On April 13, 2011, the Portland City Council adopted the Citywide Tree Project, including a new Title 11, Trees, amendments to the Zoning Code and other code titles, and a package of nonregulatory action items. The project package is intended to create a clear, consistent regulatory framework for Portland’s trees, enhance the City’s urban forest and improve customer service. The Council established a phased implementation plan, with most of the code amendments going into effect in 2013.

The Bureaus of Development Services, Parks and Recreation, and Environmental Services are working closely together to ensure that the transition to the new regulations will be coordinated and seamless.

In the interim, a few code glitches have been identified as the bureaus prepare for implementation. The implementing bureaus are coordinating with the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability to resolve these glitches, and to ensure that the amendments are consistent with the policies adopted by Council last April. The amendments will clean up ambiguous language, close potential loopholes and reduce implementation challenges. A one page summary of the proposed amendments is available here.

The complete amendment package is available for review here.

The Urban Forestry Commission and Planning and Sustainability Commission will hold hearings in May (see details below) to get public input on the proposed amendments and will make recommendations for City Council's consideration in July.

Housekeeping Code Amendments Public Hearings

Urban Forestry Commission

Thursday, May 17, 2012

City Hall, Lovejoy room

7:30 a.m.

Call 503-823-5376 one week before the hearing for specific time.

Planning and Sustainability Commission

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Rigler Elementary School Auditorium

5401 NE Prescott Street

6:00 p.m.

Call 503-823-7700 one week before the hearing for specific time.

For more information contact:

Mieke Keenan, Program Coordinator

503.823.5779 or mieke.keenan@portlandoregon.gov