Lake Oswego Tree Committee Offers Proposals

The committee created by the Lake Oswego City Council to overhaul the city's tree code has put forth a series of proposals they hope citizens will comment on.

The 46-page document covers everything from broadening the definition of a "dead" tree to include trees that are in a "progressive and irreversible decline" to creating a "one-stop website" with information on trees, where people can submit permits to remove trees, and where people can comment on applications being considered.

The committee also broadens the criteria for a situation considered an 'emergency" to allow for the removal of Heritage Trees under certain circumstances and to allow for permits to be issued retroactively when a tree is blocking a utility.

The committee also proposes two increases in fees: to $100 from $80 for evaluations and to $25 from $17 for permit applications.

The 31-member committee has been meeting since last July.

People can go here for more information on the tree review process.

People who wish to submit comments can do so by phone at 503-635-0283; or by regular mail sent to City of Lake Oswego Planning & Building Services Department, 380 A Ave., P.O. Box 369, Lake Oswego, OR 97034.

People can also email senior planner Jessica Numanoglu at jnumanoglu@ci.oswego.or.us.