Arborist Report Richmond Hill: Tree Permit Requirements & 2-Day Turnaround

Understanding Richmond Hill’s Tree Protection

Richmond Hill updated its tree bylaws in April 2025, replacing the previous Tree Preservation By-law 41-07 with By-law #19-25 (Municipal Code Chapter 1015). The most significant change was lowering the protected diameter threshold from 20 cm to 15 cm, which brought a much larger number of private trees under the permit system.

The updated bylaw reflects the city’s concern about canopy loss in the face of ongoing residential development. Richmond Hill sits within York Region and also includes portions of the Oak Ridges Moraine, adding additional layers of environmental regulation in certain areas.

The Updated Tree Preservation Bylaw

Richmond Hill’s current bylaw protects all trees on private property with a trunk diameter of 15 cm or more at breast height (1.4 metres above ground). This applies to all species on residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

What Requires a Permit

• Removing any protected tree (15 cm+ diameter)
• Injuring a protected tree (defined as removing more than 20% of live tissue within 12 months), including root cutting and severe pruning
• Activities within the critical root zone during construction

Key Changes from the Previous Bylaw

The 2025 update brought several important changes:

• The protected-tree threshold dropped from 20 cm to 15 cm, pulling younger and smaller trees into the bylaw’s reach
• Cash-in-lieu rates for replanting increased to $945 per tree
• AMPS enforcement: Administrative Monetary Penalties system for violations

Exemptions

The bylaw allows removal without a permit for:

• Dead trees (must be confirmed by a certified arborist or city staff)
• Trees that pose an immediate danger to people or property
• Certain invasive species identified by the city

Oak Ridges Moraine Considerations

Parts of Richmond Hill, particularly in the northern areas around Oak Ridges, fall within the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan area. Properties in these zones may face additional environmental requirements beyond the city’s tree bylaw.

The Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan is a provincial regulation that restricts development and site alteration in moraine areas. Tree removal applications on moraine lands may require Environmental Impact Studies (EIS) and additional approvals from the city’s planning department.

If your property is in or near the moraine, expect a longer and more detailed permit process.

How to Apply for a Tree Removal Permit

Step 1: Check if Your Tree is Protected

Measure the trunk diameter at 1.4 metres above ground. If it is 15 cm or more, you need a permit. Remember that the threshold dropped from 20 cm in the previous bylaw, so trees that were unregulated before April 2025 may now require permits.

Step 2: Hire an ISA Certified Arborist

Richmond Hill requires an arborist report with every permit application. The report must be prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist and include:

• Tree species, diameter, and height
• Health and structural condition
• Reason for the proposed removal
• Assessment of any alternatives to removal
• Site plan showing tree locations relative to property boundaries and structures

Step 3: Provide Replanting Security

Before a permit is issued, Richmond Hill requires either a replanting commitment (with a security deposit) or a cash-in-lieu payment of $945 per tree. This is required at the time of application, not after approval. The security is returned once the replacement trees are confirmed to be established.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

File your application with the City of Richmond Hill’s Forestry section. Include:

• Completed tree removal permit application form
• Arborist report
• Site plan or property survey
• Replanting security or cash-in-lieu payment
• Photos of the tree

Step 5: City Review

The city’s forestry staff review the application and may conduct a site visit. Processing time is not publicly specified. Applications can be submitted through the city’s online portal. The city will approve, deny, or approve with specific conditions.

Fees and Costs

The application processing fee is $314 + HST for the first tree and $109 + HST for each additional tree, to a maximum of $859 + HST. The cash-in-lieu rate is $945 per tree under the 2025 Tariff of Fees By-law, one of the higher rates in the GTA, representing a significant cost for applications involving multiple trees.

If you choose to replant on your property instead of paying cash-in-lieu, you will need to post a security (typically equal to the cash-in-lieu amount) that is returned once the city confirms the replacement trees are alive and healthy, usually after two growing seasons.

Penalties

Richmond Hill enforces its tree bylaw through an Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPS) system. The exact penalty amounts are not publicly posted. The city investigates complaints and can issue penalties for unauthorized tree removal.

Beyond monetary penalties, the city can require replacement planting at a ratio higher than what the original permit would have specified.

York Region Oversight

As a municipality within York Region, Richmond Hill’s tree protection operates within the broader regional planning framework. York Region’s Official Plan includes policies on natural heritage protection that can affect tree removal, particularly on larger development sites.

For major development projects, Regional staff may provide comments on tree preservation plans as part of the planning approvals process. This typically applies to subdivision and large site plan applications rather than individual homeowner permits.

Development-Related Tree Permits

Construction and development projects in Richmond Hill require tree permits as part of the planning approvals process. Developers must submit:

• A tree inventory and preservation plan
• A grading plan showing how tree root zones will be protected
• Tree protection fencing details and installation timelines
• A replanting plan for any trees that cannot be preserved

The city coordinates tree permit review with site plan and subdivision approvals. Tree protection measures must be in place and inspected before site grading or construction begins.

Working with The Arborist Group

We are familiar with Richmond Hill’s updated bylaw requirements and handle permit applications across the city. The 2025 changes caught many property owners off guard, especially those with trees in the 15 to 20 cm range that were previously unregulated. Our reports address the city’s current standards and include the documentation needed to move applications through the review process without delays.