What does Markham's tree by-law cover on a private lot?
The City's Tree Preservation By-law 2023-164, passed on 13 December 2023, as summarised on its tree permit application page.
Sources checked October 29, 2026
The rule in Markham
20 cm across: the trunk size the rule names
Markham by-law 2023-164: a City permit is needed to injure or remove a private tree 20 cm or more in diameter at 1.37 m, whatever its health; a $20.50 processing fee per application since 16 January 2026, with replanting or cash in lieu possible except for dead, dying or hazard trees; woodlands are left to York Region's by-law.
From Markham by-law 2023-164, checked 29 Oct 2026
- The recordTree removal
- Where to read itTree permit application; Tree Preservation By-law 2023-164
- The free check reads itPick “Tree and ravine limits”
What the record shows
The City's page says property owners must apply for a permit before injuring or destroying any private tree with a trunk diameter of 20 centimetres or more, measured at 1.37 metres above the ground, whatever the tree's health or risk level. Since 16 January 2026 a non-refundable processing fee of $20.50 applies to each application, which is reviewed within 45 days of payment. Where a permit is issued for a tree that is not dead, dying or a hazard tree, replanting or cash in lieu may be required.
A tree on or across a property line needs the neighbour's consent under the Forestry Act. The by-law does not apply to woodlands, which York Region's Forest Conservation By-law regulates. A rule summary says what the by-law covers; it doesn't say who owns a given tree or how wide its trunk is.
Where to read it yourself
- Tree permit application: the City's page on which trees need a permit, the fee and replanting
- Tree Preservation By-law 2023-164: the by-law (PDF)
What OfferDue covers in Markham
Tree and ravine limits is in the free check as a summary of the City's rule, from our hand-kept table, with a link to the City's page. It is a rule for the city, not a survey of the trees on a lot.
Free check: pick “Tree and ravine limits” See the sample report
Public-record information, not legal, financial, insurance or inspection advice. Records change and can be incomplete, and this page describes the records, not any particular home. What we cover, city by city.