Tree and Ravine permit applications have varying requirements based on the situation. For detailed requirements, including what trees, ravines, and natural areas are protected, application fees, and acceptable reasons to apply for a permit, visit the City of Toronto’s Tree & Ravine Protection or contact your local Tree Protection and Plan Review (TPPR) Office. See contact details below. For instance, are you requesting tree removal due to construction or the tree’s poor health? The location also matters: is the tree privately owned, city-owned, or located in a Ravine Protection Area?
What Trees and Ravines are Protected
- City Trees: Activities that could injure or remove street trees of any size require a permit under the Tree Protection By-law, Article II Trees on City Streets. City-owned streets can include spaces in front of residential homes, boulevards, and public spaces. Permits for tree removal are granted only in rare cases. If approved, the applicant must pay the tree's full appraised value, and replanting costs. A replacement tree must be planted unless otherwise determined by Urban Forestry.
- Private Trees: Trees with a diameter of 30 cm or more on private property are protected from injury and removal under the Private Tree Protection By-law, Article III Private Tree Protection. The diameter is measured 1.4 m (4.5 ft) above the ground. Replacement trees regardless of their diameter are protected under the Private Tree By-law.
- Ravine Trees and Natural Features: Any activity that injures or removes trees in a Ravine Protection Area requires a permit under the Ravine and Natural Feature Protection By-law. This includes altering land topography and dumping fill or refuse. Use the provided map to check if a tree is within a Ravine Protection Area. If your property is regulated by the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), you may also need a TRCA permit for fill placement, grading changes, floodplain construction, or altering a watercourse. This TRCA permit is in addition to the City of Toronto’s Ravine Permit for tree injury or removal.
- Park Trees: All trees in city parks are protected under the Parks By-law. For injury or removal of park trees, contact your local TPPR Application Office.
Typical Submission Requirements
Requirements may vary, but generally include:
- Completed Permit Application form
- Completed Owner's Authorization form (if applicable)
- Arborist Report
- Landscape/Replanting Plan
- Tree Protection Plan (if applicable)
- Site Plans (for construction related applications)
- Recent legal Survey Plan with Ravine Protection Line (when property is within the ravine)
- Permit Application Fee (as applicable)
How to Submit an Application
Ensure you have all required documents. Submit your completed application package to your local TPPR Office via:
Application fee payments can be made online when submitting an application, or alternatively can be submitted as a mailed certified cheque/money order, scheduled phone payment, or in person. Note that submitting an application does not guarantee a permit will be issued.
After Submission
For details on what happens after your application is submitted, visit the City of Toronto’s How to Apply for a Tree or Ravine Permit website.
Exceptions for Private Trees and Natural Features
For more information on permit exceptions, review this article, visit the City’s When to Apply For a Tree or Ravine Permit website, or contact your local TPPR Office.
Fines for illegal tree removal
A person convicted under the Tree and Natural Feature Protection By-laws may face a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum fine of $100,000 per tree involved in the offense. Additionally, a supplementary fine of $100,000 may apply.
