Sidewalk/Street Tree Program

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--- THE PROGRAM ---

WHAT IS THE SIDEWALK/ STREET TREE PROGRAM?

• With pedestrian safety in mind, the Tualatin City Council established the Sidewalk / Street Tree Program in 2001. The focus of the program is to repair sidewalks that have been damaged by tree roots.
• Each year, Council allocates a budget for the program and city staff evaluate sidewalks and street trees to identify safety concerns. Since the budget isn’t big enough to fix all of the damaged sidewalks at once, the City repairs and replaces a small section of hazardous sidewalks and the adjacent street trees every year.

how does the program work?

• Evaluation / Inspection - Following geographical zones, City staff evaluate one zone each year and make repairs in that zone, rotating through the entire city as funding allows.  This process usually takes place from December through April.
• Residents will be notified by City staff if the sidewalk or street tree(s) in front of their residence is identified as a part of the program, typically via a green door hanger.

I have been notified by the city regarding this program, Now what?

• If you have been notified by way of a green door hanger, the property owner will need to choose from the following options and complete the online consent form linked here.
  1. Consent to the work for street trees
  2. Opt-Out of the work for street trees
  3. Coordinate the work with the City for privately-owned trees
• Please note that if you are a renter and you receive a notice, the property owner should be contacted promptly so that they can choose from the options listed above and be in contact with the City as necessary.

When does the work take place?

• Sidewalk work typically begins within 30-60 days of notifying residents. Active repair work typically takes 15-30 days.
• Street tree removal and stump grinding usually takes place either just prior to or in conjunction with sidewalk repairs. However, tree replacement is dependent on planting season (October – March). If sidewalk repair and tree removal work occurs outside of the planting season, street trees will be replanted during the next planting season.

--- SIDEWALK INFORMATION ---

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SIDEWALKS IN TUALATIN?

• Per Tualatin's Municipal Code, property owners are responsible for sidewalks, street trees, driveway approaches, and planter strips along their property. Property owners should inspect their sidewalk periodically for tripping hazards, broken concrete, low-hanging tree limbs, and other hazards. The property owner should repair all hazards and keep the sidewalk, street trees, and planter strip in good condition. For more information, check out our vegetation and yard maintenance webpage.

CAN I REQUEST AN EVALUATION OF MY SIDEWALK?

• No. Unfortunately, the number of needed repairs often exceeds that amount of funding and schedule available in a given year. The evaluation process occurs on a planned schedule and requests for evaluations outside of our scheduled cycle cannot be accommodated.

WHAT IF I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE CONDITION OF MY SIDEWALK?

• If you are concerned about the condition of your sidewalk, you may contact the City to see if you are in an upcoming zone of planned sidewalk repairs. If not, you are responsible for repairing your sidewalk and possibly replacing any street tree causing sidewalk damage.

I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SIDEWALKS

• For questions related to the program or sidewalk repairs and/ or hazards, please contact our Streets Division Manager Bert Olheiser at bolheiser@tualatin.gov or 503-691-3096.

--- STREET TREE INFORMATION ---

WHAT IS A STREET TREE?

• Street trees are those that grow in the planter strips between the sidewalks and streets/roadways.
• A city ordinance requires the replacement of each removed tree on a one-for-one basis to preserve the tree canopy. You can find the approved list of trees here

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR STREET TREES?

• Property owners are responsible for the maintenance, care, and replacement of street trees as necessary.  Property owners seeking to remove a street tree are required to obtain a Street Tree permit prior to removal.
• A city ordinance requires the replacement of each removed tree on a one-for-one basis in order to preserve the City’s tree canopy. Replacement trees must be selected from the City’s list of approved trees, found here.

WHO Can do street tree work?  

• If the tree has been identified as a part of the Sidewalk/Street Tree Program, the City will provide options at that time.
• If a street tree needs attention at other times, anyone can do the work as long as it is done safely! Property owners can do the work themselves, hire a contractor, or opt to pay the City to complete the work.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE APPROVED STREET TREE SPECIES?

• Tualatin's approved street tree list includes several varieties of trees recommended for a to 4-6 foot planter strip. Most residential planter strips are 4 feet wide, but it is important to choose the right tree to minimize damage to sidewalks, roads, water and sewer lines, and other nearby infrastructure.
• Tree selection is based on availability of stock on-hand, therefore property owners are encouraged to have a first, second, and third tree choice in mind when making a request for their replacement street trees. 

I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT STREET TREES

• Please visit our street tree webpage or contact our Parks Maintenance Manager Tom Steiger at tsteiger@tualatin.gov or 503-691-3085.