Street Tree Planting/Removal Policy
Goals:
The Association wishes to enforce the Restriction (Article III (g)(2) which states that yards shall be attractively landscaped and maintained in a neat and orderly manner, free of weeds and debris.
The Association wishes to encourage an attractive streetscape in our neighborhoods.
Policy:
Removal of street trees in the planting strip between sidewalk and street requires an Association permit. Washington County has an interest in plantings in its right-of-way along the street, and encourages the proper planting of approved trees (street trees can provide pleasing aesthetics, assist in storm water and pollution management as well as provide shade, oxygen and habitat for local birds). Removing trees in the right-of-way may be necessary for several reasons, but the intent should be to replace the old tree with a new one. The stump of the old tree should be removed, if possible, either by digging out or grinding to below ground level.
Planting of street trees requires an Association permit (use the same permit as above, if replacing an old tree with a new one). Street/parking-strip plantings outside of street trees are generally part of normal landscaping and do not require Association permits. Street trees have more of a permanent impact and so must be planted according to Washington County standards. See the approved/not-approved lists available.
Resources:
Please contact the Association office if you need printed copies of resource information.
“Call Before You Dig” – Utility Notification Center – 8-1-1. Important to locate gas and water lines, etc. before you grind or dig out a stump.
Washington County Street Tree list: Washington County’s list is the only list approved by the Association. Trees not listed here are specifically not approved. Be sure to check this list before choosing a tree:
Washington County Roadside Vegetation rules: https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/lut/roadside-vegetation
Permit:
The permit application should include the following:
Described location of tree(s) to be removed and/or planted.
Site plan of the property, with dimensions, showing location of tree(s) to be removed/planted and whether or not any power lines are involved.
Identification of new tree(s) and approval list used (e.g. Washington County Street Tree List).
If removing and not replacing, an explanation of why. Examples of why a tree may not be appropriate to replace:
o Ensuring street site-lines at corner houses
o Reducing density of existing street trees planted too close to each other, or too close to drainage, utilities, driveways, etc.
Removing a large street tree can impact the neighborhood through the need to close the street for safety. Be sure you (or your tree removal service provider) check with Washington County before you try to take down a large tree. You may need a county permit, as well. The Association permit does not provide approval from the county.
Approved by Board of Directors,
Homes Association of Cedar Hills
11/8/2005; Amended: 2014; Amended: 10/14/2021;
Amended: 2/14/2023