Development Tree Permits
Under Tree Preservation By-law 2023-164, a Tree Permit application is required for the removal and injury of all regulated trees city-wide. Tree Permits for development applications, including Plan of Subdivision, Site Plan Control, and Heritage Permits, are managed by the Planning and Urban Design Department and may be required as part of a complete application submission.
For non-construction related tree permits and Residential Grading and Servicing (RGS) tree permits, please refer to the Tree Preservation By-law page.
Regulated trees must not be removed or injured unless a Tree Permit is obtained.
- Application Submission
Following a Pre-Application Consultation Meeting, the applicant submits a Development Tree Permit (SALT) application online via ePLAN.
The Development Tree Permit Submission must include the following documents:
- Arborist Report and Tree Preservation Plan prepared in accordance with the City’s Arborist Report and Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan Terms of Reference (2024)
- Tree Permit Notice Sign
- Grading Plan and Servicing Plan (See ePLAN Submission Standards)
- Signed Letter of Consent from Neighbor if removal and/or injured trees are located on a property boundary or on a neighboring property
Once an application has been submitted, a Development Technician will conduct a preliminary “Prescreen Review” task to ensure that all required plans and documents have been provided.
For further information and details, please contact the City’s Urban Design Section.
- Application Circulation
Once the application has passed the City’s prescreen review and the Tree Assessment and Preservation Plan Review fee has been paid, the Development Technician will circulate the application to the Urban Design Section for review.
- Staff Review and Comments
Staff will work with the applicant to resolve any issues identified during the review. If applicable, the applicant will be required to resubmit plans and documents for additional review and approval.
- Posting of Notice Signage
The applicant must post the approved Tree Permit Notice sign on site 48 hours prior to scheduled tree removals. Tree Permit Notice Sign template.
- Approval
Once the Planning and Urban Design Department finds the submission acceptable, staff will outline conditions and requirements for fees and letters of credit to be fulfilled by the applicant, as part of an executed Tree Permit Conditions Agreement.
Staff will issue the Tree Permit once the Tree Permit Conditions Agreement has been executed and relevant conditions have been fulfilled, including installation of tree protection and posting of the Tree Permit Notice Signage.
- Post Approval /Security Release
Inspections for approval of tree preservation works and to confirm the installation of Permit Notice signage, will be required prior to issuance of the Tree Permit.
Any securities provided as part of an Urban Design Tree Permit application will be released at project completion, following the conditions outlined in the Permit Agreement.