Tree removal bylaws

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August 22nd, 2019, 11:44 AM
rf2

Tree removal bylaws

Here's a topic simply for debate/discussion:
In Ottawa, there are bylaws preventing people from removing trees from their own property without a permit. Here's a recent article talking about it - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottaw...tawa-1.5254818.
I did not know that landowners with properties over one hectare needed a permit to remove a tree with a diameter larger than 10 cm (!). Personally, I find this 10 cm rule ridiculous. in my opinion, the more trees you have, the less permitting you should require to remove them. If it's on your property, should you even require a permit at all?

Don't get me wrong, I love trees and avoid cutting them down whenever possible. I once paid hundreds of dollars to try to save a nice oak on my property, against the advice of the arborist who advised that the tree would die regardless of what I did to try to save it. I then ended up having to pay several more hundred dollars to have it cut down the following year.
August 22nd, 2019, 02:50 PM
Bushmoose

Fortunately, we up here in the north, do not have to deal with this. I've heard a few horror stories from friends who live in the quagmire though.
August 22nd, 2019, 03:39 PM
MarkB

Don't get me started. In Oakville you need a permit to remove ANY tree over 15 cm in trunk diameter, irrespective of your property size.
I had one removed that was very close to my house (touching my roof). It cost me $600 for the permit, and they forced me to plant 2 more specified species of trees in my backyard (cost $320 for the pair), and it took 2 weeks to get the permit, after the town's arborist came to my site to review the "project" which I had to do during the weekday and missed 1 hour of work for. So, the permit costs were basically $920 and took 2 weeks. It took the tree removal company 2 hours to take down the tree, and charged me $400. Think about that ... sound fair, paying $920 in permit costs for a $400 tree removal, and it delayed a 2h job by 2 weeks?? ... and this was my tree, on my property.

But I was like ... okay, land conservation ... trees, nature, alright let's calm down ... that was until I found out that any major development is exempt from this by-law.

So, the reality is that the big developers can go cutting down 100's of trees, but the little guy that wants to remove a tree for good reasons is nailed. And get this, I asked the tree removal company what % of trees get removed by the little guy ... he says only 2%, the other 98% are from developments which are exempted ... total joke.

It's all about money, there's ZERO principle in any of this.
August 22nd, 2019, 05:23 PM
boddah

I have had that discussion already a few times! If the tree is dead it can be removed. Copper nail. I’m just saying.

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August 22nd, 2019, 05:39 PM
Woodsman

Quote:

Originally Posted by rf2

I did not know that landowners with properties over one hectare needed a permit to remove a tree with a diameter larger than 10 cm (!).

"Over one hectare" in Ottawa.
I guess you should have researched that.
Not your common lot size in a big city.
August 22nd, 2019, 08:32 PM
smitty55

I would just do it anyway, screw them. Like how would they really know? For the most part no homeowner would want to remove any more trees on his property than he had to regardless so obviously it's just another revenue stream for the city. Besides it's easier to beg forgiveness than to ask for permission but in reality it would be easy to plead ignorance if one was caught.
August 22nd, 2019, 08:35 PM
smitty55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsman

"Over one hectare" in Ottawa.
I guess you should have researched that.
Not your common lot size in a big city.

Ottawa city limits stretch far out into rural lands ever since amalgamation. Screwed a lot of country folks with new regulations like fire permits and higher taxes.
August 22nd, 2019, 08:44 PM
73hunter

I’m with Smitty, use a variation on the 3S rule and don’t look back.

I like trees too and only cut if it has to be done, but if have little patience for government intrusion
August 22nd, 2019, 11:55 PM
jaycee

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty55

I would just do it anyway, screw them. Like how would they really know? For the most part no homeowner would want to remove any more trees on his property than he had to regardless so obviously it's just another revenue stream for the city. Besides it's easier to beg forgiveness than to ask for permission but in reality it would be easy to plead ignorance if one was caught.

The neighborhood talks, and it eventually it gets down to "City Hall " especially if you don,t get along with someone in the neighborhood.
I'm glad we live in the country and our neighbors are friendly!
August 23rd, 2019, 03:19 AM
Bushmoose

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaycee

I'm glad we live in the country and our neighbors are friendly!

Ha! We've been inundated lately with immigrants moving up here from the quagmire of S. Ont. cats running loose!, Anti hunters! Property line guardians! The whole neighbourhood is falling apart! Next thing ya know, we won't be able to cut a tree down without permission?:D
August 23rd, 2019, 05:51 AM
rf2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsman

"Over one hectare" in Ottawa.
I guess you should have researched that.
Not your common lot size in a big city.

I'm sorry, but I have to call-out your uninformed response. As already mentioned, Ottawa includes many rural areas with large property sizes. In addition to the rule for larger properties, there are rules for trees with a diameter of 50 cm or greater that applies to all properties. I think you are the one who needs to do some research before responding.
August 23rd, 2019, 06:07 AM
Bluebulldog

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty55

Ottawa city limits stretch far out into rural lands ever since amalgamation. Screwed a lot of country folks with new regulations like fire permits and higher taxes.

Yup.

Constance Bay here....

Most of us, just cut what we like, and no one bothers to call the city.
August 23rd, 2019, 09:01 AM
Fox

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluebulldog

Yup.

Constance Bay here....

Most of us, just cut what we like, and no one bothers to call the city.

You only have to worry about people who complain.

I called to find out how tall I can make a shed at it's maximum before needing a permit. The office thought I was crazy, then I told them it would be seen from the road and I have neighbours. It is not the ones I have know that are a problem but the ones that may come later. Our municipality (south of Ottawa) essentially will only come after you for safety or if there is a complaint, fence off your pool and don't piss off the people living around you.
August 23rd, 2019, 10:07 AM
MarkB

Quote:

Originally Posted by boddah

I have had that discussion already a few times! If the tree is dead it can be removed. Copper nail. I’m just saying.

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In Oakville, I'm sure you still need a permit. It's just that the permit is pretty much automatically granted if it's dead. But the town arborist will likely still come out and inspect, and if they see any evidence of tampering ... big trouble.

And that reminds me ... there is something else that is crazy about the permitting process. The town has the right to deny your permit to remove a tree ... your own tree.
August 23rd, 2019, 10:09 AM
MarkB

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty55

I would just do it anyway, screw them. Like how would they really know? For the most part no homeowner would want to remove any more trees on his property than he had to regardless so obviously it's just another revenue stream for the city. Besides it's easier to beg forgiveness than to ask for permission but in reality it would be easy to plead ignorance if one was caught.

Ignorance is not going to work. I think they simply nail you with a $5000 fine per tree removed without a permit. I wouldn't take that chance. You might get away with it, but there are several ways to figure it out ... a nosey neighbor calls it in, or they compare satellite images from Google Earth. Easy to spot a big tree that's gone missing between Google Earth updates.
August 23rd, 2019, 01:11 PM
ninepointer

Tree removal by-laws are a government reaction to vocal people who want to restrict what their neighbours do. The complainers are the same people who also want 100% freedom to do whatever they like within their own property. "He needs to be regulated, but not me."
August 23rd, 2019, 07:27 PM
smitty55

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkB

Ignorance is not going to work. I think they simply nail you with a $5000 fine per tree removed without a permit. I wouldn't take that chance. You might get away with it, but there are several ways to figure it out ... a nosey neighbor calls it in, or they compare satellite images from Google Earth. Easy to spot a big tree that's gone missing between Google Earth updates.

I can't see a judge expecting the average citizen to know all of the likely thousands of bylaws on the books.
August 23rd, 2019, 08:14 PM
boddah

Quote:

Originally Posted by smitty55

I can't see a judge expecting the average citizen to know all of the likely thousands of bylaws on the books.

It’s your responsibility and due diligence. Did anyone get a notice new gun or magazine bans?

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August 23rd, 2019, 08:15 PM
boddah

Copper nails! Still just saying....

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August 23rd, 2019, 09:19 PM
gbk

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkB

Don't get me started. In Oakville you need a permit to remove ANY tree over 15 cm in trunk diameter, irrespective of your property size.
I had one removed that was very close to my house (touching my roof). It cost me $600 for the permit, and they forced me to plant 2 more specified species of trees in my backyard (cost $320 for the pair), and it took 2 weeks to get the permit, after the town's arborist came to my site to review the "project" which I had to do during the weekday and missed 1 hour of work for. So, the permit costs were basically $920 and took 2 weeks. It took the tree removal company 2 hours to take down the tree, and charged me $400. Think about that ... sound fair, paying $920 in permit costs for a $400 tree removal, and it delayed a 2h job by 2 weeks?? ... and this was my tree, on my property.

But I was like ... okay, land conservation ... trees, nature, alright let's calm down ... that was until I found out that any major development is exempt from this by-law.

So, the reality is that the big developers can go cutting down 100's of trees, but the little guy that wants to remove a tree for good reasons is nailed. And get this, I asked the tree removal company what % of trees get removed by the little guy ... he says only 2%, the other 98% are from developments which are exempted ... total joke.

It's all about money, there's ZERO principle in any of this.

I am not sure for tree removal on private property here in Guelph,but as sure as h..ll the neighborhood "wilderness"from and old gravel pit,size about 0. 5square km with several 1000 of trees has been clear cut 2 years ago.When i inquired via e mail (sort of a complaint why they cut the forest down),i was told-it is being prepared for development,and the developer WILL plant new trees.
Now after 2 years,there is NOTHING happening there,we do not know who will develop,what and when?
So-why the needed to cut down 1000 of trees is a mystery for me.
That's about our City being a front runner in Environment protective actions(so they say ,we are..............)