Trees

A permit is required to remove a tree.

Definitions

• Tree – A tree is considered any living, erect, woody plant, including root systems, that is 10cm (3.9”) in diameter at a height of 1.4m (4’7”) above the ground.
• Alter – To cut, damage, or destroy by any means the root of a tree.
• Cut down – To cut down, saw, chop, kill, or otherwise remove a tree by any means.
• Fell – An operation to eliminate a tree by cutting its truck crosswise.

General Regulations

No person may alter, cut down, or fell any living tree in the City of Côte Saint-Luc unless the person first obtains a certificate of authorization.

A certificate of authorization may be obtained if a tree:

• is dead or is afflicted by an incurable disease or illness that represent a risk of further infestation
• constitutes a danger to public health and safety.
• inflicts considerable damage to public or private property.
• must be felled or altered in the course of a public works or other project authorized by the City.

Only the Côte Saint-Luc is authorized to maintain, alter, fell, or cut down a tree on City property. The property owner is responsible for trees within their property. By city order, owner or occupants are required to trim, remove, or cut down any tree or shrub deemed to be a hazard or potential hazard by the City.

NOTE: By law, only Hydro-Quebec, or a professional tree trimmer authorized by Hydro-Quebec, has the right to carry out pruning or felling work if, at any time during the work, a person, part of a tree, or a tool may be within three metres of a medium-voltage wire.

Tree Replacement

When a certificate of authorization is obtained, the City requires the tree(s) to be replaced. In such cases, a deposit of $250 per tree is required, and is refunded once the replacement tree(s) is (are) planted.

Tree Planting

• No tree may be planted at less than 1m (3’3”) from the city property line.
• No shrub or tree may be planted such that it will encroach within 1m (3’3”) of a city sidewalk, fire hydrant, or light standard.
• No fruit-producing tree may be planted such that the fruit may fall on a public sidewalk or street.
• None of the following trees, listed in Article 11-8-1 para. (f) of the Zoning By-law #2217 may be planted: 
  • Eastern cottonwoods (Populus deltoides)
  • Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra italica)
  • Trembling poplar (Populus tremuloides)
  • Silver maple (Acer saccharinum)
  • Manitoba maple (Acer negundo)
  • Long-stemmed willow (Salix spp.)
  • American elm (Ulmus americana)
  • All types of Aspens (Populus tremula)
  • All types of Ash (Fraxinus spp.)

How to apply for a Certificate of Authorization

1. Check the applicable regulations

1. The protection of trees is regulated in Chapter 11 of the Zoning By-law #2217 (PDF).
2. Costs of permits and fees, such as deposits for replacement trees, are listed in the Fee Schedule. 

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list and that other regulations may apply.

2. Required documents (all items in this list are mandatory)

1. A site plan/drawing indicating the location of the tree(s) on the property.
2. An itemized arborist/contractor’s cost estimate, listing the associated cost of all materials and labour for the project.
3. Photographs of the tree(s).
4. A licensed arborist report. Please consult the Société internationale d’arboriculture Québec website.
5. If you are not the property owner as listed on Montreal’s property assessment roll, you must complete the following procuration form (PDF).  

NOTE: Additional documents may be requested by the permit agent. 

3. Apply for a certificate of authorization

1. After preparing the necessary documents, the application can be easily completed and submitted online.
2. You will be provided a reference number following the submission of your application.

4. Analysis of the certificate of authorization

1. The Urban Planning Department will begin the analysis of your application as soon as all required documents are submitted.
2. If additional information is required, a staff member will contact you.
3. If you have not received timely communication or updates regarding your application, we kindly ask you to send us an email at [email protected].
4. No work can begin until you receive a valid certificate of authorization.

5. City of Côte Saint-Luc Arborist Approval

1. To confirm that the justification/reasons outlined in the request for felling/tree removal is aligned with the conditions listed in Article 11-6-1 of the Zoning By-law #2217, a city inspector will visit the property.

6. Issuance and payment of a certificate of authorization

1. When the analysis of your request is complete, you will receive an email with steps to pay for the certificate of authorization. The certificate will only be issued once the payment has been successfully received and processed. Note that, for the felling of trees, a $250 deposit per replacement tree must be paid prior to the issuance of the certificate.
2. Once issued, the certificate of authorization must be visible from the street in front of the property. 

7. Completion of work

1. You must inform the Urban Planning Department once the felling or alteration of the tree(s) is completed, and again, once the required number of trees are planted. The delays specified in the permit for the tree replacement must be respected.
2. If you do not want to replant the specified number of replacement trees, you must inform the Urban Planning Department, and as a result, your $250 deposit per tree will be forfeited.

Have questions? Need assistance to apply for a certificate of authorization? We are here to help!

Book an appointment to meet with the Urban Planning Department.