Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry is receiving more permit requests than usual, likely because application fees were lifted on July 1. Additionally, many community members are reaching out with questions and concerns about the emerald ash borer beetle threatening our region’s beloved ash trees.
While we strive to provide quick and reliable service, increased workload—along with staff reductions in the new fiscal year—is causing our responses to take longer than usual.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we process your requests. We will update estimated turnaround times as soon as they change.
Current estimated turnaround times
| Request Type | Estimated Turnaround Time |
|---|---|
| Non-development tree permit decisions | up to three weeks |
| Planting verification inspections for removal-and-replant permits | up to four weeks |
| Code compliance and emergency response follow-up inspections | up to five weeks |
| Code Compliance team phone and email replies | within three days |
| Major, Capital and Maintenance tree inspector case assignments | up to four weeks |
| Administrative review | up to eight weeks |
| Citywide Tree Hotline email or voicemail replies | within three days |
Tree emergencies
If a tree is blocking or threatening a public street or sidewalk, call 503-823-TREE (8733) and select option one. The dispatch line is answered 24 hours a day. Emailing about an emergency will delay the response.