Canvis a "Introduce a Tiered Permit System for Removing Mature Trees on Private Property"

Calgary currently has no bylaw protecting trees on private property. Any tree on private land can be removed at any time for any reason with no permit, no replacement requirement, and no consequence. This means mature trees that took decades to grow — and that contribute meaningfully to neighbourhood canopy — are being cleared daily for infill development, renovations, and yard changes with no public record and no remedy.

We propose a tiered permit system that focuses protection where it matters most without overreaching into everyday yard management:

Tier 1 — Small trees (trunk diameter under 10cm): No permit required. Homeowners retain full freedom to manage small and young trees.

Tier 2 — Medium trees (10–20cm trunk diameter): Notification required but no permit needed. Establishes a public record of removals.

Tier 3 — Mature trees (over 20cm trunk diameter): Permit required. Applicants must demonstrate a legitimate reason for removal. Developers must replace at a 2:1 ratio either on site or through contribution to the City's canopy fund directed to low-coverage wards.

Why this matters: The communities that already have mature trees are losing them to development faster than they are being replaced. A tiered system targets the trees with the most ecological value without burdening homeowners managing small or young trees. It also creates a public record of canopy loss that currently doesn't exist.

Who needs to act: Calgary City Council, Development & Building Approvals

What success looks like: Net private canopy loss in Calgary's established neighbourhoods stops within three years of implementation. Developer replacement contributions generate a dedicated fund that accelerates planting in low-canopy communities.

Cost estimate City administration estimated a full private tree bylaw at $2.8 million. A tiered system focused only on mature trees would be significantly less — estimated at $1–1.5 million — because it covers a much smaller proportion of private trees and requires simpler enforcement.