Markham enacted its Tree Preservation By-law - regulating the destruction or injury of trees - for all properties on June 24, 2008. The by-law is effective immediately.
The Tree Preservation By-law was adopted by Council to support a greener community and a healthier environment. It exists to preserve significant trees on all properties within the City and to sustain Markham's urban forest.
Property owners must apply for a permit before injuring or destroying any tree in Markham with a trunk diameter of 20 centimetres (about 8 inches) or more, measured at 1.37 metres (about 54 inches) above the ground at the base of the tree.
Call before you cut! You need a permit before cutting a tree with a diameter of 20 cm (8 inches) or more measured at 1.37 metres (54 inches) above the ground. Anyone contravening the Tree Preservation By-law and found guilty of an offence will be subject to penalties.
Note: This process applies to both permit applications and bylaw exemption requests.
Online Tree Permit Application or fill out the Tree Permit Application Form [PDF] and submit completed application in person to the Contact Centre, Unionville Entrance at the Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard.
Following the review of a permit application, the City may determine the removal of the tree does not require a permit and will refund any fees paid or confirm that a site inspection is required.
A report from a qualified tree expert may be required as a condition of permit approval, but is not required for the initial permit application.
Exemptions under the by-law may be granted. The property owner is required to complete and submit the same permit application when requesting an exemption to the by-law. Upon approval of exemption, Markham staff will issue a permit to allow the tree to be removed.
Exemptions are considered for:
A permit is not required if:
Trees in woodlots and woodlands are covered by the Region of York By-law, and are also exempt from the City's permit process.
Refer to Section 4 of the Tree Preservation By-law for the details of these exemptions.
For more information contact Markham's Contact Centre at 905-477-5530 or customerservice@markham.ca.
Complete form and deliver in person to the Markham Civic Centre. This application is used for both permit application and by-law exemptions.