Bend, OR – Mayor Melanie Kebler addressed the community’s dual concerns over tree removal for large development projects and the urgent need for housing. “We heard our community’s concerns around how many trees were cut down for larger development projects. Our community has also told us to prioritize building more much-needed housing options,” said Kebler. “The updated code strikes a balance, recognizing we want to preserve trees while also continuing to build the homes our community needs within our urban growth boundary. This is just a first step, as the Council will continue to explore additional ways to promote and protect our urban canopy.”
The updated codes require developers to preserve a certain percentage of trees on-site or make a payment in lieu of preservation if the specified percentage cannot be met. The specifics of the new regulations include:
- Preserving 20% of trees that are 20 inches in diameter or larger.
- Preserving 25% of the total “diameter at breast height” (DBH) of all trees 6 inches in diameter or larger on a site.
- Alternatively, preserving at least 5% of the total DBH of all trees 6 inches in diameter or greater on a site, and then either planting new trees on-site or paying a fee in lieu of preservation.
In addition to these code amendments, the Council approved the addition of an arborist position to City staff, as recommended by the Tree Regulation Update Advisory Committee. This role will be crucial in overseeing the implementation of the new regulations and ensuring compliance.
For more detailed information on the updated tree preservation codes, visit the City of Bend’s official website.
