2011 Oregon Revised Statutes
ORS Volume 17, Chapters 756 - 838
ORS Chapter 758
758.284 Immunity of electric utility for pruning or removing vegetation in other cases; notice to property owner.

(1) An electric utility is immune from any civil liability for pruning or removing vegetation that is growing on property on which electric facilities are located, or growing on property that is adjacent to property on which electric facilities are located, if the pruning or removal is consistent with policies of the Public Utility Commission relating to the pruning or removal of vegetation, or is consistent with a local ordinance or resolution applicable to the property that relates to the pruning or removal of vegetation, and any of the following apply:

(a) The vegetation to be pruned or removed is hanging over electric facilities or growing in such close proximity to overhead electric facilities that the vegetation constitutes an electrical hazard under any electrical safety code adopted by the Public Utility Commission or constitutes a danger under state or federal health and safety codes to a person working on the facilities or with access to the facilities.

(b) The vegetation to be removed is diseased, dead or dying or is close enough to electric facilities that pruning or removal of the vegetation is necessary to avoid contact between the vegetation and electric facilities. A determination under this paragraph must be made by a qualified forester or arborist if a local ordinance or resolution requires that such determinations be made by a qualified forester or arborist.

(c) The vegetation is of such size, condition and proximity to electric facilities that the vegetation can reasonably be expected to cause damage to electric facilities in the future. A determination under this paragraph must be made by a qualified forester or arborist if a local ordinance or resolution requires that such determinations be made by a qualified forester or arborist.

(2) The limitation on liability provided by this section does not apply unless the electric utility has provided notice to owners of the property where the vegetation is located. Notice may be provided by posting a flyer in a conspicuous location on the property where the vegetation is located. The flyer must:

(a) Indicate that the electric utility intends to prune or remove vegetation on the property;

(b) Include a brief statement of the nature of the work to be performed and the reason the work is needed;

(c) Include an estimate of the time period during which the work will occur; and

(d) Provide information on how the electric utility can be contacted.

(3) The limitation on liability provided by this section does not apply unless the pruning or removal complies with rules adopted by the Public Utility Commission relating to pruning or removal. In adopting rules, the commission shall give consideration to the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations adopted by the American National Standards Institute. [2001 c.420 3]