Tree cutting certificate. City of BrossardThe City of Brossard requires a permit to cut down trees on private property. In addition, a replacement tree is normally required for each tree that is cut down.
Certificate of authorization for fellingWhen you apply for a tree cutting permit, the City issues a certificate. Violators can be fined up to $600. Here's how to get a tree cutting certificate.
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When no other means are available
First of all, before you even apply, you should make sure that there is no alternative to cutting down trees. Trees are valuable; they provide many services, such as air purification, cooling in hot weather, relaxation... in fact, their presence can even increase the value of a property. It is therefore important to weigh this decision carefully.
What are the acceptable reasons?
A large plant must meet certain criteria for a felling certificate to be required. For example, at a height of 1.3 metres, the trunk must have a minimum diameter of 10 centimetres to require a permit. Where the ash species is concerned, a tree does not have to meet these criteria to be felled. In the case of trees in the cedar family (Thuya spp), you do not have to apply for a certificate in order to cut it down.
The by-law authorizes felling when a tree prevents a construction project or any authorized work from being carried out, when it is dead or when an incurable disease affects it. In the latter case, the opinion of a professional is required to support your request.
Many other situations are also accepted. These include insect damage such as the emerald ash borer, birch borer, Asian longhorned beetle, brown longhorned beetle, scale insect, hemlock woolly adelgid or spruce budworm. Where a conifer has been planted within 3 metres of a building or pool, or a deciduous tree has been planted within 1.5 metres, where the survival of an adjacent tree is threatened, or where the specimen is identified on the Restricted Species List, felling is acceptable. Section 182 of By-law 362 provides further information regarding restrictions on tree removal in general or the removal or pruning of an ash tree and how to dispose of the residue in this case.
Please note that the natural inconvenience of trees is not a reasonable reason to cut down a tree. For example, if you are bothered by the falling leaves or flowers of a tree, if you think it attracts too many insects or even animals such as squirrels, if you find it blocks your light or your view, if you dislike the fact that it is oozing exudate, honeydew, sap, etc., if it smells bad or if the pollen from its flowers bothers you, these are not valid reasons to cut down a large plant. You will have to find a way to live with it.
A tree that presents an immediate safety hazard should be reported to Services Brossard immediately (see contact information at the end of this page). In such situations, for example, a tree that has fallen during a storm, you may begin work before obtaining the certificate. The application for the certificate is still essential, however, and you will have up to 7 days to submit it. Be sure to document the situation. Take notes and photos as evidence.
The by-law authorizes felling when a tree prevents a construction project or any authorized work from being carried out, when it is dead or when an incurable disease affects it. In the latter case, the opinion of a professional is required to support your request.
Many other situations are also accepted. These include insect damage such as the emerald ash borer, birch borer, Asian longhorned beetle, brown longhorned beetle, scale insect, hemlock woolly adelgid or spruce budworm. Where a conifer has been planted within 3 metres of a building or pool, or a deciduous tree has been planted within 1.5 metres, where the survival of an adjacent tree is threatened, or where the specimen is identified on the Restricted Species List, felling is acceptable. Section 182 of By-law 362 provides further information regarding restrictions on tree removal in general or the removal or pruning of an ash tree and how to dispose of the residue in this case.
Please note that the natural inconvenience of trees is not a reasonable reason to cut down a tree. For example, if you are bothered by the falling leaves or flowers of a tree, if you think it attracts too many insects or even animals such as squirrels, if you find it blocks your light or your view, if you dislike the fact that it is oozing exudate, honeydew, sap, etc., if it smells bad or if the pollen from its flowers bothers you, these are not valid reasons to cut down a large plant. You will have to find a way to live with it.
A tree that presents an immediate safety hazard should be reported to Services Brossard immediately (see contact information at the end of this page). In such situations, for example, a tree that has fallen during a storm, you may begin work before obtaining the certificate. The application for the certificate is still essential, however, and you will have up to 7 days to submit it. Be sure to document the situation. Take notes and photos as evidence.
Preparation of documents for the certificate application
First of all, your application will not cost you anything. However, you will need to attach documents.
Photographs are essential. Sometimes the advice of a professional, such as an arborist or forestry engineer, may be required. If your property is a condominium, you will need a letter of authorization from the condominium corporation. In the case of residential units of 4 units or more, for commercial or industrial uses, you must submit a planting plan for the trees that will replace those to be cut down. If the specimen to be cut down is located in a protected wooded area or in a metropolitan forest corridor, you must submit a deforestation plan.
Photographs are essential. Sometimes the advice of a professional, such as an arborist or forestry engineer, may be required. If your property is a condominium, you will need a letter of authorization from the condominium corporation. In the case of residential units of 4 units or more, for commercial or industrial uses, you must submit a planting plan for the trees that will replace those to be cut down. If the specimen to be cut down is located in a protected wooded area or in a metropolitan forest corridor, you must submit a deforestation plan.
How to submit your application
First, print and fill out the online form available on the City of Brossard's website. Once the form is completed and printed, go in person to the urban planning counter, which is located at Brossard City Hall, 2001 boul. de Rome.
Analysis of the demand
The very last step in the process is the analysis of your application by an inspector. The inspector may visit the site to see the situation or the information presented.
When the documents required with the application are complete, it takes about 30 working days to analyze the file. At the end of the analysis, a certificate is issued or not, depending on whether the application has been accepted or refused.
The validity period of a permit covers three months. Be aware that you will have to post the certificate in a place visible from the street during the entire period of work.
When you need to plant other trees to replace those that have been cut down, you have a maximum of 12 months to do so.
Contact Services Brossard for more information. You can reach them by phone at 450 923-6311, by e-mail at services@brossard.ca and in person at City Hall, 2001 Boulevard de Rome. If you prefer the in-person option, you must have an appointment.
This page was last updated on January 18, 2021. Please visit the City's website for the latest information https://www.brossard.ca/abattage-d'arbres.
When the documents required with the application are complete, it takes about 30 working days to analyze the file. At the end of the analysis, a certificate is issued or not, depending on whether the application has been accepted or refused.
The validity period of a permit covers three months. Be aware that you will have to post the certificate in a place visible from the street during the entire period of work.
When you need to plant other trees to replace those that have been cut down, you have a maximum of 12 months to do so.
Contact Services Brossard for more information. You can reach them by phone at 450 923-6311, by e-mail at services@brossard.ca and in person at City Hall, 2001 Boulevard de Rome. If you prefer the in-person option, you must have an appointment.
This page was last updated on January 18, 2021. Please visit the City's website for the latest information https://www.brossard.ca/abattage-d'arbres.
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