Bowmanville Tree Removal By-Laws

The Durham Region Planning and Development division in Ontario mandates Bowmanville tree removal by-laws and oversees their enforcement. Residents and workers in Bowmanville must adhere to these regulations or face incremental fines and penalties based on the number of offenses.

The Regional Woodland Bowmanville Tree Removal By-Law

Under Durham region law, individuals in Bowmanville must possess a permit to remove trees in a woodland area. A woodland area is defined as any space in the region that is 2.5 acres (1 hectare) or greater in size. The Clarington local municipality regulates woodland spaces less than 1 hectare in size. This is under By-law 97-35. 

The available permits for woodland tree removal are the Good Forestry Practices Permit and the Clear Cutting Permit. The Durham Region may waive the need for a permit in situations where only a small number of trees are designated for removal. 

If individuals aim to remove 50 trees or more, or if the area contains a Sensitive Natural Area, the Good Forestry Practices Permit is required. The application fee for this permit is $50. Patrons must complete the necessary forms and submit them to the Durham Region Planning and Economic Development Department for review.

Alternatively, there are two Clear Cutting Permit categories. Individuals require this permit to remove entire woodlands or wooded areas between ¼ acre (0.1 hectares) and 2.5 acres (1 hectare). The application fee for a Clear Cutting Permit of this size is $500. 

For spaces larger than 1 hectare, individuals must pay $1,000 for a Clear Cutting Permit. They must also acquire the approval of the Regional Council and hold a public meeting. 

Individuals who fail to comply with the by-law risk facing several penalties. Registered officers who rightfully convict offenders without permits may require them to rehabilitate the affected land by replanting trees equal to those removed. 

In addition, on a first conviction, individuals are expected to pay fines of $1,000 per affected tree, up to $10,000 maximum. On a repeat conviction, individuals must pay $2,500 per tree or $25,000 maximum.

Exceptions to the Regional Woodland By-Law

The Durham region tree removal by-law does not apply if

• Only a small number of trees are to be removed, even inside a woodland space;
• The area for removal is an orchard, a tree nursery, a holiday tree plantation, a plot of previously-established agricultural land, or fence rows;
• The tree removal is included under standard farming practices, including both personal and farm-related uses; 
• The Region is mandating tree removal in a certain area;
• Individuals are removing trees for surveying purposes;
• Individuals are removing trees to maintain industrial systems like quarries and gas lines;
• A building permit is in effect for the designated plot of land;
• The trees are dead or considered hazardous.

For more information on the Durham region’s planning and development laws, visit their website. For information regarding local municipality tree removal Bowmanville, visit the Clarington region website.