The City of Markham has a Tree Preservation By-Law where 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.

Where a permit has been denied, property owners may request an appeal by sending an appeal request in writing to the City within 10 days of the written notice of permit denial.

Tree Permit Denials are heard by an independent Hearing Officer who makes final and binding decisions.
At the hearing, the City’s Tree Preservation Technician presents the rationale for denying the tree permit and the property owner presents information to support their request.

The Hearing Officer will render a decision at the end of the hearing to deny or approve a permit and any accompanying conditions.

Hearing Officer recommendations are based on the unique characteristics of each case and are not intended to be precedent setting or used as a basis for future cases.

If the Hearing Officer approves the permit, they will provide tree re-planting conditions or as an alternative, a cash-in-lieu option to the appellant as part of their recommendation.

Hearing Officer decisions are listed chronologically below.

Should an appellant wish to appeal a Hearing Officer decision, they have a right to apply to the Ontario Divisional Court for judicial review.

Tree Permit Denial Appeal Hearing Decisions

2024

2023

2022