If you are planning to cut down or remove trees within a woodland area, you may need a permit from The Regional Municipality of Durham.
The Regional Tree By-Law reflects our commitment to protect forested areas and the natural environment.
| What is the Regional Tree By-law? |
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The Regional Tree By-law was passed by Durham Regional Council on June 18, 2008, and amended by a new by-law passed on June 27, 2012. The Regional Tree By-Law reflects the Region's commitment to protect forested areas and the natural environment. Through this by-law, Regional Council recognizes that Woodlands contribute to ecosystem health, human health, and our overall quality of life. The Regional Tree By-law applies to Woodlands within the region that are one hectare (2.5 acres) in size and greater. Please note that the Region's Tree By-Law does not apply to areas less than one hectare, as these areas are the responsibility of the local area municipalities. Under the Regional Tree By-Law, it should also be noted that the term "Woodlands" does not include orchards, tree nurseries, Christmas tree plantations, fence rows, or land previously cleared for agricultural purposes, but which has become overgrown with scrub and/or small trees, and is intended to be used again for farming. |
| Do I need a permit to cut down trees? |
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If you are planning to cut down or remove trees within a Woodland area, you may need a permit from the Region. There are two types of permits available under the Region's Tree By-law:
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| What if I am a farmer? |
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The by-law specifies that the removal of trees as part of normal farm practices are exempt. Normal Farm Practice includes the removal of trees for personal use, as well as the removal of trees for farm-related uses (such as Normal farm practices do not include clear cutting of any kind. Permit fees will be waived for bona fide farmers. |
| Are there other exceptions? |
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The Regional Tree By-law does not apply to the following situations:
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Application forms and fees
To obtain a permit, complete and submit the application form to the Durham Region Planning and Economic Development Department for review, along with the required fee.
Good Forestry Practices Permit
You need a Good Forestry Practices Permit if you plan on cutting down or removing certain trees in a woodland area. The fee for this permit is $50.
In minor situations where just a few trees are to be removed, the Region has the discretion to waive the need for a permit. If more than 50
trees are to be removed, or if the Woodland contains a Sensitive Natural Area, a Forest Management Prescription may be required.
The Good Forestry Practices Permit process is intended to be relatively quick.
Clear Cutting Permit
You need a Clear Cutting Permit if you plan to remove an entire woodland or if you want to clear cut an area of woodland more than 0.1 hectares (1/4 acre). The fee for a minor clear cutting permit is $75, and for a major clear cutting permit is $100 (plus advertising costs for the notice of public meeting).
If the woodland area you want to clear cut is less than one hectare in size, the permit may be issued administratively by the Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development. If the area you want to clear cut is greater than one hectare, approval from Regional Council is required, as well as a public meeting.
You can get an application form on this website or in person from the Planning and Economic Development Department, or from any of the area municipal administrative offices across the Region.
Questions?
In all cases, consultation with Regional staff is recommended. The Region has also engaged the services of a Forestry Consultant for by-law
enforcement, administration and to assist with technical advice.
Please note that even though you may not be subject to the Region's Tree By-law, you may be subject to an area municipal tree cutting by-law.
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