Tree Permit Application

Call before you cut! - Permit required

Property owners must apply for a permit before injuring or destroying any private 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.

Further, property owners are also required to apply for a permit to injure a tree.

Anyone contravening the Tree Preservation By-law and found guilty of an offence will be subject to penalties.

For additional information and By-law definitions, please refer to the Commons Terms here.

Permit Process

1. Fill out the application form below.  Applications can take up to 45 days to process.
2. Where a permit is applicable and the tree is not assessed as a Dead or Dying Tree (as per By-law definitions), planting requirements and/or cash in lieu payments will be required as a condition of your permit.
3. If you have a tree that is high risk or at imminent risk of failure and you are looking to have the permit application expedited, a Tree Risk Assessment Report by a Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist is required as part of your application submission.
4. If tree failure has already occurred, or the tree is deemed hazardous as per By-law definitions, the owner is required to document the tree with photographic evidence and provide documentation to treepreservationadmin@markham.ca.    

Other requirements

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.

Note: If any part of the tree trunk or root flare at ground level is located on adjacent property, the adjacent property owner must also provide permission for the application as per the Forestry Act. If this is the case, please complete and submit the printable application form [PDF], ensuring the adjacent owner signs Page 2 of the application where required.

A Person may appeal the Administrator’s decision to refuse or to revoke a Permit by sending a request for an appeal to the City within ten (10) days of the Administrator’s written decision, including any applicable fees as set out in Licensing, Permit and Service Fees By-Law 2012-137, as amended.

In relation to Residential Grading and Servicing (RGS) development applications, Pool Enclosure (PE) Permits, Housing Permits (HP), Demolition Permits (DP), or other landscaping, construction or commercial projects where trees may be impacted, City staff will require the submission of Tree Assessment and Preservation Plan [PDF] prepared by a Qualified Tree Expert and/or submission of a Declaration Form.