Tree Felling

According to zoning by-law 1303 and permit and certificate by-law 1300, a certificate of authorization is required to fell a tree on private property if the trunk of the tree to be felled has a diameter of at least 0.1 m, measured at 1.3 m above the ground (diameter at breast height [DBH]), or a diameter of at least 0.15 m, measured at a maximum of 0.15 m above the ground (diameter at stump height [DSH]).

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:

1) The tree is dead or in a state of irreversible decline, particularly when more than 50% of its crown consists of dead wood;

2) The tree must be felled due to the risk of spreading a disease or an invasive exotic species;

3) Based on a report signed by an ISAcertified arborist or a forestry engineer, the tree must be felled due to an irreversible condition caused by disease, structural deficiencies affecting its stability, or the serious damage it risks causing to property or to the safety of persons;

Normal inconveniences related to the presence of a tree, such as the falling of twigs, leaves, flowers, or fruits; the presence of surface roots; insects or animals; shade; unpleasant odours; sap or honeydew exudation; or pollen release, do not constitute serious damage;

4) The tree interferes with the use or maintenance of public roads or the use or installation of public utilities, as demonstrated by a report from a municipal arboriculture professional;

5) The tree is located within the footprint or within 3 m of the footprint of a proposed principal building, an extension to a principal building, a proposed accessory building, an extension to an accessory building, or a proposed retaining wall;

6) The tree is located within the footprint of a proposed swimming pool or, in the front yard, within the footprint of an access way to a proposed building, but only if no other suitable space is available on the property for such installations.

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 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
• The characteristics of the tree to be felled;
• The reasons for felling the tree;
• When the tree felling is carried out because of an irreversible situation caused by a disease or a structural deficiency affecting the tree’s solidity or its risk of causing serious damage to property or persons, a report signed by an ISA-certified arboricultural expert or a forest engineer is required;
• When the tree felling is made to allow the erection of construction or the installation of an equipment, a site plan showing the new construction or equipment is requiredThe conditions related to the replacement of the felled tree, in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning By-law in force.

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.