Simplified, Cheaper Burlington Private Tree Bylaw Goes to Committee March 3

A simpler, cheaper private tree bylaw will be coming to committee for review March 3. Fees have been reduced, the process to apply has been streamlined, and there are opportunities for tree replacement on adjacent properties to add privacy, where a neighbouring property has removed trees.Recommendations from committee will go to the March 22 City Council meeting for final approval.Read the report here, Item 4.3: Private Tree Bylaw

Key elements of the changes to the existing bylaw are as follows:

1.0 Removal of protection of trees between not more than five (5) with a diameter-at- breast-height (DBH) of greater than 10cm and less than 20cm in one calendar year;2.0 Removal of the exemption from permit fees and compensation for those trees within two (2) m from an occupied building; This is recommended to be removed given that for the most part no actual maintenance activities were being performed and this resulted in a number of healthy trees being removed with no fees or compensation.3.0 Introduction of an exemption from tree permit fees where trees need to be injured and/or destroyed to allow for certain structural and maintenance type work with the support of prescribed documentation.4.0 A requirement that replacement plantings be maintained in good condition for a given period.5.0 Requiring a replacement tree deposit; This will help reduce resource time following up with customers on replacement tree plantings, and also ensure trees that are removed are replaced, particularly in the event a property is sold prior to the one-year planting time frame provided.6.0 Providing ability to plant trees on alternate private property within the City’s Urban Planning Area Boundary;7.0 Identification of a review process in relation to tree permit denials;8.0 Adding a provision under the authority for permit refusal for significant and healthy trees;9.0 Introduction of administrative monetary penalties (AMPs); this will allow a more efficient process for penalties related to Tree By-law infractions and result in reduced reliance on charges applied through the Court system.10.0 Introduction of a mandatory posting of tree permits, with additional requirements for significant trees.

Fees:

Fees to processing permits are being reduced and simplified. See charts below for proposed details.

Replacement:

Replacement tree quantities are calculated based on ratios that correspond to the size of the tree removed. Cash-in-lieu of replacement values are reduced from $400 per replacement tree to $250 per replacement tree. For example, a tree that is 20 cm DBH will require two (2) replacement trees to be planted, or cash-in-lieu payment of $500.00 or combination of the two (i.e., one (1) tree, and cash-in-lieu of $250.00).See chart below for sample:

Provide input:

The proposed private tree bylaw changes will be discussed at the Environment, Infrastructure & Community Services Committee, Thursday, March 3, 9:30am, followed by council approval March 22.See the full committee agenda here: EICS March 3Register to speak at the meeting, or submit written feedback here: Register as a DelegationDon't have a computer, or need assistance with virtual meeting technology? Additional options to join the meeting are here: Participate in virtual meetings