Lake Oswego is the Little Switzerland of Oregon. By that I mean there are rules, laws, and regulations for everything. It's one of the only places I know of that requires a permit to cut down a tree on your own property. Protection of trees is paramount in LO, and there are lots and lots of trees. Most of Lake Oswego is in constant shade because there are so many trees. According to the permit regulations, there are only two valid reasons to remove a tree (other than disease): Development, or landscaping. And for every tree you remove, you must plant one on your property.
A year ago, I even attended a workshop on LO's tree removal regulations. At the time, I was assured that as long as you didn't want to cut down the only tree on your lot, a permit would be granted. After consulting an arborist, who also was confident my permit would be granted, I took my forms and photo of the offending tree, along with my check for $170 to City Hall. I covered my bases by claiming development (the pool) *and* landscaping purposes (too much shade cast).
Yesterday I received a phone call from 'Deborah' at City Hall. She informed me that she was going to deny my permit because she doesn't see any reason to cut down a healthy tree just because I don't want it there. Then what *is* a reason to cut down a tree? The offending tree is a tall Douglas Fir that is effectively blocking the sun in the yard from morning until mid-day and will cast shade over the pool. By the way, if your permit is denied, you don't get your $170 back. Nice racket they've got going. In the meantime, my previously mentioned landscape designer is calling to try to find out what the valid reaso
ns are for removing a tree. If not for landscaping purposes, which this is, then what?No shortage of trees here.
Wow! I thought our HOA rules were harsh. On the bright side, the house is beautiful.
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