Council reviews technical updates to West Linn's tree code; staff seeks clearer criteria and appeal rules

City planning staff and consultants briefed the council on proposed technical updates to West Linn's Community Tree Ordinance and the accompanying Tree Manual, emphasizing clearer definitions, objective approval criteria for tree removals, clarified appeals timelines, and options for fee alignment with the city's master fee schedule.

"The biggest change is the approval criteria used when you approve a tree removal," the consulting arborist Todd Prager said. He explained the goal of making criteria less discretionary so different qualified arborists reach more consistent outcomes.

Staff noted several process improvements: allowing email and website-based notifications for many routine permit actions (while retaining mail/signage where appropriate), creating an appeals form, giving staff authority to request third-party arborist reports when needed, and clarifying when the city or private owner bears responsibility for designated heritage trees. The code update separates municipal tree rules from development regulations to avoid unintended land-use changes.

Councilors asked about fees, mitigation options and how changes would affect properties with multiple trees or development review applications. Staff described current tiered fees (desk review starting at $25; higher fees for site visits and mailings) and said mitigation fees or a tree-bank could be used to fund replanting when appropriate. There was broad council support to circulate the changes for public comment and return with a formal adoption package after the comment period.