Tree Removal Permit
- A Tree Removal Permit may be issued if one of the following conditions exists:
- The protected tree is a hazardous tree
- The protected tree is located within the buildable site footprint that would be permitted under applicable zoning and related bylaws, and the design of the structure could not be modified to enable the protected tree to be retained
- The roots of the protected tree are interfering with, or presenting a hazard to, underground or overhead services and utilities where removal of the tree is the only means to address the issue.
- Letter of Authorization
- Letter of Authorization - Strata
- Letter of Undertaking - Arborist
- Letter of Consent
- Letter of Acknowledgement
- Tree Protection Barriers and Sign Specs
- Tree Protection Barriers for Boulevard Trees
- Replacement Tree List
Other documents required for a complete submission:
- Proof of title
- Notice of directors if owned by a Numbered Company
- Arborist report – two colour copies
- Site plans
- Building plans
- Site survey
- Site service plan (example)
- Engineer report or Plumber report to justify removal of tree interfering with structure or service.
Hazard tree removal permits have a 1:1 replacement tree requirement (hedges are 1 tree per every 4m of hedge). See our updated replacement tree list. Replacement trees must be planted 6 months after permit has been issued.
Private Property Tree Planting
Planting trees on private property is an important contribution to our urban forest which provides us all with a number of economic, social, and environmental benefits for now, and for the future. The most effective way to grow a healthy urban forest is to plant the right tree in the right place.
All replacement tree locations and species shall be approved by a City Arborist before planting.
Size and Species
All 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
*We are currently not accepting Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) as an approved replacement tree as this species currently makes up 40% of new trees planted on private property
Trees can be selected off of our Replacement tree list - if there is a tree you are wanting to plant that is not on our list please call or email us to confirm.
Spacing and Planting Requirements
Replacement trees shall be planted on the site where trees are removed, and be located at least:
- 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
Please refer to the ‘Trees Are Good’ pamphlet here for additional details on proper planting techniques, timing, and tips.
- In the event that a protected tree is in imminent danger of falling and injuring persons or property due to natural causes, and it is not possible to obtain a permit prior to the tree falling, the owner may cut the tree or have it cut, but shall report the cutting of the tree to the City within the next business day along with a photograph of the tree prior to such cutting. The owner shall not remove the tree from the lot until the City has attended the site and has confirmed the tree was in imminent danger of falling. In this instance, the trees that are cut must be replaced in accordance with the City's Tree Regulation and Protection Bylaw. If the City determines that the tree was not in imminent danger of falling, or was in imminent danger of falling due to reasons other than natural causes, the owner may be subject to the offences and penalties.* "Hazardous tree" means 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.
- Documentation/photos to confirm that the hazardous tree poses an imminent risk to the public or property
- Letter from adjacent property owner permitting removal of a shared tree
- Tree survey and permission from neighbours to cut shared tree(s) or structural roots
- A written letter of consent from the Strata Council if the tree you wish to remove is located on strata property
- A report from a plumber and arborist certifying that the roots of the tree are interfering with, blocking, or damaging a drainage or sewage system
- A report from an arborist that the tree is causing damage to property, including damage to roofs, foundations, retaining walls and sidewalks, that standard arboriculture practices cannot rectify
- A Tree Replacement and/or Tree Protection Plan
Downloadable forms for application
fees and securities for resident applicant:
Application Fee $0.00 Permit Fee $0.00 Security or cash-in-lieu per hazardous general replacement tree $250.00 max $1,250.00 Security or cash-in-lieu per hazardous specimen replacement tree $250.00 max $2,000.00 fees and securities for applicants:
Application Fee $75.00 Permit Fee (hazardous single tree) $50.00 Permit Fee (hazardous multiple trees) $50.00 for first tree, $25.00 for each additional tree Security or cash-in-lieu per general replacement tree $500.00 Security or cash-in-lieu per hazardous specimen replacement tree $500.00 No maximum or cap on securities for Applicants