📋 Official 2026 Homeowner Compliance Guide
City of Ottawa Tree Protection By-law (2020-340) Permit Guide
Everything Ottawa homeowners need to know about Distinctive Tree Permits, 30cm vs. 50cm DBH trunk measurements, Arborist Reports, and emergency hazard exemptions.
≥ 30 cm DBHInner/Suburban Lot Rule
≥ 50 cm DBHLarge Rural/Estate Rule
$500–$100KUnpermitted Removal Fines
2026 Ottawa Tree Permit Thresholds by Property Type
| Ottawa Zone / Lot Size | Protected Trunk Diameter (DBH) | Permit Required? | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban & Suburban Residential Lots (Under 1 Hectare) Includes Kanata, Orléans, Nepean, Barrhaven, Stittsville, Westboro, Glebe |
30 cm (11.8 inches) or larger measured at 1.3m above grade | YES (Distinctive Tree Permit) | ISA Certified Arborist Report + Replacement Tree Planting Plan |
| Large Suburban Estates & Rural Lots (Over 1 Hectare) Includes parts of Manotick, Carp, Greely, Cumberland |
50 cm (19.6 inches) or larger measured at 1.3m above grade | YES (Distinctive Tree Permit) | ISA Certified Arborist Report + RVCA/Conservation check near waterways |
| City Boulevard / Right-of-Way (ROW) Trees Front-yard strip near curb/sidewalk |
All Sizes (0 cm+) | 100% City Owned | Homeowners cannot hire private crews to cut City trees; call 3-1-1 Forestry |
🚨 Immediate Storm Hazard & Dead Ash Tree Exemptions
If a tree has partially uprooted in a storm or poses an imminent threat to life or roof structures, an ISA Certified Arborist can document the hazard with timestamped photos and perform emergency stabilization immediately while filing retroactive notice with City of Ottawa Forestry Services.