In April, Richmond Hill Council enacted the Tree Preservation By-law #19-25 and the Trees on City Lands By-law #20-25, representing a significant advancement in how the City protects and enhances its urban forest.

As of April 23, 2025, the new Tree By-laws have come into effect, superseding the previous Tree Preservation By-law #41-07 and the Trees on City Streets By-law #40-07.

Tree Preservation By-law #19-25 

This by-law regulates the injuring and destruction of trees on private property. It requires property owners to obtain a permit before removing or injuring any tree with a diameter at breast height of 15 cm or more.

More information is available regarding trees located on private property.

VIEW BY-LAW 19-25

Key changes to regulations related to privately-owned trees:

  • Private trees with a Diameter at Breast Height of 15 cm or greater are protected under the new Tree Preservation By-law (formerly >/=20cm DBH).
  • Replacement trees are protected.
  • Replanting securities and/or cash in lieu is required prior to the issuance of a Tree Permit.
  • Regulation of woodlots.
  • The Tree Protection Zones chart has been updated.
  • The Tree Replacement Requirements (Replanting Conditions) chart has been updated.
  • The Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) will be utilized as an optional enforcement mechanism.
  • New exemption for Site Alteration By-law related tree removals/ injuries (Trees on development sites with active Site Alteration Permit applications no longer require a separate Tree Permit; they will be reviewed by Park and Natural Heritage Planning as part of the Site Alteration Permit Application review process).

Trees on City Lands By-law #20-25

This by-law regulates the injuring and destruction of trees on City property.
To learn more about trees located on City property, please visit:
Tree Maintenance
Tree Planting   
For City-owned tree-related matters, please contact Urban Forestry via Access Richmond Hill at: 905-771-8800 or access@richmondhill.ca.
The City standard tree protection details have been updated to reflect the new regulations and can be found on the City’s website under: Design and Construction Guidelines > Division K – Planting.

VIEW BY-LAW 20-25
If you are planning to submit a new application or follow up on an existing one, please ensure you review the new Tree Preservation By-laws for your responsibilities and obligations.  

Thank you for your continued cooperation and commitment to responsible tree management and the protection of our environment. 

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