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Milwaukie staff propose steeper fees, protections for large and rare trees; council raises equity and process questions
Summary
City staff proposed a set of tree-code updates including a new significant-tree removal fee for trees 30" DBH+, higher canopy mitigation fees (mitigation trigger raised to 40%), a rare-and-threatened species list, and new residential removal standards including a 10-foot proximity allowance and reasonableness thresholds; councilors expressed support while flagging equity concerns for small-lot homeowners and legal reasonableness.
City staff presented proposed updates to Milwaukie—s Tree Code on Dec. 2 that would increase financial penalties for large-tree removals, raise mitigation triggers, and establish clearer standards for residential removals tied to infrastructure and safety.
Public Works Director Peter Passarelli and Employment & Natural Resources Manager Katie Devares told council the recommendations respond to repeated loss of large, mature trees during development and aim to better align fees with the public benefits of older trees. Among the principal changes staff outlined:
- Significant-tree removal fee: a new surcharge for trees 30 inches DBH (diameter at breast height) or greater. Staff proposed a fee of $150 per inch DBH for trees 30.0'0'035.99" and $200 per inch DBH for trees 36" and larger to supplement existing canopy mitigation payments.
- Canopy mitigation restructure: raise the mitigation threshold from 30% to 40%…
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