Understanding Tree Regulations on Your Property
Want to know how trees are regulated in the City of Bend when it comes to trees on your property? Start here!
Which Tree Regulations Apply?
Select the topic below to learn more about the requirements that may apply to your property or project.
Removing a Tree From My Property
Tree removal that is not associated with a development application is regulated separately in the Bend Municipal Code (16.40).
The City encourages retention of healthy trees whenever possible. When it’s not, here’s what you should consider:
If you have general tree questions, or questions about how to tell if a tree should be removed or not, contact our Urban Forestry Division:
Tree Removal Not Associated With Development
Tree removal proposed when it is not part of a development application is regulated separately under different rules. In most cases, this flowchart can help you determine whether you need a permit to remove a tree.
There are two separate scenarios that follow different rules for special reasons: trees outside the City limit boundary but inside the Urban Growth Boundary and trees within the Waterway Overlay Zone (properties along the Deschutes River). More information about these scenarios can be found below.
Trees in the Public Right-of-Way
If you want to remove a tree located in the public right-of-way, such as the area between the sidewalk and street, you must first get approval from the City. Because these trees are located on public property, they are protected and cannot be removed, significantly pruned, or changed without permission. Depending on the situation, a permit, tree replacement, or other mitigation may be required.
Before doing any work on a right-of-way tree, contact the Urban Forester Ian Gray to determine the applicable requirements.
New Development on Sites Larger Than One Acre
For development projects on sites larger than one acre, the City’s tree preservation standards generally apply. These standards are intended to encourage preservation of existing regulated trees during the development process by requiring developers to identify, protect and where feasible, retain trees on the site. Tree removal is allowed when necessary for development, but mitigation may be required. Any proposed tree removal will be reviewed as part of the development application to ensure compliance with the applicable tree preservation requirements.
New Development on Sites One Acre or Smaller
The tree preservation standards do not apply to most residential-scale development on sites one acre or smaller. Some scenarios, like land divisions, could mean you have to follow the City’s tree preservation standards.
Trees in the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB)
If your property is not located within City limits, different rules may apply. We recommend contacting the Planning Division at planning@bendoregon.gov to get advice suited to your specific situation.
Trees in the Waterway Overlay Zone (WOZ)
For properties in the WOZ, removal of trees larger than 4 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) and located within 100 feet of the regular ordinary high water mark may require City review and approval.
The City may require applicants to demonstrate that tree removal is necessary and that impacts to the waterway corridor are minimized.
If you are not sure whether your property is located in the Waterway Overlay Zone, you can use this Zoning Lookup Tool.
We recommend contacting the Planning Division at planning@bendoregon.gov to get advice suited to your specific goal and situation.
What Is Happening With Bend’s Newest Tree Code?
marzo 2026 Update: The City approved updates to Bend’s Tree Code focused on tree preservation and replacement requirements. Changes include new exemptions, more flexibility for replacement trees, and additional options for protecting trees during development.
Preguntas frecuentes
We recommend using this flowchart to help determine whether you need a permit to remove a tree from your property:
Tree Removal FlowchartNo, unless you plan to plant a tree in the public right-of-way (typically the area between the street and sidewalk). Planting a tree in the public right-of-way requires a permit.
If you’re unsure whether your planting location is in the public right-of-way, contact the Permit Center:
Email: permitcenter@bendoregon.gov
Phone: 541-388-5580
Address: Bend City Hall, 710 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR 97703
Located on the first floor, look for signs for ‘Permit Center’
For specific permitting questions, contact the Private Development Engineering Division at engineering@bendoregon.gov or 541-388-5580 Ext. 4.
Tree regulation is treated differently in this case than the codes that apply to new development. Your property may also have specific conditions of approval that regulate landscaping that you must follow. We recommend contacting the Planning Division to describe your specific scenario to help understand compliance.
If you want to add or remove a tree in the public right-of-way, reach out to the Urban Forestry Division for general questions and the Private Development Engineering Division for permitting questions.
If you suspect a tree in the public right-of-way is being removed or altered without approval, you can submit a Code Enforcement complaint through the City’s Online Permit Center Portal.
To help staff review the issue, include the tree’s location and any photos or details you may have. You can also contact the Urban Forester with questions about trees in the public right-of-way.