Tree Maintenance
Our City streets are lined with beautiful trees and while a sight to behold, they do require proper maintenance. In Happy Valley, property owners are responsible for maintaining their trees, including those adjacent to the public right-of-way which are found in the parking strip areas between the street and sidewalk. If left to become overgrown, these trees, along with any shrubs or hedges, could pose a danger if they block the view of traffic signs or obstruct a pathway intended for travel. That’s why trimming this vegetation and caring for your street trees goes a long way in promoting long term neighborhood safety.
To ensure safe passage for everyone using sidewalks and streets, the City’s municipal code specifies the following expectations:
- Tree limbs over a sidewalk must be at least 7 feet above the surface.
- Tree limbs over a residential street must be at least 11 feet above the surface.
- Tree limbs over an arterial street must be at least 14 feet above the surface.
Community Service Officers are responsible for enforcing the rules when it comes to the safety of the right-of-way and they will try to talk with a property owner if any trees or shrubs have grown out of compliance. With this said, it is important for property owners to stay on top of their yard maintenance as overgrowth can quickly get out of hand and make it difficult for those traversing the area. If concerns are ignored, property owners may find themselves facing a citation. For more information or to review the City’s rules as they relate to street trees and planter strips, check out 16.42.040 of the Happy Valley Municipal Code.
Create space
Emergency vehicles, garbage trucks, the City streetsweeper, delivery trucks, and pedestrians should all be able to pass easily without running into barriers. When it comes to pruning, if you aren’t sure what to do, it is always a good idea to consult with a private arborist or hire a licensed tree care company to help.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
For general property trees with trunk diameters greater than six inches, a Type A Tree Removal Permit is required and must be secured prior to any tree removal. Street trees, regardless of their size, must not be removed without a Type B Tree Removal Permit from the City. These trees must remain in the planting area between the sidewalk and curb unless they pose a risk due to disease, damage, are in danger of falling, or pose other safety concerns to people or adjacent property. The City requires an inspection to confirm that street trees marked for removal meet the necessary criteria. Should a street tree be removed, it is mandatory to replace it with a species from the City’s Approved Street Tree List. This step is REQUIRED by the City and must be addressed before removal may occur. For comprehensive details on tree removal permits and procedures, please visit our designated tree permit resource page to download the required paperwork.
Things to keep in mind if a tree overhands onto a neighbor’s property
