Tree Code Update Project

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

Community tree goals and concerns

Thank you to everyone who spoke with the project team 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.
  • Support healthy living.

The most common tree concerns we heard

  • Lack of clarity about who is 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.).
  • Inappropriate tree pruning, maintenance or removal.
  • Project Background
  • Status and Updates
  • Project Documents
  • Contact
Project Background

The Tree Code project will update the City’s tree policies and regulations to reflect community goals, current urban forestry best practices, climate resilience needs and community vibrancy.

The project has included high levels of community engagement and collaboration. It will result in updates to Gresham’s Development Code, revise tree species lists and create a technical tree manual.

The City updated the Tree Code in September, 2020. That update reorganized the regulations but did not change the underlying policies or standards. Since then, residents, staff, and developers have raised concerns about complex processes, enforcement challenges, and various standards. This project aims to address those issues and make the Tree Code easier to understand.

Status and Updates

The Tree Code Project team held a work session with City Council on June 2, 2026 to review the draft tree code policies and receive policy guidance. No formal decisions were made at this work session.

Since the June 2 work session, the project team has been refining the proposed code and translating Council’s policy guidance into draft code language.

The updated draft code will be available for public review and comment beginning October 5, 2026. The draft code can be found in project documents. 

Upcoming project dates include:

Project Documents
Contact

Terra Wilcoxson, Planning Manager
Terra.Wilcoxson@GreshamOregon.gov

Gabby Sinagra, Planner
Gabby.Sinagra@GreshamOregon.gov