Urban Forestry

The City of Veneta - a Tree City USA community – is an urban forestry friendly community. The City engages in the careful management of urban forests and advocates for trees as a critical part of the urban infrastructure for the purpose of improving the urban environment.

City of Veneta Urban Forestry Goals

Pursuant to ORS 527.722, the city has chosen to regulate noncommercial cutting, destruction, and removal of trees in place of the Oregon Forest Practices Act. Veneta's Tree Code is intended to preserve and enhance the urban forest within the city of Veneta through the prudent management of existing trees, and the continual replacement and establishment of new trees compatible with an urban environment. Specifically, the council finds the following:

1. Trees and wooded areas, especially large native trees, are a large part of the aesthetic appeal of Veneta.
2. Trees benefit the public health, safety, and welfare by protecting air and water quality, preventing erosion and flooding, reducing energy costs, increasing property values, and providing natural beauty and contrast to the built environment which contributes to the physical and mental well-being of residents.
3. Trees enhance the local economy and increase property values by providing an attractive and aesthetically pleasing environment.
4. Management of Douglas fir for commercial purposes is a historic use which should continue to be accommodated while preserving those trees that have the highest value as part of Veneta's urban forest. (Ord. 483 § 1, 2008)

Tree Removal Code

Complete information on the City's tree removal code VMC 8.10 can be found by visiting Chapter 8.10 - Tree cutting, Destruction and Removal Code.

Tree Removal Permits

Which permit do I need to remove a tree(s)?  Please refer to the City’s Tree Removal Permit FAQ (PDF).

All tree removal permits are available on the City's Applications & Forms page.

Tree Reimbursement Program

Program Eligibility/Requirements & Application (PDF)

For a look at City recommended street trees, refer to the City's street tree list: City Street Tree List (Microsoft Excel file)

Street Trees

A street tree is any tree planted or preserved within a dedicated street right-of-way. The planting of street trees shall generally follow construction of curbs and sidewalks.

Maintenance of street trees shall be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.

Adjacent property owners to maintain trees: Every adjacent property owner of any tree overhanging any street or right-of-way within the city, including trees within the right-of-way, shall prune the branches so that such branches shall not obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of thirteen feet, six inches (l3'6") over the street, and/or eight (8) feet above the sidewalk. Said owners shall remove all dead, diseased, or dangerous trees; or broken or decayed limbs which constitute a menace to public safety.

Adjacent property owners liable: The owner of property abutting trees on a right-of-way shall be liable for injury, damage, or loss to persons or property caused by the property owner's negligent failure to comply with previous paragraph.

For a complete look at street tree regulations, please refer to Section 5.28 STREET TREES of Veneta's Land Development Ordinance 493.

Useful Urban Forestry Links

Arbor Day Foundation 
International Society of Arboriculture 
Right Tree in the Right Place 
100 Tree species for use Adjacent to Power Lines (PDF)
The Value of Trees to a Community