requires City approval to plant, remove or replace all trees in the public right of way.  Persons wishing to remove a tree within the right of way must file an application with the McMinnville Planning Department (503) 434-7311.  The request must include information describing the location, type, and size of the subject tree or trees, and the reasons for the desired action.  Requests shall be reviewed by the McMinnville Landscape Review Committee for decision, and applicants are notified in writing of the results.  Typically the following conditions apply to a removal approval: 

• All work completed must comply with accepted pruning or removal standards.

• The applicant shall be responsible for all costs.

• Applicant may be required to replace any removed tree, or be required to pay the City an amount sufficient to fund the planting of similar trees.

• Applicant is responsible for grinding stumps and surface roots at least 6” below grade.

• Other conditions may apply to these approvals. 

Should you have any questions, please contact either the McMinnville Planning Department at (503) 434-7311 or Operations at (503) 434-7316.