Tree Felling

According to Zoning By-law No. 1303 and Permit and Certificate By-law No. 1300, an authorization certificate is required for the felling of a tree on private property when the trunk of the tree has a diameter of at least 3.93 inches (10 centimeters) at 4.26 feet (1.3 meters) from the ground (diameter at breast height [DBH]).

In order to protect Westmount’s tree canopy, tree cutting is only authorized in the following circumstances, and after the issuance of a certificate of authorization for tree cutting:

• The tree is dead or in a state of irreversible decline, when more than 50% of the crown is composed of dead wood;
• The tree is located within the implantation area or within 3 meters of the implantation area of a construction or a projected retaining wall. However, a tree located between 3 meters and 5 meters from the implantation area can be felled on the condition that it is replaced; 
• The tree is located within the implantation area of a pool or, in the case of the front yard, within the implantation area of an accessory parking or access to a building, only if no other space is available elsewhere on the property for such developments; 
• Based on an arborist's report, the tree is likely to transmit a disease or is an invasive exotic species and in this case, it must be replaced; 
• Based on the study of an arboriculture expert, due to an irreversible situation caused by disease, structural deficiency affecting its solidity, or serious damage it causes to a property.
  
  Please note that the City may require a report signed by an engineer.

Required documents

• A letter from the building owner authorizing the certificate application, if request is made by a third party
• A letter from the association of co-owners authorizing the proposed modifications, if applicable
• A copy of a certificate of location indicating the location of the tree to be removed
• A clear and colour photograph of the tree to be removed
• An arboriculturist’s report, written and signed by an arborist (Certificate including the ISA certification number or supporting diploma) or a landscape architect (Member of AAPQ)
• An official quote of the detailed cost, excluding taxes, provided by a professional to intervene on said tree(s)

Other documents

• A report signed by an engineer, if applicable;
• A plan indicating the proposed replacement program (by an arborist or landscape architect), if applicable;
• A tree protection method for the surrounding trees, if applicable;
• A site plan showing existing and proposed landscaping, if applicable.

This list is a summary. Please note that additional documents or information may be required in order to provide a better understanding of the project and contribute to the request process. (By-law 1300 on permits and certificates )

Once all the necessary information is gathered, you can submit your application online or in person at the Urban Planning Department at City Hall.

• The applicable fees include the file analysis fees. Please note that the fees related to the issuance of the permit or authorization certificate, if applicable, will be added to this amount.
• The cost of the permit or authorization certificate, if applicable, is calculated based on the cost of the work.

Consult the tariffs by-law for up-to-date rates.

Once the application has been reviewed, the applicant will receive a follow-up by email.

Even if the application has been authorized, the issuance of the permit or certificate, if applicable, is not automatic; the applicable fees must be paid and certain documents must be submitted.