PORTLAND, Ore. — Property owners looking to remove trees or replant them after the January winter storm will not have to pay fees, said Portland city commissioner Dan Ryan.
Home and business owners whose property was damaged by trees or branches between Jan. 12 and Feb. 23 will not have to pay retroactive tree removal or replanting application fees, according to a city press release.
The fee waiver is in response to the January winter storm and statewide declaration of emergency. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, workers responded to 511 reports of road hazards, including 394 downed trees and branches.
The deadline has been extended to March 8, officials said Thursday. Originally, the due date had been Feb. 5, but Ryan's office said that the extension is due to large "volume of fee waiver requests."
The Urban Forestry staff continue to offer expanded walk-in services for those who prefer to come in person, said Ryan's office. More information on how to receive a refund or submit a no-fee permit will be available at www.portland.gov/trees, the release stated. Property owners should contact trees@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-TREE (8733) for more information.
The Portland Parks and Recreation's Urban Forestry is still cleaning up after the winter storm, including removing fallen trees and limbs. The agency asks the public to report any trees blocking roads or city property to call 503-823-TREE (8733), then select option 1 to connect to a 311 dispatcher for tree emergency response.
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation also has guidance for homeowners who suffered storm damage, including fallen trees or damaged shingles.
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