Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?

Often yes for trees classified as protected under the municipal bylaw; contact By-law Enforcement or Planning to confirm the status for your address and tree species.

How much does a tree removal permit cost?

The current fee amount and payment method are set by city fee schedules; the general bylaw listing does not specify the exact fee on its summary page, so contact the permit office for the current fee.

How do I appeal a tree removal order or fine?

Appeals typically follow the notice on the order or the Provincial Offences process; check the order for appeal instructions and deadlines or contact the issuing department immediately.

Tree Removal Permits & Fines - St. Catharines Bylaw

Land Use and Zoning Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 26, 2026

In St. Catharines, Ontario, municipal rules govern when trees on private and public land can be removed, what permits may be required, and how fines or orders are applied by city enforcement. This guide explains the fee and fine framework, enforcement roles, how to apply for permits, and appeal routes so homeowners, contractors, and consultants can follow the correct steps and meet city requirements.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of St. Catharines enforces tree protection and removal through its municipal bylaws and by-law enforcement or planning staff. Specific monetary amounts for fines and schedules are not always published on the city summary pages; where amounts or detailed schedules are not shown below we note that they are not specified on the cited page.

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the city bylaw listings or contact By-law Enforcement for exact figures and schedules.^[1]
Escalation: the city may treat first offences, repeat offences, and continuing offences differently; the exact ranges or progressive penalties are not specified on the cited page.^[1]
Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement commonly includes stop-work orders, orders to replant or rehabilitate, removal of vegetation at the owners expense, and court actions where compliance is not achieved (specific remedies depend on the bylaw text).
Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and Planning/Building staff administer tree permits and enforcement; complaints and inspection requests are handled through the citys enforcement/contact pages (see Help and Support below).
Appeals and reviews: appeal routes typically follow municipal notice and order procedures or the Provincial Offences process; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page and must be confirmed with the issuing office.^[1]
Defences and discretion: exemptions, reasonable excuse defences, permits, variances, or approved site plans can affect enforcement outcomes; discuss defences with the issuing department or legal counsel.

Contact the city before removing trees to confirm whether a permit or exemption applies.

Applications & Forms

Where an application form is used the city normally provides a permit application or checklist for private tree removal, often via the Planning or Permit Centre. Exact form names, numbers, fee amounts, and submission methods are not specified on the general bylaw listing page; applicants should request the current form from Planning or the Permit Centre.^[1]

How enforcement typically works

Complaint received: resident or staff reports an alleged violation to By-law Enforcement.
Inspection: staff inspect and determine whether a permit was required or if the bylaw was breached.
Order issued: if non-compliance is found, the city may issue an order to stop work, remediate, or pay a fine.
Enforcement follow-up: continued non-compliance can lead to prosecution under provincial offences or court orders.

Keep records and photos of tree condition and communications to support appeals or disputes.

Common violations and typical outcomes

Removing a protected tree without a permit enforcement may include orders to replant and monetary penalties.
Failing to follow permit conditions permit suspension, additional remediation orders, or fines.
Illegal damage to city trees citation, repair or replacement costs, and possible prosecution.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?: Often yes for trees classified as protected under the municipal bylaw; contact By-law Enforcement or Planning to confirm the status for your address and tree species.
How much does a tree removal permit cost?: The current fee amount and payment method are set by city fee schedules; the general bylaw listing does not specify the exact fee on its summary page, so contact the permit office for the current fee.
How do I appeal a tree removal order or fine?: Appeals typically follow the notice on the order or the Provincial Offences process; check the order for appeal instructions and deadlines or contact the issuing department immediately.

How-To

Confirm whether the tree is protected by contacting By-law Enforcement or Planning with the property address and tree location.
Obtain and complete the citys tree removal permit application if required; include photos, a site plan, and any arborist reports requested.
Submit the application and pay the required fee to the Permit Centre or Planning office by the methods listed on the citys permit page.
Await inspection and written decision; if a permit is refused or an order issued, check the appeal directions on the notice and submit any appeal within the timeframe stated.

Apply early in the season to allow time for review and possible revisions to your application.

Key Takeaways

Always check with St. Catharines By-law Enforcement or Planning before removing trees to avoid penalties.
Exact fines and fees are set in the municipal schedules and may not be listed on summary pages; contact the city for current figures.