Community Tree Ordinance

The purpose of Sections 8.500 to 8.798 in West Linn Municipal Code is to ensure that the City and any areas that may become part of the City of West Linn will continue to realize the benefits provided by its urban forest, and to establish a process and standards which will minimize uncontrolled cutting or destruction of trees or wooded areas within West Linn. It is the intent of Sections 8.500 to 8.798 to establish, maintain, and increase the quality of tree cover on public and private lands within the City; maintain City trees in a healthy and nonhazardous condition through good arboricultural practices; and to provide a stable and sustainable urban forest. Sections 8.500 to 8.798 also recognize the value of the urban forest for its effect enhancement of the urban environment in the following ways:

1.    Healthy, well-maintained trees enhance business and residential environmental and property values.

2.    Trees reduce air pollution by trapping dust on their leaves and in their bark, while also absorbing gaseous and liquid pollutants in their leaves and roots and returning oxygen to the atmosphere.

3.    Tree roots stabilize the soil and impede erosion.

4.    Trees reduce summer heat by blocking direct sunlight and glare. Evaporation of moisture from the leaves cools the surrounding air and moderates temperatures. Trees preserve and enhance water quality in streams and rivers.

5.    Trees soften the geometric rigidity and hard surfaces of streets and buildings.

6.    Trees muffle and buffer city noises.

7.    Trees are recognized by a majority of residents as an essential component to community livability and quality of life. Trees foster a sense of connection to the natural environment and are widely considered to be a key component to the overall aesthetics of a community.

It is the goal of the City of West Linn, through implementation of this ordinance and through other measures designed to encourage and promote tree conservation and planting on both public and private lands, to maintain and increase tree canopy coverage within the City. In addition to and separate from this ordinance are standards concerning trees and tree protection in the Community Development Code (CDC).