Grants Pass homeowners considering tree removal or pruning on public or semi-public land need to navigate several regulations to ensure compliance. A permit is mandatory for such actions, with no associated fee. However, the involvement of a prequalified arborist is required for removing trees, pruning branches over 3 inches in diameter, or when pruning affects more than 25% of a tree’s structure or is above 10 feet from the ground.
For minor pruning (branches 3 inches in diameter or less, affecting less than 25% of the tree’s structure, and below 10 feet), homeowners still need to apply for a permit but don’t need an arborist. Separate permits are available for tree planting, which don’t require an arborist’s input if it’s solely for planting in the public right-of-way.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from my property in Grants Pass?
There are no permit requirements for tree removals on private property within the city of Grants Pass, Rogue River, or anywhere within Josephine county. However, trees removed on public or semipublic property within the city limits of Grants Pass do require a permit. Permits are required for removing public trees, or trees in the public right-of-way. This is mainly for safety reasons, ensuring that the person removing the tree has the necessary training, licensing, and insurance. An encroachment permit and a traffic control plan may also be needed for working along roads or doing lane closures.
You can learn more this by visiting the City Of Grants Pass website.
Will the city help pay for some of the removals?
According to the City of Grants pass municipal code on public trees;
- If you have a hazardous or dead tree in the public right-of-way, the City may be able to assist with some of the costs of the removal and replacement of the tree. The City’s Hazardous Tree Removal and Replacement “50/50” Policy program provides funding, when available, to property owners who have a hazardous tree in the right-of-way. Read page 4 of this application for more information.
- If the permit is for a tree removal without hazardous tree designation as described above, the City will not provide financial assistance. The City may deny the request to remove a tree that is not hazardous.
Hazardous Tree Removal and Replacement Program (“50/50 Program”) The City provides financial assistance for hazardous tree removals and replacements for qualifying hazardous or dead trees in the public right-of-way. If approved and the funding is available, the City will pay up to 50% of the removal and replacement costs of hazardous or dead public right-of-way trees. To be eligible for consideration, property owners must obtain a minimum of three (3) bids from approved certified arborists and submit them to the City for approval. However, for non-hazardous tree removals, the city may deny the application and offers no financial aid.
What trees are protected in the city?
Trees are not typically protected in the city of Grant’s Pass and Josephine County, except for heritage trees. Heritage trees have a certain level of protection within the city limits. If a heritage tree needs to be removed, the process is similar to applying for a permit to remove a public tree. The city’s urban forester may inspect the tree and determine whether the removal is necessary, choosing to either accept or decline the removal application. There are only a few heritage trees in the city of Grant’s Pass.
A heritage trees is any tree or stand of trees designated by resolution of the City Council to be of significant community benefit due to age, size, species, horticultural quality or historical value;
Refer to the Grants Pass Significant Tree Registry and the Heritage tree program for more information
How to apply for a Permit?
A permit is required to plant, prune, remove, or otherwise disturb a tree on public or semi-public property, including the right-of-way. There is no fee for this permit.
This permit application must be filled out by a prequalified arborist contractor if the property owner wishes to remove a tree, prune branches larger than 3 inches in diameter, remove more than 25% of its structure, or prune branches higher than 10 feet from ground level. A list of the prequalified arborist contractors you can use is on the last page.
If the landowner wishes to prune branches 3 inches in diameter or less at all points and will not be removing more than 25% of the tree’s structure, and pruning will be at or below 10 feet from the ground, a prequalified arborist is not required. However, the property owner must submit this application and obtain a permit before pruning.
Here is Grants Pass Tree Permit Application form with additional requirements you should be aware of when
Who to call for assistance with Tree Removal in Grants Pass?
Siskiyou Tree Experts is one of five approved arborists who can assist with tree removals in the city. Tree services include tree removals, pruning, tree assessments, as well as root management.
Our owner Doug Tripp is currently the acting chairperson on the Urban Tree Advisory Committee in the City of Grants Pass. The committees goal is to review, develop and implement programs and activities which promote, protect and enhance the urban forest as a part of the Tree City USA program.
Different cities have varying regulations on tree removal, and some are more focused on development and growth. In the City of Grants Pass, the Urban Tree Advisory Committee tries to implement code changes and city ordinances to protect trees and hold developers accountable for replacing trees removed during development projects. However, the process has been slow and challenging due to the city’s resistance to change. This resistance is common in many places, leading to the removal of beautiful trees. But we are sticking to it, we believe the effort is worth it to protect trees in their city.
Please contact us if you have any questions related to tree permit and tree removals.
Resources: Tree Programs Applications, Permits, & Downloads
- Tree Permit Application (PDF)
- Tree Planting Only Permit Application (PDF)
- Street Tree Planting information
- Memorial Tree Application (PDF)