Tree Bylaw and Permits

Apply here for the Dead Tree Removal Request

What to expect in the Tree Permit process:

Step 1. Determine Your Project Type

This application is for the removal of dead trees. 

A permit is required to remove or cut a protected tree. Protected trees include the following:

• Trees with a diameter of ≥ 20cm when measured at 1.3m (4' 3") above grade
• Trees with more than one stem, the combined diameter of its two largest trunks or stems is ≥ 20cm
• Trees with evidence of nesting birds
• Trees that do not meet the size requirements but were a condition of a plan or permit approval
• A hedge that is ≥ 5m in height

Step 2. Gather Required Documents

Gather the following documents to have a complete application:

• Proof of Title or most recent Property tax or utility bill with name of owner
• Photographs showing the condition of the tree
• Letter of Authorization (required if applicant is not the owner)

Step 3. Submit Tree Permit Application Online

1. Log into MyCity or create an account
2. Fill out the application 
3. Attach the required documents

To expedite the review, ensure your application is complete and accurate. Completing this application initiates a review from a city arborist who will reach out via email with any feedback and next steps.

Step 4. Await Permit Decision and Next Steps

A city arborist will conduct a thorough review of your application. You will be notified by email whether your permit is approved and if there are fees and deposits. 

Dead tree removals require a 1:1 replacement and you will be asked to submit the species and location for the City Arborist’s approval. 

Replacements shall meet the following the criteria:

• Be at least 3cm caliper; 5-6cm is optimal. Caliper is the diameter of a tree measured 15cm from the top of the root ball
• Reach a minimum height of 5m (20ft) at maturity – approximately 25 years of age
• No weeping, dwarf, hedge, or palm species or varieties
• No fruit-bearing species such as apple, pear, plum, cherry, and peach
• Spacing requirements for replacement trees:
• 1m from all property lines, retaining walls, and underground utilities
• 2m from overhead utility lines and power poles
• 2m from hardscaped and impermeable surfaces (unless root barrier installed)
• 3m from any other tree, principle dwelling, or detached secondary dwelling

Step 5. Tree Permit Issuance

Make an appointment to come to City Hall for tree permit issuance and payment. A public notice placard will be provided for you to post on-site in a location visible from the street.

Step 6. Remove Dead Tree

After receiving the permit, you have approval to proceed with the tree removal. Ensure that you adhere to the conditions and requirements specified on the permit. This may include following specific tree removal procedures or other relevant guidelines.

Step 7. Plant and Maintain Replacement Tree

Purchase a quality tree that has branches evenly distributed around the stem and plenty of green foliage. Plant the replacement tree in the fall or early spring. Ensure the tree is planted straight and the trunk flare is visible at the base. Apply mulch and a watering bag to assist with soil moisture. Water frequently in the warmer months. 

40% of the deposit for the replacement tree will be returned once the tree is planted appropriately as per the pre-approved plan (location and species). After one year from the first inspection, 60% of the deposit will be returned if the tree is healthy and undamaged. If the tree does not pass inspection, a new tree is required to be planted. If the tree passes inspection, the tree permit is closed and the tree is entered into the City’s database of protected trees. The tree would require a permit for removal. 

Apply here for the Hazardous Tree Removal Request

What to expect in the Tree Permit process:

Step 1. Determine Your Project Type

This application is for the removal of hazardous trees. A tree is considered hazardous when it has been assessed as having defects which could contribute to an elevated level of risk. Tree risk assessments are performed by certified arborists who have obtained their Tree Risk Assessment Qualification through the International Society of Arboriculture and are trained in the systematic process of evaluating tree risk. According to the Tree Bylaw, a hazardous tree is “a tree identified in writing by an arborist as having defects sufficient to significantly increase the likelihood that all or part of the tree will fall, resulting in a risk of personal injury or property damage or loss”.

A permit is required to remove or cut a protected tree. Protected trees include the following:

• Trees with a diameter of ≥ 20cm when measured at 1.3m (4' 3") above grade
• Trees with more than one stem, the combined diameter of its two largest trunks or stems is ≥ 20cm
• Trees with evidence of nesting birds
• Trees that do not meet the size requirements but were a condition of a plan or permit approval
• A hedge that is ≥ 5m in height

Step 2. Gather Required Documents

Gather the following documents to have a complete application:

• Proof of Title or most recent Property tax or utility bill with name of owner
• Photographs showing the condition of the tree
• Letter of Authorization (required if applicant is not the owner)
• Arborist Report with Tree Risk Assessment

Step 3. Submit Tree Permit Application Online

1. Log into MyCity or create an account
2. Fill out the application 
3. Attach the required documents

To expedite the review, ensure your application is complete and accurate. Completing this application initiates a review from a city arborist who will reach out via email with any feedback and next steps.

Step 4. Await Permit Decision and Next Steps

A city arborist will conduct a thorough review of your application. You will be notified by email whether your permit is approved and if there are fees and deposits. 

Hazardous tree removals require a 1:1 replacement and you will be asked to submit the species and location for the City Arborist’s approval. 

Replacements shall meet the following the criteria:

• Be at least 3cm caliper; 5-6cm is optimal. Caliper is the diameter of a tree measured 15cm from the top of the root ball
• Reach a minimum height of 5m (20ft) at maturity – approximately 25 years of age
• No weeping, dwarf, hedge, or palm species or varieties
• No fruit-bearing species such as apple, pear, plum, cherry, and peach

Spacing requirements for replacement trees:

• 1m from all property lines, retaining walls, and underground utilities
• 2m from overhead utility lines and power poles
• 2m from hardscaped and impermeable surfaces (unless root barrier installed)
• 3m from any other tree, principle dwelling, or detached secondary dwelling

Step 5. Tree Permit Issuance

Make an appointment to come to City Hall for tree permit issuance and payment. A public notice placard will be provided for you to post on-site in a location visible from the street.

Step 6. Remove Hazardous Tree

After receiving the permit, you have approval to proceed with the tree removal. Ensure that you adhere to the conditions and requirements specified on the permit. This may include following specific tree removal procedures or other relevant guidelines.

Step 7. Plant and Maintain Replacement Tree

Purchase a quality tree that has branches evenly distributed around the stem and plenty of green foliage. Plant the replacement tree in the fall or early spring. Ensure the tree is planted straight and the trunk flare is visible at the base. Apply mulch and a watering bag to assist with soil moisture. Water frequently in the warmer months. 

40% of the deposit for the replacement tree will be returned once the tree is planted appropriately as per the pre-approved plan (location and species). After one year from the first inspection, 60% of the deposit will be returned if the tree is healthy and undamaged. If the tree does not pass inspection, a new tree is required to be planted. If the tree passes inspection, the tree permit is closed and the tree is entered into the City’s database of protected trees. The tree would require a permit for removal. 

Apply here for Small Projects

What to expect in the Tree Permit process:

Step 1. Determine Your Project Type

First, identify the type of project you are involved in. This application is for:

• Construction of an addition to existing dwelling or accessory building that is not a dwelling
• Interior/Exterior renovation
• Oil Tank Removal
• Drain Tile
• Roofing/Solar panel installation
• Other small projects that are within the CRZ of on-site or off-site trees

Step 2. Gather Required Documents

Gather the following documents to have a complete application:

• Proof of Title
• Letter of Authorization (required if applicant is not the owner or if property is stratified)
• Site Plan

If available:

• Building plans
• Site Service Plan
• Topographical Survey

Step 3. Submit Tree Permit Application Online

1. Log into MyCity or create an account
2. Fill out the application
3. Attach the required documents
4. Pay application fee

To expedite the review process, ensure detailed information is included about the proposed work, such as the location of trees, machine usage, materials storage, site access, as well as extent/depth/width of trenches etc. Completing this application initiates a review from a city arborist who will reach out via email with any feedback and next steps.

Step 4. Await Permit Decision and Next Steps

A city arborist will conduct a thorough review of your application. Depending on the scope of the work, it may be determined that a tree permit is not required or we may ask for further information. An arborist report may be required during this stage. This report must include recommendations to conduct the work with the lowest possible impact to the trees during construction.

As per the tree bylaw, living tree removals will only be considered when all other options for retention have been explored and it has been confirmed in writing by an ISA certified arborist retained by the applicant that tree removal is the only option. Input from your project arborist would be needed to support claims that removal is a justifiable way to move forward, and meets the criteria for removal described in the bylaw.

Step 5. Install Tree Protection Barriers

The tree barrier must extend to the critical root zone (CRZ), meaning the area of land surrounding the trunk of a tree contained within a circle of radius equal to the DBH of the tree multiplied by 6, or one meter beyond the drip line of the tree, whichever is the greater distance. Deviances to this requirement must be rationalized. If a project arborist was required to manage your project, they can inspect the barriers and provide confirmation. Otherwise, email photos of the installed barriers to the city arborist.

Step 6. Tree Permit Issuance

Make an appointment to come to City Hall for tree permit issuance and payment. A public notice placard will be provided for you to post on-site in a location visible from the street. Note that the Tree Permit must be issued before the Building Permit can be released.

Step 7. Commence Work

After receiving the applicable permits, you can proceed with the approved work.

Ensure that you adhere to the conditions and requirements specified in the Tree Permit. This may include project arborist supervision during certain stages of construction. Tree barriers must remain in place until city arborist gives final approval.

Step 8. Project Completion

If a project arborist was required to manage your project, they can perform a final inspection and provide confirmation that the project complied with the recommendations in the arborist report and trees were not harmed by construction. Otherwise, reach out to the city arborist for final inspection. Tree protection securities are refunded if the inspection is passed. 

What to expect in the Tree Permit process:

Step 1. Determine Your Project Type

First, identify the type of project you are involved in. This application is for:

• Construction of a new dwelling
• Infill housing
• Laneway house/carriage house
• Any proposed development, or any similar project

Step 2. Gather Required Documents

Gather the following documents to have a complete application:

• Proof of Title
• Letter of Authorization (required if applicant is not the owner or if property is stratified)
• Site Plan
• Building Plans
• Site Service Plan
• Topographical Survey
• Arborist Report created by an ISA certified arborist

Step 3. Submit Tree Permit Application Online

1. Log into MyCity or create an account
2. Fill out the application
3. Attach the required documents
4. Pay application fee

Completing this application initiates a review from a city arborist who will reach out via email with any feedback and next steps.

Step 4. Await Permit Decision and Next Steps

A city arborist will conduct a thorough review of your application. As per the tree bylaw, living tree removals will only be considered when all other options for retention have been explored and it has been confirmed in writing by an ISA certified arborist retained by the applicant that tree removal is the only option. Input from your project arborist would be needed to support claims that removal is a justifiable way to move forward, and meets the criteria for removal described in the bylaw.

Step 5. Install Tree Protection Barriers

The tree barrier must extend to the critical root zone (CRZ), meaning the area of land surrounding the trunk of a tree contained within a circle of radius equal to the DBH of the tree multiplied by 6, or one meter beyond the drip line of the tree, whichever is the greater distance. Deviances to this requirement must be rationalized. Project arborist can inspect the barriers and provide confirmation. 

Step 6. Tree Permit Issuance

Make an appointment to come to City Hall for tree permit issuance and payment. A public notice placard will be provided for you to post on-site in a location visible from the street. Note that the Tree Permit must be issued before the Building Permit can be released.

Step 7. Commence Work

After receiving the applicable permits, you can proceed with the approved work. Ensure that you adhere to the conditions and requirements specified in the Tree Permit. This may include project arborist supervision during certain stages of construction. Tree barriers must remain in place until city arborist gives final approval.

Step 8. Project Completion

Project arborist can perform a final inspection and provide confirmation that the project complied with the recommendations in the arborist report and trees were not harmed by construction. Tree protection securities are refunded if the inspection is passed. 

A Tree Permit is required to remove or cut a protected tree. Protected trees include:

• Trees with a diameter of ≥ 20cm when measured at 1.3m (4' 3") above grade;
• For trees with more than one stem, the combined diameter of its two largest trunks or stems is ≥ 20cm when measured at 1.3m (4’ 3”) above grade;
• Trees with evidence of nesting birds;
• Trees planted as a condition of a plan or permit approval, regardless of size (eg. a replacement tree);
• A hedge that is ≥ 5m in height; or
• Trees or shrubs of any size on all City-owned or occupied lands.

1. Measure circumference of the tree trunk at 1.3m (4' 3") above grade
2. Divide the circumference by 3.1416 to obtain the diameter

For a multi-stem tree, measure the diameter of the two largest stems and then add them together.

A permit is not required for pruning so long as the pruning is carried out in accordance with sound arboricultural practices. It is recommended to hire an ISA certified arborist to perform any tree pruning, as they will have the knowledge and skills to prune the tree appropriately for good structure and longevity.

Pruning shall not include:

1. Crown raising to the extent that the live crown ratio is less than 50%
2. Removal of more than 25% of the crown in a single season
3. Topping
4. Pruning or removal of a structural root within the critical root zone of a protected tree

Click for information on pruning young trees and pruning mature trees

The first step would be to speak to your neighbor to come to a mutual solution. Overhanging branches can be pruned with accepted arboricultural practices, ensuring the tree is not damaged or topped. To make the most ideal pruning cuts, the pruner may need access around the base of the tree. Ensure you are not trespassing onto your neighbor's property.

Protected hedges are 5 metres or higher as measured from the trunk flare to the tip of the tallest branch A hedge is defined as five or more trees or shrubs planted less than 1.25 metres apart and maintained as a hedge.

Violations of the Tree Bylaw can result in fines, stop work orders, restoration requirements, or legal action.

For each hazardous/dead tree removed, 1 replacement tree must be planted and maintained.

For all other protected tree removals, 2 replacement trees are required.

For the removal of protected hedges, a replacement of 1 tree per 4m of hedge is required.

We require new trees to be planted when trees are removed to combat the loss of canopy cover because fewer trees mean fewer ecosystem benefits for residents.

A Project Arborist is an ISA Certified Arborist who is hired by the applicant. They are independent from the City and provides an unbiased perspective on tree health and management of your property throughout the project.

• Arborist Report Requirements
• Replacement Tree List
• Root Mapping Information
• Tree Protection Barriers for Boulevard Trees
• Urban Forest Management Strategy Technical Guidebook

• Letter of Acknowledgement
• Letter of Authorization
• Letter of Commitment (Replacement Trees)
• Letter of Consent
• Letter of Undertaking (Arborist)

Templates

• Replacement Tree Letter (Initial)
• Replacement Tree Letter (Final)
• Retained Tree Letter (Final)
• Root Mapping Report
• Site Supervision Report
• Tree Protection Barrier Letter

Samples

• Site Plan
• Site Service Plan