Tree Removal Reports in Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill protects private trees 15 cm and larger under its updated 2025 bylaw. We prepare reports for standard Tree Permits and preservation plans for active development applications.
How Tree Removal Permits Work in Richmond Hill
Richmond Hill updated its tree protection rules in April 2025, replacing By-law 41-07 with By-law #19-25 (Municipal Code Chapter 1015). The new bylaw lowered the protection threshold from 20 cm to 15 cm and tightened enforcement through an Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPS) system.
Check if your tree is protected
Any tree with a diameter at breast height of 15 cm or more (measured at 1.4 m above ground) is protected. This is a lower threshold than the previous 20 cm rule, so more trees now require permits. Tree injury, defined as removing more than 20% of live tissue within 12 months, also requires authorization.
Get an arborist report
Standard Tree Permit applications require a Certified Arborist report. Active Plan of Subdivision or Site Plan applications use arborist-prepared Tree Inventory and Preservation Plans through planning instead and do not need a separate Tree Permit.
Submit your application and pay fees
The non-refundable fee is $314 + HST for the first tree and $109 + HST for each additional tree, to a maximum of $859 + HST. When replacement trees are required, the security or cash-in-lieu amount is $945 per required replacement tree under the 2026 tariff.
City review and decision
The city's forestry department reviews your application and arborist report. They may request additional documentation or visit the site. Properties on the Oak Ridges Moraine may face additional requirements including Environmental Impact Studies.
Permit conditions and enforcement
Approved permits include replanting conditions. Richmond Hill enforces violations through its AMPS system, which allows the city to issue monetary penalties without going to court. Unauthorized removal of a protected tree can result in significant fines.
Richmond Hill Permit Fees & Timeline
Application fees are non-refundable. Active Plan of Subdivision or Site Plan applications use the planning process and do not require a separate Tree Permit.
Our report fee: from $250 (up to 3 trees)
2 business day turnaround. No payment until report delivery.
Tree Removal Permit FAQ: Richmond Hill
Common questions about tree removal permits in Richmond Hill
What changed with Richmond Hill's 2025 tree bylaw update?
By-law #19-25 replaced By-law 41-07 in April 2025. The biggest change is the diameter threshold dropping from 20 cm to 15 cm, meaning more trees now require permits. The new bylaw also introduced AMPS enforcement (administrative penalties without court proceedings) and defined tree injury as removing more than 20% of live tissue within a 12-month period.
What size tree needs a permit in Richmond Hill?
Any tree with a trunk diameter of 15 cm or more at breast height (1.4 m above ground) is protected under the current bylaw. Under the old rules it was 20 cm. If you were told your tree didn't need a permit before 2025, it may need one now.
What is cash-in-lieu and how much does it cost in Richmond Hill?
When replanting on site isn't feasible and the permit allows cash-in-lieu, the 2026 rate is $945 per required replacement tree. The same per-tree value is used to calculate replacement security. The permit determines whether cash-in-lieu is available.
Are there extra rules on the Oak Ridges Moraine in Richmond Hill?
Yes. Properties in the Oak Ridges Moraine area are subject to additional provincial environmental protections. Tree removal on the Moraine may require an Environmental Impact Study on top of the municipal permit. We identify whether Moraine rules apply during our site visit and factor them into the arborist report.
What are AMPS penalties for tree bylaw violations?
AMPS stands for Administrative Monetary Penalties. Under this system, the city can issue fines for tree bylaw violations without going through the court system. This makes enforcement faster and more consistent. The specific penalty amounts are set by the city's penalty schedule.
How long does the full permit process take in Richmond Hill?
The city does not publish a standard application-review timeline. The permit expires 12 months after issue, but that validity period is not a review-time promise. Applications tied to additional planning or environmental review can take longer.
Have another question? Contact us or call (647) 479-8778
More About Richmond Hill
Arborist Services in Richmond Hill
All our arborist services available in Richmond Hill, from tree protection to construction reports.
View Richmond Hill Services →Richmond Hill Permit Guide
Complete guide to tree bylaws and permit requirements in Richmond Hill.
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