Checked
Tree permit documents and application in Burlington, Ontario
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Burlington tree removal or injury can require permission on public or private land. Use the standalone tree form only when the work is not part of a building or pool approval.
Key information
Burlington tree removal or injury can require permission on public or private land. Use the standalone tree form only when the work is not part of a building or pool approval.
On this page
At a glance
| Task or rule | What to know |
|---|---|
| Tree facts | Species and size |
| Basic attachments | Location sketch and at least one photo per tree |
| Preferred formats | PDF documents and JPEG photos |
| Login | Account needed for permit portal |
| Application status | Submission alone is not a permit |
Choose the correct approval route
For work requiring a building permit, use the pre-building approval process. Pools and swim spas use their own combined application. A standalone tree form is not a substitute for those project reviews.
For a public tree, first contact Service Burlington at city@burlington.ca or 905-335-7777. The city authorization email is an application attachment. The page says removal requests unrelated to a project will not be approved; concerns about tree condition go to Forestry Operations as a service request.
Prepare the evidence
Supply each tree's size and species, a legible location sketch and at least one full-tree photo. A photographed hand sketch is allowed if readable. A qualified tree professional can help measure a tree.
Extra evidence depends on the request: owner authorization when applying for someone else, consent for a boundary or other owner's tree, a professional risk assessment for a high-risk tree, construction arborist information and a replacement plan where applicable. Remove pricing information from professional reports before uploading.
File limits and fees
The source lists limits of 1 MB for owner authorization, boundary consent and city authorization;4 MB for the sketch, protection plan, risk assessment and replacement plan;5 MB for photos; and 8 MB for an arborist report.
A complete application needs the documents and applicable processing fee. Some requests, such as dead or terminal-condition trees, may be fee-exempt. Staff may require further permit fees or security deposits after review. Paying or submitting does not guarantee permission.
Questions and answers
Can I remove a tree just because I submitted a form?
No. A completed application is not permission or a guarantee that a permit will be issued.
Which form applies to trees affected by a pool?
Use the pool application process, not the standalone tree form.
Which route applies to a building project?
The city directs that work to pre-building approval.
Do I need an online account?
Yes. The e-form uses a login and a portal for tracking permits.
Is a hand-drawn sketch acceptable?
Yes, if the photographed sketch is legible and shows the tree locations.
How many tree photos are required?
At least one photograph for every tree in the request.
Can I upload a priced arborist quotation?
Remove pricing from documents supplied by the tree professional before upload.
What is the arborist-report file limit?
Eight MB. Other attachment types have smaller limits.
Can I apply for a neighbour's boundary tree alone?
The city may require consent for a boundary tree or a tree you do not own.
Who handles a concern about a public tree?
Contact Service Burlington for a Forestry Operations service request, rather than assuming a removal permit is the right first step.