Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Port Colborne, Ontario

In the City of Port Colborne, Ontario, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: All woody perennial species that have reached or can reach a height of at least 2 metres at physiological maturity; no DBH threshold stated; replacement required: Tree removal cost includes fee for planting, care and maintenance during a 2-year establishment period of a replacement City tree; Tree Replacement fee is $350 per tree. Source: Tree By-law 6175/01/15, verified 2026-08-29.

Tree By-law 6175/01/15 adopted bylaw

permit required	True	s. 8(1): 'No person shall remove an Adjacent Tree without written notice to and approval of the Director'
applies to private property	True	s. 1(a); s. 7; s. 8
protected threshold	All woody perennial species that have reached or can reach a height of at least 2 metres at physiological maturity; no DBH threshold stated	s. 1(l): 'plant of any species of woody perennial...height of at least 2 metres at physiological maturity'
replacement required	Tree removal cost includes fee for planting, care and maintenance during a 2-year establishment period of a replacement City tree; Tree Replacement fee is $350 per tree	s. 6(3); Appendix C 'Tree Replacement $350 per tree'
boulevard trees	No person may injure, destroy, remove, or trim any City boulevard tree without Director approval; Drip Line work requires Director consent	s. 4(1)(a)(b)(c); s. 4(3)

scout note

Authorizes the City to plant, maintain and remove trees on City property (parks, streets/boulevards); requires 30 days' notice to owners before removing an adjacent tree bordering City property; sets tree trimming/removal fees.