Depoe Bay council debates new tree ordinance; exemptions for small lots and stronger penalties proposed

Depoe Bay councilors spent the bulk of their Feb. 13 work session revising a draft tree ordinance, debating definitions, permit triggers, pruning limits and penalties before directing staff to prepare a clean copy for a first reading and public hearing.

The council’s discussion focused on who the ordinance would cover and how it would be enforced. A staff presenter (identified in the transcript as Speaker 4) said the draft defines a “protected” tree as one with a trunk diameter of 20 inches or greater or any tree listed as a heritage tree, and that diameter should be measured 4.5 feet above the ground. The presenter also recommended exempting removal of trees on lots 5,000 sq ft or smaller unless the trees meet the protected definition.

Why it matters: The draft would extend permitting and replacement obligations beyond large development sites to some private‑property situations, prompting residents to argue the rule could be intrusive on small lots and create additional compliance costs.

Councilors and commenters raised several practical and legal questions. Speakers noted the draft already exempts trees under 6 inches (measured at 4.5 feet) and debated whether the city…