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 work sessions with Urban Forestry Subcommittee on April 20th, 2026 and Planning Commission on April 27th, 2026. During these sessions, members reviewed proposed policy updates to tree preservation, removal, and planting standards, and provided an opportunity for advisory bodies to offer feedback on draft concepts.

The Tree Code is scheduled to appear for a work session with City Council on June 2nd, 2026. This will be an opportunity for Council to review the draft direction and provide policy guidance. No formal decisions will be made at this stage.

Following Council direction, the project team will continue refining the code and will share additional opportunities for public review and input.

Project Documents

Project documents coming soon. 

Contact

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

Gabby Sinagra, Planner
Gabby.Sinagra@GreshamOregon.gov