Private property

Tree cutting

Tree cutting is authorized only with a permit. The permit is:

• Free of charge
• Valid for 1 year
• Delivered following a tree inspection by one of our inspection officers
• Available for a tree over 7.5 cm in diameter measured at 30 cm from the ground (dead, dying, sick, damaged, alive or dangerous).

Important information:

• You must identify, with a ribbon or rope, the tree(s) you wish to cut down on your property. Otherwise, the inspection officer will not be able to issue a certificate of authorization at the time of his visit.
• Cut tree(s) may have to be replaced if your lot does not have the required minimum tree density. See the Landscaping information sheet in the Information sheets section.

Permit request

It is possible to make your permit request:

1. Online
2. In person at the Service de l'urbanisme et de l'environnement counter at City Hall

Documents to provide with your request:
A sketch or plan of the location of the tree(s) on your property.

Processing time:
Please note that the processing time for this type of permit is approximately 60 working days.

Pruning work

Pruning work does not require a permit but must be carried out in such a way as to preserve the health of the trees. Excessive pruning and topping are prohibited and subject to fines.

Consult the pruning fact sheet in the Information sheets section for valuable advice.

Tree planting 

The City offers financial assistance for the acquisition of native and hardy trees from the list of indigenous and rustic trees.

See the tree planting fact sheet in the Information sheets section for more information. 

Landscaping

Landscaping is mandatory on all privately owned land.

Conserving existing vegetation such as natural undergrowth and ground cover is preferable. Certain types of non-indigenous plants such as purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Norway maple should be avoided.

By-law

For further information, please consult the by-law 771. In the event of contradiction between this document and the current by-law, the latter shall prevail.

Information sheet

Planting trees

Pruning trees

Trees and woodland conservation

Landscaping

Information

Concerning a tree on private property:

Service de l'environnement
1960 Chemin Sainte-Angélique
450-424-8000, ext. 226
environnement@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca

Concerning a tree located on municipal land:

Service des travaux publics
1875 Avenue Bédard
450-424-8000, ext. 227
travauxpublics@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca

Use and installation

Temporary shelters are authorized only to:

• Store road, recreational and off-road vehicles as well as boats;*
  *Commercial vehicles are also authorized under certain conditions (check with the Planning Department at urbanisme@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca).
  
• Provide shelter for a private walkway.
  
  

General rules for use and installation :

• Must be installed at a minimum of 1 metre from all property lines * (and 2 metres from sidewalks and roads);
• Permitted between October 15 and April 30.

* Property lines are determined by your property title and cadastral plan. They indicate the boundaries of your property in relation to neighbouring properties as well as the public domain (municipal right-of-way, sidewalk, road).

Removal

Temporary shelters must be taken down by April 30.

Fines

After this date, offenders will be fined between $100 and $1,000 per day.

Permit

No permit required.

For more information, see articles 164 to 169 of By-law 771.

Source of water

Producing clean water for human consumption is one of the most expensive services a city provides its residents.

In Saint-Lazare, this water stems exclusively from the groundwater sourced by municipal wells.

By-laws

To reduce waste, the City regulates the outdoor use of the water it processes. Residents must respect the days and times during which they are permitted to use water for outdoor purposes and must obtain a permit in certain cases. See the full text of By-law 667 or the fact sheet here.

Automatic watering systems

Automatic (underground) watering systems now require the following devices:

• An automatic moisture detector or an automatic shut-off device in case of rain to prevent activation of watering cycles;
• A backflow valve to prevent any contamination of the drinking water distribution network;
• An electric valve activated by an electric control mechanism to automatically control watering or a watering cycle;
• A handle or gate valve accessible from the outside to cut off the flow of water in the event of a malfunction or emergency.

Any automatic watering system installed prior to March 18, 2020 must be upgraded, replaced or decommissioned no later than May 31, 2021.

The following buildings are considered accessory buildings. A permit and a deposit is required for these types of buildings in certain cases.

• Horse shelter: an open building with a roof, and with one wall that is closed in no more than 50%, designed to protect horses from the rain and the sun. Horse shelters must not be used to house animals.
• Private stable: a detached accessory building in which the main building owner or occupant keeps one or more horses for personal use.
• Indoor arena: covered area used to ride or train horses.

Information sheet

Accessory equestrian building

No permit is required for the construction or installation of a fence, low wall or hedge. Note, however, that their location, components and maintenance are subject to by-laws.

Information sheet

Fences, low walls and hedges

Permit to operate a home-based business

Operating a business out of your home is subject to by-laws and regulations that may vary based on zoning and type of business. Contact the City to find out how this affects your home-based business.

A private detached garage is an accessory construction that is detached from the main building. Construction of a detached garage is authorized under certain conditions.

Information sheet

Private detached garage

In accordance with Article 13 of the By-law concerning wastewater disposal systems for isolated dwellings (Q-2, r. 22), residents must have their septic tanks emptied at least once every two (2) years.

Proof of emptying

Residents must send proof of their septic tank’s cleaning to the City no later than December 31. The accepted methods of transmission are by hand to the City Hall, by mail or by email to urbanisme@ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca.

Septic tank inspection before October 31

Residents who do not think their septic tank needs emptying must request an inspection by filling out this form:  

Inspection request form

• Septic tanks need to be emptied when the layer of scum is 12 centimetres thick or more, or when the layer of sediment is 30 centimetres thick or more.
• Note: If the layers of scum and sediment are lower than the maximum set by the Loi sur la qualité de l’environnement (Environment Quality Act), emptying of the tank can be postponed to the following year when the property owner can then either have the tank emptied or inspected. An inspection can be carried out every year until the levels are sufficient to justify emptying of the tank.
• If the levels of scum and sediment are higher than the maximum set by the Environment Quality Act, the property owner must have the septic tank emptied immediately.

The City defines what constitutes a nuisance in order to protect the collective interests of its residents and preserve public order. Nuisances most notably include noise caused by a snow blower, lawn mower or chainsaw.

What does the by-law state?

Noise must not affect the well-being, peace, tranquility or rest of one or more people in the neighbourhood.

It is prohibited to make noise using tools:

• Monday to Friday, between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Saturday, Sunday and holidays, between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m.
• Examples of tools: leaf blower, lawn mower, chainsaw or any other tool used to build, demolish or repair a building or vehicle.

It is prohibited to make noise by means of sound instruments:

• Daily between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Examples of sound instruments: bell, siren, chime, stereo system, radio, bullhorn or any other instrument

The by-law does not apply to:

• Emergency work to protect the safety of premises or persons
• Agricultural activities conducted by producers/farmers
• Snow removal or golf course maintenance

Consult the complete by-law

Several conditions govern the installation of a pavilion, gazebo or pergola, which are considered accessory constructions:

• Garden pavilion (gazebo or arbour): an accessory construction intended for seasonal use made of a lightweight structure and material, with no insulation, and which can be closed using clear or canvas panels and/or mosquito netting, and is used for outdoor living.
• Pergola: structure made of lightweight columns and beams that support an open roof and whose sides are open or covered with slatted material, generally intended for creating shade and/or used as a structure for plant climbing.

Information sheet

Garden pavilion

Permits are required to:

• Install:
  - an above-ground or removable pool
  - an in-ground or semi-in-ground pool
  - a spa with a capacity over 2,000 litres
• Build, convert, enlarge, renovate, add buildings or erect a structure that gives or prevents access to a pool (e.g. patio, enclosure, fence, etc.).
• Replace an above-ground, in-ground or semi-in-ground pool or swim spa over 2,000 litres that has been destroyed or damaged.
• Demolish an in-ground or semi-in-ground pool.

Online permit application

Permit fees: $25
A $500 deposit is required for the construction of an in-ground or semi-in-ground pool. (rebated upon receipt of a certificate of location).

 

A declaration of work is required to:

Remove or dismantle:

• an above-ground or removable pool
• a spa with a capacity over 2,000 litres

Work declaration fees: free

Online Work Declaration

 

Securing your residential pool is mandatory:

All pool owners are obliged to comply with the Règlement sur la sécurité des piscines résidentielles, summarized below.

1. All pools must be enclosed in such a way as to restrict access.

By pool type :

• In-ground and semi-in-ground pools: it is mandatory to build a compound around the pool.
• Above-ground pools: above-ground pools with walls less than 1.2 m high must be protected by a compound.
• Removable pools: removable pools with a wall less than 1.4 m high must be protected by a compound.
  
  

The compound or fence must respect the following characteristics:

• Be at least 1.2 metres high.
• Must not have any opening allowing access to the inside.
• Prevent the passage of a 10 cm diameter ball (between the bars or between the floor and the bottom of the compound).
• Not be designed to be climbed.
• If the fence is made of chain link, the mesh must measure 3 cm or less. Otherwise, slats must be inserted into the mesh.

A hedge or shrubbery does not constitute a compound.

Consult the Fences, low walls and hedges section before installing your enclosure.

 

2. Secure access to the pool as follows

Fenced pool

All doors leading to a fenced pool must:

• Close and lock automatically.
• Be equipped with a safety latch. It must be installed on the pool side, or on the outside if at least 1.5 m high.
• Have the same characteristics as the compound fence.
  
  

Unenclosed pool

For an above-ground pool of at least 1.2 m in height or a removable pool of at least 1.4 m in height without an enclosure, the following requirements must be met:

• Removable ladder: it must be equipped with a safety door that closes and locks automatically.
• Platform: a compound equipped with a safety door that closes and locks automatically must be installed either at the bottom of the platform or on top of it.
• Terrace attached to your home: a compound equipped with a security door that closes and locks automatically must be installed on the terrace between the house and the pool.
  
  

Residential pools built before 2010

Owners of pools installed before November 1, 2010, who previously benefited from an exemption, have until September 30, 2025 to bring their installations up to standard.

Regulations

The explanations given here and in the online applications are intended to facilitate understanding and do not replace the regulations. In the event of any discrepancy between this text and the full texts of By-laws 771 and 774, the latter shall take precedence.

For more information, consult Règlement de zonage numéro 771 and Règlement sur les permis et certificats numéro 774.

References

3. Règlement provincial S-3.1.02, r. 1 - Règlement sur la sécurité des piscines résidentielles
4. Sécurisez votre piscine extérieure pour prévenir tout risque de noyade | Gouvernement du Québec
5. Votre piscine extérieure respecte-t-elle la règlementation? | Ville de Saint-Lazare

The City's by-law authorizes its residents to keep chickens in non-agricultural zones, subject to obtaining a permit.

Property:

• Lot size must be equal to 700 m² or more.
• The lot must include a main building outside of which a domestic coop and enclosure can be built.

Chickens:

• A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5
• No roosters allowed
• Must be kept in a chicken coop—in other words, the chickens cannot roam free on the property, cannot be kept in cages, and cannot be kept inside the home for health reasons

The chicken coop and fenced-in outdoor enclosure:

• Are mandatory
• Must be adjacent and attached to one another as well as detached from the main building
• Must respect the permitted size, location and construction standards

Prohibited:

• Any commercial activity related to keeping chickens including the sale of eggs, meat, manure or other substances originating from chickens
• The euthanasia or slaughter of chickens on residential property is prohibited and must be carried out in an approved slaughterhouse or by a veterinarian at his/her clinic
• Any signs indicating the presence of chickens

Did you know?

• That a hen can live 10 to 12 years?
• That the egg-laying rate of hens drops significantly over the years?
• That hens must be sheltered from the cold during the long winter months?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions and you are still interested in getting chickens, you must meet the requirements of the by-law outlined below.

Requesting a permit

Information sheet

Residential chicken coop

Consult the Regulation respecting the sanitary conditions applicable to places where birds are kept in captivity

Responsibilities of private well owners (artesian well)

According to the municipality’s registry (2003–2019), 220 private wells (commonly known as “artesian wells”) provide water to Saint-Lazare homes. Water intended for human consumption must be of good quality and meet the standards set out in the Regulation respecting the quality of drinking water. The owner of an individual well or of a small network (serving fewer than 21 people) is responsible for ensuring that the water is of good quality and safe for human consumption. The owner’s responsibilities are outlined in a guide provide by the Ministère.

Private well owners are responsible for ensuring that their water is safe for human consumption according to the standards of the ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques.

Mandatory identification of watering wells or other alternative sources of untreated water

Owners of private wells are not required to comply with the by-law on the use of water distributed by the municipal aqueduct network, as stipulated in By-law 667 regarding the use of water distributed by the municipal aqueduct. However, they are required to obtain a sign at the urban planning/environment service counter, free of charge.

This sign must be placed on the owner’s property so as to be visible from the street at all times.

Watering wells

Under By-law 1123, the construction of a private well to draw groundwater is prohibited on any property served by the municipal water system. The construction of a private well is only permitted for agricultural or geothermal purposes, for fire safety or public safety, and for the purposes of maintaining municipal infrastructures such as parks and sports fields.

There are several conditions governing the installation of sheds or accessory constructions used for the storage of equipment needed for primary activities.

Requesting a permit

Information sheet

Shed