Permit for tree removal. Beaconsfield CityAlthough the policy refers to publicly owned trees, the City of Beaconsfield's Tree Policy opens with the statement that the strong presence of trees is an important feature of the City.
The document also emphasizes the preciousness of these large plants, given their many benefits. However, all citizens who own such specimens are equally gratified by their own large plants. It is therefore understandable that tree cutting, among other arboricultural techniques, is subject to restrictions in the City of Beaconsfield, as it is in all municipalities. In order to cut down a tree in Beaconsfield, you must obtain a certificate of authorization. You will find a good summary of this in the following pamphlet on trees and hedges. We have also prepared this page as an introduction to the subject, for information purposes only, in order to give you an overview of the issue. The zoning by-law and the permit and certificate by-law, which can be downloaded from the City of Beaconsfield website, as well as any other legal provisions that may apply to your situation, are important to consult. However, it is recommended that you refer to their official versions and the interpretations of the authorities having jurisdiction. |
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Certificate of authorization for tree removal
To cut down a tree within the City of Beaconsfield, a permit is required once the trunk of a tree measures 10 centimetres (4 inches) in diameter taken 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the ground.
The minimum fine for felling without a certificate of authorization is $1000, to which other fees may be added.
Please note that removing more than 50% of the crown of branches or roots of a tree or covering a root system with 20 centimetres or more of fill (deemed excessive) is considered felling. You may not apply any action that may cause the death of a tree, including the use of a toxic product for this purpose, destroying a tree, or making continuous cuts in the bark, phloem (inner part of the bark where sap flows) or wood.
The felling of ash trees (as well as pruning or trimming) is prohibited between June 1 and August 31, with some exceptions outlined in the Zoning By-law. Certain constraints also apply to the disposal of ash tree removal debris. It is mandatory to cut down a dead ash tree within six months.
The minimum fine for felling without a certificate of authorization is $1000, to which other fees may be added.
Please note that removing more than 50% of the crown of branches or roots of a tree or covering a root system with 20 centimetres or more of fill (deemed excessive) is considered felling. You may not apply any action that may cause the death of a tree, including the use of a toxic product for this purpose, destroying a tree, or making continuous cuts in the bark, phloem (inner part of the bark where sap flows) or wood.
The felling of ash trees (as well as pruning or trimming) is prohibited between June 1 and August 31, with some exceptions outlined in the Zoning By-law. Certain constraints also apply to the disposal of ash tree removal debris. It is mandatory to cut down a dead ash tree within six months.
What are the acceptable reasons?
In order for your decision to remove a tree to be accepted, the specimen must be dead or suffering from an incurable disease, or it must pose a health or safety hazard to citizens or interfere with the development of neighbouring trees or a surrounding grove, or the plant or its roots must damage the property. If a specimen interferes with a permitted structure or development that cannot be located elsewhere on your property, this will be considered good cause for removal. If the cutting of a tree is required for public works, it should be accepted. In any case, you must justify your reasons.
A minimum number of trees must be planted on your property. If you are unable to meet this minimum number after a felling, a replacement tree or trees with a trunk 5 centimetres (2 inches) in diameter at 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the ground must be planted somewhere on your property (in accordance with the relevant sections of the by-laws), as long as there is enough space to do so. Therefore, the new shrub does not necessarily have to be planted in the same location as the felled specimen. You can also choose another species. However, it cannot be an ash tree, and unless it is along a shoreline, you cannot plant poplars, silver maples, high willows and any other species with creeping roots within 8 metres of a water or sewer easement.
In the zoning by-law, you will find several specific provisions that apply to certain zones or to certain characteristics of land, which we cannot address here.
A minimum number of trees must be planted on your property. If you are unable to meet this minimum number after a felling, a replacement tree or trees with a trunk 5 centimetres (2 inches) in diameter at 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the ground must be planted somewhere on your property (in accordance with the relevant sections of the by-laws), as long as there is enough space to do so. Therefore, the new shrub does not necessarily have to be planted in the same location as the felled specimen. You can also choose another species. However, it cannot be an ash tree, and unless it is along a shoreline, you cannot plant poplars, silver maples, high willows and any other species with creeping roots within 8 metres of a water or sewer easement.
In the zoning by-law, you will find several specific provisions that apply to certain zones or to certain characteristics of land, which we cannot address here.
Preparation of documents for the certificate application
In your application, for each tree to be cut down, you must specify its species, the diameter of its trunk at 1.5 centimetres from the ground, as well as the location of the specimen on your property, and finally, the reasons for wanting to cut it down.
Documents must also be attached, such as a photo of your yard, showing where the trees to be cut down are located and where the replacement specimens will be planted.
If your application is denied, you will be able to file a report signed by a certified arborist that justifies your request. You can refer to the Permits and Certificates Regulation for more information. It can be downloaded from the City of Beaconsfield website.
Documents must also be attached, such as a photo of your yard, showing where the trees to be cut down are located and where the replacement specimens will be planted.
If your application is denied, you will be able to file a report signed by a certified arborist that justifies your request. You can refer to the Permits and Certificates Regulation for more information. It can be downloaded from the City of Beaconsfield website.
How to submit your application
Your application for a Certificate of Approval to cut down a tree must be made on the form provided by the City and will be reviewed by the Urban Planning Department. Their contact information is listed in the next section at the end of this article.
The application for a Certificate of Approval can also be made online through the City of Beaconsfield's website. At the time of submission, you must pay a fee of $25 per tree, unless it is an ash tree, in which case it is free. Processing should take 30 business days.
The application for a Certificate of Approval can also be made online through the City of Beaconsfield's website. At the time of submission, you must pay a fee of $25 per tree, unless it is an ash tree, in which case it is free. Processing should take 30 business days.
Service point for a tree cutting permit application
For information regarding permit applications, you can contact the Urban Planning Department at 514-428-4430 or permis@beaconsfield.ca.
The City of Beaconsfield offices are located at 303 Beaconsfield Boulevard, Beaconsfield, Quebec H9W 4A7. Their telephone number is 514-428-4400 and their e-mail address is info@beaconsfield.ca.
The City of Beaconsfield offices are located at 303 Beaconsfield Boulevard, Beaconsfield, Quebec H9W 4A7. Their telephone number is 514-428-4400 and their e-mail address is info@beaconsfield.ca.
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514-600-1513