Milwaukie council adopts revised tree code ordinance

The Milwaukie City Council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2247, updating the city’s tree code to improve organization, clarify definitions and enforcement, and align private- and public-tree standards.

City staff said the amendments reorganize code language, add and refine definitions (including a new reference to caliper as a nursery-stock measurement), rename private-tree permit categories to match the natural resources code, and narrow the damaged-tree definition to allow enforcement only for trees posing a public or private safety hazard. Climate and natural resources manager Katie Gavares briefed the council on the package prior to the vote.

Council discussion was minimal; staff said most of the revisions were vetted in prior work sessions and public comment periods. Gavares noted the code now references the city’s invasive-tree list and public-works standards for root-barrier requirements, and clarifies when development bonds are required for trees on construction sites.

Council President Will Anderson moved for first and second readings by title only and adoption of the ordinance; the motion was seconded and passed on a recorded voice poll. City Recorder Samantha Sager read the ordinance twice by title, and the clerk certified the vote as 5–0, ordinance 2247.

The ordinance’s changes are intended to improve enforceability and reduce loopholes staff said they identified during prior code use and reviews. Staff thanked the community and the tree board for engagement during multiple work sessions and for suggested revisions that narrowed the enforcement language.

Councilors and staff said the amendments are meant to be administrable and to leave room for future program adjustments rather than an immediate expansion of regulatory scope.

The council adopted the ordinance and carried forward implementation and enforcement steps to appropriate departments.