Local tree-rule guide
Clarington tree rules
Clarington By-law 97-35 and Durham Region’s woodland rules can apply in different situations; woodland size is an important first check.
The local rule
Clarington has a tree-cutting bylaw that requires a permit where the bylaw applies, rather than imposing the same rule on every tree and every lot.
Because applicability depends on the property and activity, homeowners should first determine whether their land and proposed cutting fall within the bylaw before using the permit process.
Application details
Clarington tree cutting can be a municipal issue or a Durham Region woodland issue
- Clarington’s local tree page points residents to By-law 97-35 and separately warns that woodland cutting may require a Durham Region permit.
- The first practical question is therefore whether the proposed work is an ordinary lot/tree issue or work inside a regulated woodland.
Clarington Public Works maintains boulevard, roadside, park and facility trees. Residents should report dead, diseased or overgrown municipal trees through Service Clarington rather than arranging private removal.
Durham Region’s Woodland By-law applies to woodlands 1 ha (2.5 acres) and larger. Areas under 1 ha are the responsibility of the local area municipality, which is why the Clarington and Durham rules need to be checked together.
For a regulated woodland, Durham offers a Good Forestry Practices Permit. The Region says it can waive the permit in minor situations; removing more than 50 trees or working in a Sensitive Natural Area may require a Forest Management Prescription.
A Clear Cutting Permit is required to remove an entire woodland or clear-cut more than 0.1 ha (about 1/4 acre). Clear cutting greater than 1 ha requires Regional Council approval and a public meeting.
Durham publishes $50 for a Good Forestry Practices Permit, $500 for clear cutting between 0.1 ha and 1 ha, and $1,000 for clear cutting greater than 1 ha, excluding public-meeting advertising costs.
The Regional by-law lists exemptions including dead/hazardous trees, normal farm practices and removal where a building permit has already been issued. Even when a Regional exemption applies, a separate Clarington or property-specific requirement may still need checking.
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