March 18, 2022: Urban Forestry Service Level Update: Delays in Permitting and Customer Response

News Article
Due to a higher volume of permit applications and reduced staffing levels, current estimated time for processing the intake of permit applications and for response to email and phone inquiries is one week.
Published

Each year at this time, Urban Forestry experiences a higher volume of permit applications.  In addition to the increase, we are currently at reduced staffing levels and are in the midst of training new staff.

  • Our typical turn-around times for permit issuance are extended to approximately 4 -6 weeks from application intake.
  • Our normal response time for emails and voicemail messages will extend from three business days to one week due to increased workload.

If you have specific questions regarding your tree permit application, please contact 503-823-TREE(8733) or email trees@portlandoregon.gov. After leaving a voicemail message or sending an email, kindly wait one week for a response. Repeat phone messages and emails will further slow our response.

We appreciate your patience as we work through the increased volume in applications. 

If you would like to check the status of your tree permit application please follow the instructions on our website:

https://www.portland.gov/trees/treepermits/do-i-need-tree-permit/check-tree-permit-status