Portland Waives Fees for Retroactive Tree Removal Permits After Storm

The decision follows public backlash over the city's policy requiring homeowners to obtain permits for removing trees that fell during the recent winter storm.

Portland city officials have announced that they will waive all fees for retroactive tree removal permits for homeowners whose homes were damaged by falling trees during the recent winter storm.
The decision comes after public outcry over the city's policy requiring homeowners to obtain a permit for removing trees that fell during the storm, with potential fines of up to $1,000 per day for non-compliance.
One family, the Bonds, had their home crushed by a Douglas fir during the storm and were instructed to apply for a retroactive removal permit for the fallen tree and another tree they feared would also fall.
It is unclear whether the waiver also applies to retroactive permit applications for trees that remained upright throughout the storm but are being removed by homeowners fearing they might fall in future storms.
Prior to the waiver, the city's Urban Forestry division had denied the Bonds' 2021 application to cut down the trees, citing their health and the potential impact on the 'neighborhood character.'