When people think of Oregon they think of forests. Timber is a part of the Oregon economy and is what makes our part of the country truly stunning.
So it should come as no surprise to homeowners that we have city codes that require tree preservation.
This is really important for people that have bought newer construction homes or plan to purchase new construction homes. In addition to requiring street trees, homes that have been built since June of 2000 must have
Lot size |
Number of trees |
Up to an including 6,000 sq feet |
2 |
6001-7000 |
3 |
7001-8000 |
4 |
8001-9000 |
5 |
9001 and above |
6 |
|
|
So what this means is that if the developer of the lot clear cut the area in order to make the lots, then you as the homeowner, or the builder of your home will be required to make up the deficit my planting the required number of trees in order to get finaled (also known as Notice of Final Completion).
While these codes only apply to structures that were built as of June of 2000, there are also codes that affect homeowners with older homes. These codes have to do with cutting down Heritage Trees or Significant Trees.
Heritage Trees have a specific designation as such. In order to cut down a Heritage Tree a certified arborist has to determine that the tree is hazardous, and then the city council has to rescind its status as a Heritage Tree.
Significant Trees are rare, threatened, or endangered trees or Oregon white oak trees that have a dbh greater than 24". I actually have a significant tree in my back yard and the base of the oak is huge.
If you are looking to purchase a home, please be aware of these laws. Contact the city of Salem if you have any doubt about your ability to cut a tree down.
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Melina, so how many trees does a homeowner have to plant to compensate for the clear cutting? Why don't they just not allow the builder not to clear cut? I see clear cutting all the time here and it is so sad. I will never forget driving by a subdivision that was being clear cut and seeing these incredible old oak trees being cut. It was all I could do not to throw myself in front of the tractor but I know they were just doing their job.