Sidewalk Clearance Bylaws: Pruning Street Trees

Sidewalk clearance and street-facing tree pruning are two of the most common compliance issues for property owners. Snow and ice must be removed from the full sidewalk width by a daily 10 a.m. deadline, and overhanging branches from private trees need to be kept clear of pedestrian space.

For city-owned street trees, the rules change: you generally need a permit before major pruning or removal. Understanding which trees you own and which are public right-of-way trees is the first step to avoiding fines and keeping sidewalks safe.

Property Owner vs. City Responsibilities for Sidewalks and Street Trees

Sidewalk Maintenance Obligations

In most areas, the sidewalk itself is a public right-of-way, but the abutting property owner is responsible for keeping it clear of snow, ice, and overgrown vegetation. This means you must maintain the sidewalk surface and remove obstructions that affect pedestrian movement. The city typically handles major arterial routes and pathways, but residential sidewalks adjacent to private property are your responsibility.

Street Tree Maintenance Obligations

A street tree is defined as a tree whose trunk is wholly or partially within the public right-of-way. For these trees, the city is generally responsible for major maintenance, but property owners are still required to keep adjacent sidewalks clear. If you have a private tree with branches overhanging the sidewalk, you are responsible for pruning those branches to maintain clearance. Mixing the two is common, so identifying tree ownership is critical.

Sidewalk Clearance Requirements for Property Owners

Snow and Ice Removal Obligations

Property owners and occupants must remove all snow and ice from the full width of sidewalks in front of their property—and alongside if on a corner lot—each day by 10 a.m. when there is snow or freezing temperatures. Shovel snow onto your property, not the road or sidewalk, and clear storm drains of leaves and snow to prevent flooding. There is no requirement to clear snow from private property itself.

Daily Clearance Deadline (10 AM)

The 10 a.m. deadline applies to the day after a snowfall or freezing event. If snow and ice remain by 10 a.m. the next day, you may face a $250 fine. If the snow and ice stay for more than 24 hours, the fine can escalate to $750. Some municipalities issue warnings first, but repeated non-compliance leads to enforcement.

Vegetation Clearance and Overhanging Branches

Beyond snow and ice, property owners must trim bushes and other vegetation that extends onto or over the sidewalk. Branches from private trees that hang into pedestrian space can block access and create hazards. Keep the area from ground to typical height clear so pedestrians, including those using mobility aids, can pass safely.

Pruning Responsibilities for Street-Facing Trees

Identifying Street-Facing Trees

A street-facing tree may be a city-owned tree in the right-of-way or a private tree whose canopy extends over the sidewalk or road. Look at where the trunk is located: if the trunk is wholly or partially in the public right-of-way, it is likely a street tree. If the trunk is on your property but branches overhang the sidewalk, it remains your private tree and you are responsible for pruning it to maintain clearance.

Bylaws Governing Street Tree Pruning

Local bylaws typically require property owners to maintain vegetation so it does not obstruct sidewalks or sightlines. For private trees, this means pruning branches to a safe height. For city-owned street trees, you generally cannot prune them yourself; major pruning and removal require a permit, and even minor work may need city approval. Check your local bylaw before touching any tree in the right-of-way.

Permit Requirements for City-Owned Trees

A permit is required for planting, major pruning, and removal of street trees—those with trunks wholly or partially in the right-of-way. This protects the urban canopy and ensures work is done to accepted standards. If you hire a contractor, they should handle the permit process. Our team includes ISA Certified Arborists who can help you identify whether a tree is street-facing and manage the permit requirements correctly.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Fines and Penalties for Violations

Failing to clear snow and ice by the 10 a.m. deadline can result in a $250 ticket, rising to $750 if the condition persists beyond 24 hours. Vegetation obstructions and unauthorized pruning of street trees can also lead to fines, and the city may complete the work and bill the property owner. Repeat violations often lead to escalating penalties.

Reporting Violations and Seeking Assistance

How to Report Bylaw Violations

If you notice a sidewalk left uncleared or branches blocking pedestrian access, report it to your local bylaw enforcement office. Most municipalities accept online service requests; staff will inspect and work with the property owner to remedy the issue, providing information about necessary permits and steps.

Snow Angel Volunteer Program

For property owners who are physically unable to clear snow and ice, some areas offer a Snow Angel program that matches volunteers with seniors and people with limited mobility. If you cannot shovel, request assistance rather than leaving the sidewalk hazardous.

If you are unsure which trees on your property are street-facing or need help maintaining safe sidewalk clearance, contact our arborists for a consultation. We can review your specific situation and recommend pruning that meets bylaw requirements.