Checked
Richmond Hill private-tree permits: measurements, fees and replacement
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Richmond Hill requires a permit before removing or injuring a private tree with a trunk diameter of 15 cm or more, measured 1.4 m above ground.
Key information
Richmond Hill requires a permit before removing or injuring a private tree with a trunk diameter of 15 cm or more, measured 1.4 m above ground. The reviewed fee is $314 plusHST for the first tree, with additional fees and replacement conditions.
On this page
Plan your next step
| Task or feature | What to know |
|---|---|
| Measure | 15 cm threshold at 1.4 m height |
| Application | $314 first tree; additional-tree fees |
| Approval conditions | Replacement planting or cash-in-lieu may apply |
Your next steps at a glance
- Measure the tree
Check the 15 cm diameter threshold at 1.4 m height.
- Prepare the application
Allow for the first-tree fee and additional obligations.
- Plan replacements
Read the replacement scale and development exception.
Measure before you plan the work
Diameter at breast height is measured 1.4 m above ground. The city’s private-tree threshold is 15 cm. Injury includes more than simply cutting a tree down: removing more than 20% of live tissue in 12 months or encroaching into the Tree Protection Zone is treated as injury.
The protection zone is a radius from the edge of the trunk, increasing with trunk diameter. A small construction or landscaping job can still harm a protected tree through excavation or soil disturbance. Use the city’s arborist-report guidance before submitting an application.
Apply and budget for the full obligation
The online injury-or-destruction application includes a non-refundable fee of $314 plusHST for the first tree, then $109 plusHST for each additional tree, to a maximum $859 plusHST. These application charges are not the whole cost of the work.
Replacement trees or a cash-in-lieu payment can be conditions of approval. The 2026 cash-in-lieu amount is $945 per replacement tree. Where planting is required, a security deposit is collected and fulfilment must be reported through the city’s replacement form.
Replacement scale and development exception
The published scale requires one replacement for a 15-20 cm tree, two for 21-40 cm, three for 41-50 cm, four for 51-70 cm, five for 71-90 cm, six for 91-100 cm and seven for 101 cm or larger. Do not treat a replacement count as approval to remove.
Active subdivision or site-plan applications use an arborist-prepared Tree Inventory and Preservation Plan reviewed through planning, so a separate tree permit is not required in that specific process. Report suspected illegal removal to 905-771-0198.
Useful questions and answers
What private-tree size requires a permit?
15 cm or more trunk diameter at breast height.
Where is breast height measured?
1.4 m above ground.
Does heavy pruning count as injury?
The city defines removal of more than 20% of live tissue within 12 months as injury. Encroachment into the Tree Protection Zone also counts.
What is the first-tree application fee?
$314 plusHST, non-refundable.
What does each extra tree cost?
$109 plusHST, up to a total application maximum of $859 plusHST.
What is the 2026 cash-in-lieu amount?
$945 per required replacement tree.
How many replacements does a 21-40 cm tree require?
Two under the published replacement scale.
How many replacements apply at 101 cm or more?
Seven under the published scale.
What happens on an active subdivision or site-plan site?
Tree preservation plans are reviewed through the planning application. The city says those active sites do not require a separate tree permit.
How do I report suspected illegal removal?
Call By-law and Licensing Enforcement at 905-771-0198.
Official information and next steps
Facts checked on October 14, 2026. Seasonal conditions and available appointments can change.