The public health emergency related to the outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in delays to many City of Portland programs and policy efforts, including the effort to evaluate potential updates to the City’s tree code.
However, the Bureau of Development Services, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, and Portland Parks & Recreation continue to move forward with their technical analysis and development of amendments to the tree code. These amendments address tree preservation in industrial zones and development on private property.
Read more background about this project.
The closure of public buildings, social distancing and the cancellation and delays of public meetings make it very difficult to engage the public, hold public hearings and bring a well-vetted proposal to City Council by early July. Following discussions with Council staff, the three bureaus are moving forward with an adjusted schedule for this work, as follows:
The previously announced public focus meetings scheduled for April 2, 2020 and May 5, 2020 have been cancelled.
An online survey to assist in the development of policy proposals will be available by April 7 and open through May 15 in the hopes of engaging a broad range of interested community members and stakeholders.
A draft staff report for will be available public review in mid-June.
An online open house and workshop will be available from June 29 to July 10, through which participants can provide feedback on the first draft of staff recommendations on tree code updates.
Public briefings are tentatively scheduled with the Planning and Sustainability Commission on August 11 and the Urban Forestry Commission on August 20.
A joint hearing with the Planning and Sustainability Commission and Urban Forestry Commission will be held in late August or early September, which will provide opportunity for public testimony. Deliberation and recommendations by each commission will follow in September.
A final public hearing will be held at the Portland City Council sometime in mid-to-late October.
We remain committed City Council’s directive to develop updated tree preservation policies that address concerns about the loss of trees in development activities and the impacts on nearby communities. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we seek to engage the public and complete our work in a timely and thorough manner.
For more information, please contact Emily Sandy at emily.sandy@portlandoregon.gov.