In most cases, yes, you will need a permit if you want to cut down a tree on your private property in Ottawa.
A permit is necessary if you plan to remove one or more trees on your private property, including dead or dying trees, and their diameter is 15 cm (6 inches) or greater.
Taking the time to get a permit is very important, as the bylaw fines from ignoring this step can range from $500 to $100,000.
What is the process of getting a permit?
Once you’ve decided that you’d like to remove a tree, a tree removal services company like VS Tree can apply for the permit on your behalf to simplify the process. We’ve gone through these steps many times before and can use our expertise to ensure you get what is required without any unnecessary delays or mistakes.
If you do decide that you would prefer to apply for the permit yourself, you can get all the information you need from the City of Ottawa’s online resource. In this case, you could have responsibility for applying for the permit, managing the process of getting a tree information report, and presenting the permit to the tree removal company so the job can be done.
How much does it cost to get a permit to remove a tree?
The cost of a tree permit application fee is $150 per tree with a maximum of $750 in situations where the tree removal is unrelated to infill development.
If the purpose is for infill development, the fee is $500 per tree with a cap of $2,500.
Does a permit need to be displayed?
Yes, you will need to acquire and then display your permit in advance.
Ottawa by-laws state that the permit must be posted on the property 7 days before the job is complete and remain for 7 days afterwards. In addition, the notice of the permit should be posted on the tree that is being removed 7 days before the job is carried out.
Exceptions that do not require a permit
There are a handful of exceptions where a permit is not required in order to remove a tree in Ottawa, including:
- When the tree is not wide enough to require a permit (less than 30cm in diameter, measured at the trunk)
- When the tree is in an interior courtyard, solarium, rooftop garden, etc.
- When the tree is a threat to health and safety and needs to be removed as soon as possible
- When the tree is part of a golf course, farm, cemetery, orchard or nursery
Do you need a permit to remove branches?
If you are only planning to cut off branches or smaller sections of a tree, a permit is not required.
Working with VS Tree
When you work with our team, we will always complete a site visit and give a proposal and price based on the specific situation. This allows us to provide greater value than we could if we offered general pricing. Our site team will take all of the above factors into consideration and give you a fair price to bring down the tree safely and also provide clean up services, so that you don’t have anything to worry about.
Get in touch with us today to see how easy it can be to have an unsightly, damaged, or unneeded tree removed from your property!