Main bylaws of the City of Chambly regarding trees
Tree Removal Maintenance Planting
Tree Removal
A certificate of authorization (tree cutting permit) is required to fell any tree with a diameter exceeding 10 cm, measured at 1.2 meters above ground level.
A certificate of authorization (permit) may be issued by the City of Chambly under the following circumstances:
- The tree is dead or diseased;
- The tree is diseased with no possibility of recovery;
- The tree is an ash tree;
- The tree is a nuisance and causes damage to foundations, underground pipes, or poses a risk of falling large branches;
- The tree is located where a new construction or an expansion of an existing structure is planned;
- The tree hinders the growth and development of neighboring trees.
Certain sectors do not require a tree cutting permit if the tree to be cut is located in a side or back yard. We strongly suggest contacting the city to verify if a permit is required in your sector, regardless of the tree's location, to ensure compliance with municipal bylaws.
Certificate of Authorization (Tree Cutting Permit) for Tree Removal
The certificate of authorization (permit) is free of charge. The processing time is approximately ten (10) business days.
To apply for a tree cutting permit, the following information is required:
- Location certificate showing the exact position of the tree(s) to be cut;
- Tree details: species, diameter, and the total number of trees to be removed;
- Photographs clearly justifying the reasons for felling;
- Full contact information for both the applicant and the property owner;
- Contractor details: name, contact info, and RBQ license number (if applicable);
- Project details: estimated cost and the anticipated start and end dates;
- Justification for the removal;
- Clear photos of the specific tree(s) to be removed.
The following means are at your disposal to obtain your permit:
- Submit an online permit request;
- Send all required documents by email to permis@ville.chambly.qc.ca;
- Present yourself in person at the Urban Planning, Environment, and Economic Development Department with all required documents at 240 Fréchette Blvd. (temporary address).
Maintenance
The natural shape of the tree must be preserved during pruning or trimming work in the City of Chambly.
Topping trees is prohibited within the territory of the City of Chambly.
Partial cutting and clear-cutting are also prohibited.
During pruning, a maximum of 30% of the branches may be removed.
It is prohibited to compromise the integrity of a tree with a diameter greater than 10 cm, measured at 30 cm from the ground, located in the front yard, by altering the roots, bark, trunk, or branches.
Planting
The front yard must have at least one tree. Exceptions apply depending on the sector where the minimum may be higher; we strongly suggest checking with the city. Additionally, one extra tree is required for every 500 square meters of lot area.
Every removed tree must be replaced by another tree, even if the minimum number of trees is met after cutting, unless the lot has no more room for planting or the property already includes at least 2 trees, plus 2 other trees per 500 square meters of lot area.
Any tree cutting must be replaced by planting a tree within one year following the cutting, respecting the following provisions and characteristics:
- The tree must have a minimum trunk diameter of 50 millimeters at 1.2 meters above ground level;
- The replacement tree can be a conifer or a deciduous tree;
- The replacement tree must be located in the front setback, unless the minimum number of trees required by the city in the front setback is met after cutting;
- At maturity, the tree must reach a minimum height of seven (7) meters. Any species below this height is considered a shrub and, in this case, cannot be considered a replacement tree.
The following tree species must be planted more than 15 meters from any street line, public easement for sewer and water mains, and your home:
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Ash-leaved Maple | Acer negundo |
| Silver Maple | Acer saccharinum |
| White Poplar | Populus alba |
| Lombardy Poplar | Populus nigra 'Italica' |
| Eastern Cottonwood | Populus deltoides |
| Trembling Aspen | Populus tremuloides |
| Laurel Willow | Salix Pentandra |
| Weeping Willow | Salix alba 'Tristis' |
Work Near Hydro-Québec Power Lines
We can undertake cutting and pruning work only near telecommunication wires or low-voltage wires. Please note that we are not authorized by Hydro-Québec for work to be performed near medium-voltage power lines and near electricity distribution networks. For more information on this subject, we suggest you consult the Aerial network section of our website. You will also find the procedure to help you find a company mandated by Hydro-Québec for this type of service.
City of Chambly
56 Martel Street, 3rd Floor
Chambly, Quebec
J3L 1V3
450 658-0537
permis@ville.chambly.qc.ca
ville.chambly.qc.ca
Please note that the information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and has no force of law or legal value. For further information or to verify current regulations, please contact the municipality.