Tree Bylaw and Permits

A tree permit is required under these circumstances: 

• • Trees has a diameter at breast height of 15 cm or more. Diameter at breast height is measured 1.37 metres above the ground. 
  • Tree is located on municipal property, including roads and parks. 
  • Tree is located in an Environmental Protection Areas or Open Space designated in the official plan. 
  • Tree is protected by a Tree Preservation and Protection Plan. 
  • Trees that are subject to commercial harvesting on lands larger than one hectare. 
  • Trees that are listed as endangered, threatened, or at risk under provincial or federal legislation. 
  • Distinctive tree species identified in Schedule "A" of the Tree Bylaw such as Black Maple, Ginkgo, Kentucky Coffee Tree, and Black Walnut.

The Tree Bylaw applies to new developments requiring planning approvals. If tree removal is needed before receiving planning approvals, a separate tree permit is necessary. 

For commercial harvesting on properties larger than one hectare, a tree permit is required, unless a forest management plan prepared by a registered professional forester is accepted by the Director of Planning Services. 

To obtain an arborist report, you must hire a qualified forestry consultant. The report should be prepared by a certified arborist, a certified tree marker, or a registered professional forester. These individuals must have the necessary certifications and memberships.  

The report must adhere to the Guidelines for the Completion of an Arborist's Report.

You can appeal to City Council under these two situations: 

1. 1. Within 30 days after we refuse to issue a tree permit. 
   2. Within 30 days after the issuance of the tree permit, you can appeal to City Council.

You can prune a tree without a tree permit as long as it does not harm the tree. To learn proper pruning techniques, contact a Certified Arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.  

For tree removal, a tree permit is not needed if the tree is dead, severely damaged, diseased, or poses a danger. However, you must provide proof from a Certified Arborist to the Director of Planning Services for approval. You can find more information on pruning and tree services on the International Society of Arboriculture’s website Trees Are Good.

In the city’s urban area, if a residential property was built before the Tree Bylaw or if it was created through a subdivision, consent, part lot control, or a condominium plan, you don’t need a tree permit as long as the trees are not in an Environmental Protection Area or Significant Woodland. But if you want to remove trees in these protected areas, you need a permit and approval from an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Just make sure the tree is on your private property. If the tree is within a road right-of-way, it is considered a municipal tree and we are responsible for its maintenance and removal.  

Removing a municipal tree without permission is against the Tree Bylaw. If a tree crosses property lines or its branches overhang onto neighbouring properties, it is a civil issue between neighbours, and cannot be settled through the Tree Bylaw. 

You don't need a tree permit if you have a building permit and the trees you want to remove are within 15 meters of the building or structure you're constructing.

You also do not need a tree permit for installing a driveway or public or private utilities if there is no reasonable place to avoid removing the tree.

Other activities may also be exempt from requiring a tree permit, such as:

• Clearing land for normal farm practices
• Operation of an existing cemetery or golf course
• Personal use, subject to annual maximums
• Utility providers, surveyors and government entities  

However, it is best to confirm with our staff before removing any trees. You can contact the Planning Services at 613-546-4291, ext. 3180 to determine if a permit is required.