Tree Code Project

Tree Code Project

The City is branching out and updating our tree policies.

The Tree Code Project team is working with the community to update Gresham’s tree goals, policies, procedures and regulations.

“We’ve heard from a lot of people who want to protect and expand our tree canopy, and we’re excited to work with the community on this project,” said Senior Planner Mary Phillips.

Community tree goals and concerns

Thank you to everyone who spoke with the project team at summer events and took the Community Goals and Priorities Survey. We heard clearly that having trees in our city is very important. You told us that you want our updated tree policies to:

• Protect mature trees and groves of trees,
• Support plentiful to dense tree coverage,
• Promote places with a variety of both building and tree sizes,
• Reduce urban heat,
• Provide wildlife habitat,
• Improve air quality, and
• Support healthy living.

The most common tree concerns we heard were:

• Lack of clarity on who’s responsible for tree care or planting,
• Growing trees conflicting with infrastructure (such as damage to sidewalks, blocked signs, etc.),
• Safety Hazards (dropped limbs in storms, street signals and signs blocked, etc.), and
• Inappropriate tree pruning, maintenance, or removal

The project’s next step is to look at different approaches to policy updates that will address concerns and reach the community goals for trees in our city.

Community-minded code

Updates to the development code about trees are anticipated to reflect:

• Community goals and priorities.
• Best practices in urban forestry and green infrastructure.
• Climate resilience and climate justice.
• Community vibrancy.
• The guiding principles of the 2022-2025 Gresham Strategic Plan.

Project background

The project is expected to last about two years, with additional work after the updated code goes into effect.

The Tree Code Project is part of the community vibrancy action items in the Gresham Strategic Plan.

Read more in the Year Two Action Plan

Learn about the City’s current tree regulations and tree resources.