Local tree-rule guide
Saint John tree rules
The 2026 Zoning By-law regulates tree cutting by cumulative ground area and listed development, utility and hazard circumstances.
The local rule
Saint John’s Zoning By-law limits tree cutting to listed circumstances, including approved development or subdivision work and removal of damaged, diseased or hazardous trees.
The bylaw also includes an area-based allowance for some cutting, so the rule is more nuanced than a simple permit/no-permit statement.
Application details
Saint John’s tree-cutting rule is area-based, not trunk-diameter based
- Saint John’s current 2026 Zoning By-law consolidation regulates tree cutting by the area and purpose of the cutting rather than publishing a DBH threshold for an ordinary tree.
- This makes “how much land is being cleared?” as important as the size of any individual trunk.
The 2026 consolidation says that, except where the by-law provides otherwise, no tree cutting may occur in any zone.
Tree cutting may occur where the cumulative ground area affected is not greater than 500 m², provided the area is not left as a hazard to the public and does not contain fallen trees when cutting ceases.
The by-law separately allows cutting directly connected with an approved street project, public-utility work, a development authorized by a City permit, or land associated with a subdivision plan that has tentative approval.
The by-law also identifies removal of a tree that is damaged, diseased or hazardous to the general public as a permitted tree-cutting circumstance.
The 500 m² figure refers to cumulative ground area affected by tree cutting; it is not a 500 m² property-size exemption and it is not a trunk-diameter threshold.
For clearing outside the listed paths, confirm the current Zoning By-law and planning approval with the City before work. Development or subdivision permissions also need to remain valid for the associated cutting path.
Before work starts
- Ownership: check the property line. Public and boundary trees may follow a different process.
- Site context: review any development approval, covenant or protected-area conditions.
- Work requirements: confirm any permit, exemption or protection requirements that apply to the planned work.
Official sources
Primary municipal source reviewed October 1, 2026. Rules can change; confirm with the local authority before work. How we research