Ottawa Tree Protection ByLaw

The Tree Protection By-law in Ottawa applies differently depending on where the tree is located within the city. The regulations are divided into three distinct zones: Urban, Suburban, and Rural. Urban areas include Ottawa, Nepean, and Vanier, while suburban areas cover communities such as Kanata, Orléans, Barrhaven, Stittsville, Greely, and Manotick. All other parts of the Greater Ottawa Area are classified as rural. Each zone has specific guidelines and requirements when it comes to tree protection and removal, so it’s important to know which area your property falls under before proceeding with any tree-related work.

When applying for a tree removal permit in Ottawa, you’ll need to submit an arborist report as part of the application. In most cases, this will be a Tree Information Report (TIR). However, if the tree is located on a property larger than one hectare or the site is part of a Planning Act application,

a more comprehensive Tree Conservation Report (TCR) is required. The level of detail in the arborist report depends on the reason for removal, which falls into three main categories. No Development removals—such as those due to tree condition or minor construction projects like decks, pools, or walkways—typically require a TIR Short report. Infill Development, involving new low-rise residential builds that aren’t subject to the Planning Act, will require a TIR Full report submitted during early application stages, such as the Committee of Adjustment or permit phase. For properties over one hectare or those tied to a Planning Act process, a Tree Conservation Report is necessary, following the same standards outlined in the former Urban Tree Conservation By-law. Every report must include contact information for the property owner, the arborist preparing the report, and—if available—the contractor responsible for removing the tree.

A Short Tree Information Report typically includes key details such as the tree species and its diameter at breast height (DBH), tree ownership, an assessment of the tree’s condition, its exact location, the reason for removal, and the arborist’s recommendation. It may also include additional supporting documents if needed, along with a photo of the tree. A Full Tree Information Report contains all the elements of a short report, plus more comprehensive documentation. This includes proposed tree protection and mitigation measures, confirmation of boundary trees (including those on neighbouring properties with critical root zones extending into the work area), and detailed site or grading plans. These plans must clearly indicate which trees are being removed, which are being retained, the location of critical root zones, and the placement of any replacement trees.

Recent updates to Ottawa’s tree removal regulations have introduced several changes to both the permitting process and public notification requirements. What was previously called a “Distinctive Tree Permit” is now referred to as a “Tree Removal Permit.” The criteria for tree protection have also been revised: previously, only trees with a diameter of 50 cm or more in urban areas were protected. Now, protection extends to trees 30 cm or more in diameter in urban areas, 50 cm or more in suburban areas, and all city-owned trees, regardless of size. Additionally, while a single permit once covered multiple trees on the same property, a separate permit is now required for each individual tree slated for removal. As part of the new rules, a public notice must also be posted directly on each tree at least 7 days before removal to ensure transparency and community awareness.