Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Waterloo, Ontario

In the City of Waterloo, Ontario, applies to private property: False; protected threshold: any woody perennial plant reaching at least 4.5 meters at maturity, with trunk on City Property; fines: individuals: $250–$25,000 (first offence), up to $50,000 (subsequent); corporations: $500–$50,000 (first), up to $100,000 (subsequent); continuing offences: up to $1,000/day. Source: City Tree Bylaw 2014-078 (Protection of Trees on City Property), verified 2026-08-29.

City Tree Bylaw 2014-078 (Protection of Trees on City Property) adopted bylaw

applies to private property	False	s. 1.1(j): "trunk located, either wholly or in part, on City Property"
protected threshold	any woody perennial plant reaching at least 4.5 meters at maturity, with trunk on City Property	s. 1.1(j): "any species of woody perennial plant...which can reach a height of at least 4.5 meters at maturity"
fine range	individuals: $250–$25,000 (first offence), up to $50,000 (subsequent); corporations: $500–$50,000 (first), up to $100,000 (subsequent); continuing offences: up to $1,000/day	s. 9.2, s. 9.3, s. 9.4

scout note

Protects trees on city property reaching 4.5m at maturity; bans cutting/damaging/attaching signs; 14-day removal notice for trees over 15cm diameter; fines up to $25,000-$50,000+.