Pick your city, enter the tree's trunk diameter, species and location, and see whether the local tree bylaw likely requires a permit. Every rule links to the official bylaw or city page, with the section number and the date we checked it.
Check with your city before cutting.
Independent summary only. This site is not a city or the Province. The checker summarizes each city's tree bylaw in our own words, using only the official bylaw text and the city's own tree pages. It cannot see covenants on your title, development permit areas, significant-tree lists or past permit conditions, and any of these can change the answer. The city's decision and the bylaw text win.
The interactive checker needs JavaScript. The city-by-city tables below show the same facts without it.
Every figure below comes from the bylaw or city page linked in that city's table, checked on 2026-10-05. Where a city does not publish a fact, we say so.
| City | Permit usually needed for | Bylaw and sections | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbotsford | Trees 20 cm DBH or more (10 cm in a tree retention area), City trees; ALR land exempt | Bylaw No. 3600-2025, s.1, s.9 | 2026-10-05 |
| Burnaby | Conifers 30.5 cm+, broadleaf 45.7 cm+ (20.3 cm with a development application), measured at 1.3 m; any tree in a streamside area | Bylaw No. 10482, s.2(o), s.3 | 2026-10-05 |
| Coquitlam | Trees 20 cm+ beyond two a year; every protected tree on steep slopes or streamside areas | Bylaw No. 4091, s.3, s.5, s.12 | 2026-10-05 |
| Courtenay | Trees over 20 cm on greenfield land or when an infill lot drops below its tree density target; protected species, sensitive-area and public trees always | Bylaw No. 2850, s.3, s.5.2 | 2026-10-05 |
| Cowichan Valley (CVRD electoral areas) | No private-tree bylaw found; a development permit may apply in a DPA | No tree bylaw (CVRD FAQ) | 2026-10-05 |
| Duncan | Trees 30 cm+ (20 cm for four listed species); arbutus, Garry oak, dogwood, yew at 2 m; any tree in an Environmental or Hazard DPA | Bylaw No. 3135, s.3, s.5.1.1 | 2026-10-05 |
| Kamloops | Only off small residential lots: residential parcels under 2 ha are exempt; elsewhere most trees | Bylaw No. 50-1, s.4.1, s.5.1 | 2026-10-05 |
| Kelowna | Only in DPA riparian or 30%+ slope areas and covenant areas: trees 10 cm DBH (at 1 m) or more | Bylaw No. 8041, s.2.0, s.3.1 | 2026-10-05 |
| Langford | Trees 20 cm DBH+, any tree in an Environmental DPA, City trees | Bylaw No. 2269, s.2, s.3 | 2026-10-05 |
| Nanaimo | More than 4 trees a year, any protected tree (City, significant, DPA, covenant) | Bylaw No. 7126, s.4, s.5(1), s.6(1) | 2026-10-05 |
| Prince George | Only in the AG: Greenbelt zone or a Riparian Protection DPA | Bylaw No. 6343, s.4.1 | 2026-10-05 |
| Richmond | Trees 20 cm DBH+ (any size in a Schedule E ESA or on City land) | Bylaw No. 8057, s.2.1, s.3.1.1 | 2026-10-05 |
| Saanich | Trees 60 cm DBH+ (30 cm for four listed species); arbutus, Garry oak, dogwood, yew at 2 m; any streamside DPA tree | Bylaw No. 9272, s.2, s.16 | 2026-10-05 |
| Surrey | Trees 30 cm DBH+, riparian trees, listed species, City trees | Bylaw No. 16100, s.2, s.6 | 2026-10-05 |
| Vancouver | Trees 20 cm diameter or more at 1.4 m | By-law No. 9958, s.2.2, s.4.1 | 2026-10-05 |
| Victoria | Trees over 30 cm DBH; Garry oak, arbutus, yew, dogwood over 50 cm tall; trees within 15 m of a watercourse or on steep slopes | Bylaw No. 21-035, s.2, s.5(1) | 2026-10-05 |
Tree Management Bylaw, 2025, No. 3600-2025 · Abbotsford building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Damaging or removing a protected tree: 20 cm DBH or more, 10 cm or more inside a tree retention area, qualifying hedge rows, replacement trees, and City trees of any size (s.1, s.7, s.9). Land in the Agricultural Land Reserve is outside the bylaw (s.4(e)). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | 20 cm DBH at 1.4 m. For several stems, the bylaw uses the square root of the sum of the squared diameters of stems over 10 cm (s.1 "DBH"). |
| Species | No species-based threshold. |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | In a tree retention area the threshold drops to 10 cm DBH (s.1). Hazard trees growing in a streamside protection area still need replacement trees (s.30(2)). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | A permit is still needed. If a protected tree is in imminent danger of failing, you may act first, photograph it, and apply retroactively by the end of the next business day (s.19). No replacement is required for a high or extreme risk tree from natural causes, except in a streamside area or habitat covenant (s.30). |
| Fees | $59 application fee (s.47, amending Schedule K of the Fees and Charges Bylaw). Permit fees listed in the City's Tree Permit FAQ: 1 tree $65, 2 to 5 trees $97, more than 5 trees $131. Security: $500 per replacement tree, $750 if the property is under development (s.47). |
| Replacement trees | Replacement trees are planted under Schedule D until the lot meets the tree density target (s.31); the City's FAQ describes that target as 40% canopy cover per lot. Cash-in-lieu is set in the Fees and Charges Bylaw (s.31(3)). |
| Boulevard and City trees | City trees of any size are protected trees (s.1); work by the City on its own land is exempt (s.5(a)). Contact the City about a boulevard tree. |
| Notes | This bylaw took effect March 1, 2026 (City tree management page). |
| Official sources |
|
Burnaby Tree Bylaw 1996, No. 10482 (consolidated) · Burnaby building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Cutting down a protected tree (s.3). On a lot with a current development application: any tree 20.3 cm or more. Otherwise: conifers 30.5 cm or more and broadleaf trees 45.7 cm or more. Also any tree in a streamside protection and enhancement area, covenanted, cemetery, landscaping-plan, replacement or retained trees (s.2(o)). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | Burnaby measures diameter 1.3 m above ground (sum of the three largest stems for multi-stem trees), not 1.4 m (s.2(i)). Thresholds: 20.3 cm with a development application; 30.5 cm conifer or 45.7 cm broadleaf otherwise (s.2(o)). |
| Species | Conifer versus broadleaf sets the threshold when there is no development application (s.2(o)(ii)). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | Any tree in a streamside protection and enhancement area is protected, whatever its size (s.2(o)(iv)). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | No general exemption for hazardous or dead trees. The exemption covers emergency removal of a tree so damaged or unstable from severe weather that it is in imminent danger of falling, if you tell the City right away (s.4(b)). |
| Fees | 2026 fees: $97 per protected tree (maximum $691) with no development application; $207 per tree (maximum $1,380) on a residential lot with a development application (City of Burnaby 2026 Schedule of Tree Permit Fees, under the Consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw referenced in s.5(1)(a)). |
| Replacement trees | Bylaw table: 1 replacement for a tree up to 30.5 cm, 2 for over 30.5 cm up to 61 cm, 3 for over 61 cm (s.13(1)). The City's removal page says that on single- and two-family lots not under development, replacement may be required depending on the property. 2026 schedule: minimum replacement security $1,500; payment to the Civic Tree Reserve Fund $1,500 per tree. |
| Boulevard and City trees | The protected-tree list does not include City boulevard trees, and City work in parks and on public land is exempt (s.4(d)). Check with the city. |
| Official sources |
|
Tree Management Bylaw No. 4091, 2010 · Coquitlam building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Cutting down a protected tree: 20 cm or more at 1.4 m (or 5 m tall on a steep slope), replacement trees and trees kept as a permit condition (s.3, s.4). Owners may cut up to two protected trees a year without a permit on lots with fewer than 40 protected trees (s.12). Steep slopes and streamside protection areas always need a permit (s.5). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | 20 cm diameter at 1.4 m; on a steep slope, 5 m tall (s.3). |
| Species | No species-based threshold. |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | On steep slopes (20 degrees / 36% or more) and in a streamside protection and enhancement area, every protected tree needs a permit, except emergencies (s.3, s.5). The City's permit page adds covenant areas and properties on Burian Drive or Latimer Avenue. |
| Hazardous or dead trees | No general hazard or dead-tree exemption. The exemption covers emergency work on a tree severely damaged by natural causes and in imminent danger, with written notice to the City Arborist within three business days (s.12). |
| Fees | City permit page: $71.50 basic permit; $358 when an arborist report or a City site visit is needed. Replacement trees bonded at $300 each. Fees are set under the Fees and Charges Bylaw (s.10). |
| Replacement trees | Set by the City's tree replacement chart, based on lot size and the protected trees left after removal (s.9; City permit page). Provincial standards apply in riparian areas (City permit page). |
| Boulevard and City trees | Not addressed in the bylaw text we read. Check with the city. |
| Notes | The City links the 2010 bylaw as a scanned document; we read its section numbers from that scan. |
| Official sources |
|
Tree Protection and Management Bylaw No. 2850, 2016 · Courtenay building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | A permit before removing any tree over 20 cm DBH or any protected tree on a greenfield property (undeveloped, over 4,000 m2), or on an infill lot (under 4,000 m2) when removal drops the lot below the tree density target of 50 trees per net developable hectare (s.3, s.5.2, s.7.2). Protected trees always need one (s.6.1). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | Over 20 cm DBH (s.5.2). |
| Species | Protected species over 0.5 m tall need a permit at any trunk size: Garry oak, Pacific dogwood, western white pine, Pacific yew, trembling aspen, arbutus (s.3). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | Any tree in a Riparian Assessment Area or Environmentally Sensitive Area, or on a slope of 30% or more, is protected (s.3). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | A permit is still needed for protected trees. After an emergency removal, apply within 24 hours (next business day on weekends and holidays) with photos (s.5.4). Hazardous tree permits are free (City tree management page). |
| Fees | City tree management page: $100 general permit; $100 for two trees only on any lot; $500 for property over 4,000 m2; hazardous tree permit free; replacement bond $300 per tree; protection security $1,000 per tree. Fees are set in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1673 (s.11). |
| Replacement trees | Meet the tree density target; 1 replacement per hazard tree; 3 native trees per hazard tree in an ESA; 3 of the same species per protected-species tree (s.10.1). Security $300 per tree (s.10.2). On infill lots, $300 per tree into the reserve fund can count toward the target (s.9.1(a)(iii)). |
| Boulevard and City trees | Public trees, including trees on boulevards, are protected at any size (s.3). Contact the City. |
| Official sources |
|
No tree cutting bylaw (CVRD) · Cowichan Valley (CVRD electoral areas) building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | No private-tree bylaw found; check with the CVRD. The CVRD says it does not have a tree cutting bylaw, but a development permit may be needed if the tree is in a Development Permit Area (CVRD planning FAQ). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | Not published (no tree bylaw). |
| Species | Not published (no tree bylaw). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | A development permit may be required for tree removal inside a Development Permit Area; check the CVRD web map or ask Development Services (CVRD planning FAQ). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | Not published (no tree bylaw). |
| Fees | Not published (no tree bylaw). |
| Replacement trees | Not published (no tree bylaw). |
| Boulevard and City trees | Not published. Check with the CVRD. |
| Notes | The CVRD FAQ says provincial or federal approvals may apply near nests and suggests cutting in the mid-September to January low-risk window. Inside the City of Duncan or North Cowichan, those municipalities' own rules apply instead. |
| Official sources |
|
Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3135, 2014 (consolidated to October 21, 2024) · Duncan building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Cutting, removing or moving a protected tree (s.5.1.1): arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific dogwood or Pacific yew 2 m tall or 7 cm thick at 15 cm; Douglas-fir, grand fir, bigleaf maple or western redcedar 20 cm DBH or more; any tree 30 cm DBH or more; any tree in an Environmental or Hazard DPA; significant, replacement, condition and nest trees (s.3). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | 30 cm DBH for most trees; 20 cm for the four listed species. Multi-trunk: the largest trunk plus 60% of each other trunk, at 1.4 m (s.3). |
| Species | Arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific dogwood, Pacific yew: protected at 2 m tall or 7 cm at 15 cm. Douglas-fir, grand fir, bigleaf maple, western redcedar: 20 cm DBH (s.3). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | Any tree in an Environmental or Hazard Development Permit Area is protected (s.3). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | A permit is still needed. Hazard, dead, damaged or declining trees are grounds for a permit (s.6.3.2(a)). The fee is waived for hazard trees (s.6.2.1), but the replacement security still applies (City application form). Emergency removal of a storm-damaged tree in imminent danger is exempt (s.5.3.1(d)). |
| Fees | City application form: $50 permit (waived for hazard trees); $25 amendment; $500 non-refundable fee per replacement tree if the City plants it on City land (s.6.2.1, s.7.2.5). |
| Replacement trees | Two replacement trees per protected tree, up to the 50 protected trees per hectare target (s.7.2.1), or three substitute trees where at least one protected tree is kept (s.7.2.2(a)); one replacement for a hazard tree (s.7.2.2(b)). Security $500 per replacement tree or $350 per substitute tree, maximum $10,000 per application (s.7.2.7). |
| Boulevard and City trees | City work on public property is exempt (s.5.3.1(f)), and planting on City land needs written approval (s.5.2). Check with the city about a boulevard tree. |
| Official sources |
|
Tree Protection Bylaw No. 50-1, 2017 (consolidated) · Kamloops building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Cutting any tree needs a permit (s.4.1) unless exempt. Exempt on your own land: parcels under 2 ha zoned Residential (s.5.1(d)); trees under 5 m tall and under 10 cm diameter (s.5.1(c)); trees a Tree Risk Assessor finds to be an immediate danger (s.5.1(a)); listed invasive species (s.5.1(h)); approved development (s.5.1(e)). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | Trees under 5 m tall and under 10 cm in diameter are exempt (s.5.1(c)). |
| Species | Russian olive, Siberian elm and tree of heaven are exempt (s.5.1(h)). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | The Director may refuse a permit for trees on slopes of 30% or more or in a riparian area (s.6.4). Cutting in a watercourse needs a permit under the Watercourses Regulations Bylaw (s.5.1(g)). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | Exempt when a Tree Risk Assessor finds the tree is an immediate danger (s.5.1(a)). No permit fee for hazardous trees (s.6.1(b)). |
| Fees | $50 for five trees or fewer; $150 for six or more (Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 44-14, Schedule T; s.6.1(a)). |
| Replacement trees | The bylaw's replacement rule is for trees cut in contravention: two replacement trees per tree (s.2 "Replacement Trees", Division Ten). |
| Boulevard and City trees | City work on City lands is outside the bylaw (s.5.2). Check with the city. |
| Official sources |
|
Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8041 (consolidated, revised October 3, 2022) · Kelowna building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Only inside Natural Environment/Hazardous Condition Development Permit Areas that are in a Riparian Management Area or on slopes of 30% or more, and in covenant areas (s.2.0). There, cutting or damaging a protected tree (100 mm DBH or more, measured 1 m above grade) needs a permit (s.3.1, s.4.2). Elsewhere: no private-tree bylaw found; check with the city. |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | 100 mm (10 cm) DBH measured 1 m above grade; multi-stem trees add the three largest stems (s.3.1). |
| Species | Invasive trees (Siberian elm, Russian olive, tree of heaven) and fruit trees are exempt (s.5.1(c), (d)). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | This is where the bylaw applies (s.2.0). The City's tree cutting permit bulletin says protected trees are generally on slopes over 30% or within 15 m of a water body (sometimes 10 m or 30 m). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | The City's bulletin says applications are considered only when a certified arborist identifies a hazard, or for property damage that pruning cannot fix. Emergency removal of a dangerous tree before a permit is allowed if reported immediately (s.6.1(a)). |
| Fees | $50 permit fee; may be waived when a development permit application is submitted at the same time (s.7.1(j)). |
| Replacement trees | Replace within one growing season, by trunk size: up to 151 mm, 2 trees; 152 to 304 mm, 3; 305 to 456 mm, 4; 457 to 609 mm, 6; 610 mm and up, 8 (s.10.1). Minimum 2.0 m tall for conifers and 60 mm DBH for deciduous trees (s.10.2). Security is 125% of the value of the replacement trees and site work (s.8.3). |
| Boulevard and City trees | Not addressed in the bylaw text we read. Check with the city. |
| Notes | Conflict: the City's bylaw summary page says removed trees are replaced with two trees; the bylaw's s.10.1 uses the 2-to-8 sliding scale above. |
| Official sources |
|
City of Langford Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2269, 2026 · Langford building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Cutting, removing or damaging a protected tree: 20 cm DBH or more; any size inside an Environmental Development Permit Area; on City land; under a City covenant; planted for a development permit; or with signs of raptor, osprey or heron use (s.2, s.3). Removal under an issued development permit and listed invasive species are exempt (s.4). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | 20 cm DBH (s.2); Schedule A shows measurement at 1.4 m, with multi-stem trees as the sum of the three largest stems. |
| Species | No species-based threshold. Regulated invasive species are exempt (s.4). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | Any size inside an Environmental Development Permit Area (s.2). Replacement there follows Table 2 (s.8.3). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | A permit is still needed. Dead trees, trees more than half dead, and hazardous trees (high or extreme risk rating, or imminent failure) are grounds for a permit (s.6.1(a), (b)). In imminent danger you may cut first, apply the next business day with photos, and leave the evidence on site (s.5). |
| Fees | No application fee (City Tree Bylaw FAQ). Security $400 per replacement tree (s.9.2). |
| Replacement trees | Table 1 (s.8.2): up to 30 cm DBH, 1 for 1; over 30 to 60 cm, 2 for 1; over 60 to 90 cm, 3 for 1; over 90 cm, a biologist's replanting plan. Minimum 5 cm caliper (deciduous) or 2 m tall (conifer) (s.8.6). $400 cash-in-lieu per tree that cannot fit, if approved (s.8.8(a)). |
| Boulevard and City trees | Trees on City-owned or occupied land are protected (s.2); City staff work is exempt (s.4). Contact the City. |
| Notes | Bylaw No. 2269 (adopted July 20, 2026) replaced Bylaw No. 2206 (s.14). The City posts it as a scanned PDF. |
| Official sources |
|
Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (consolidated) · Nanaimo building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Cutting any tree needs a permit (s.5(1)) unless exempt: an owner may remove up to 4 non-significant trees a calendar year from their own parcel (s.6(1)(h)); dead trees (s.6(1)(j)) and hedges (s.6(1)(g)) are exempt. Exemptions do not apply to protected trees: City trees, significant trees, trees in a Development Permit Area, covenant and retained trees (s.4). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | No minimum size for the permit rule. Fees count each tree 6 cm DBH or more (Schedule E); DBH is measured at 1.4 m (s.4). |
| Species | Significant trees (listed in Schedules A to C, including nest trees) are protected and cost more to permit. |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | Trees in a Development Permit Area are protected trees, and the yearly 4-tree exemption does not apply to them (s.4, s.6(1)). Check the City's map. |
| Hazardous or dead trees | Dead trees are exempt (s.6(1)(j)). A diseased or hazardous tree is exempt only if a certified arborist or horticulturist confirms it and the Director approves in writing (s.6(1)(a)). After a weather or vehicle emergency: remove, notify within 48 hours, and replace (s.7). No fee for a hazardous tree permit (Schedule E(4)). |
| Fees | $50 application plus $10 per tree 6 cm DBH or more and $100 per significant tree, capped at $500 per hectare or $2,500 in total (s.16, Schedule E). Fees double for work done without a permit (s.16(2)). |
| Replacement trees | Set by s.14 and Schedules D, G and H. |
| Boulevard and City trees | City trees, including boulevard and street trees, are protected trees (s.4). Contact the City. |
| Notes | The 4-tree exemption does not apply while a subdivision or development permit application exists for the lot (s.6(1)(h)). |
| Official sources |
|
City of Prince George Tree Protection Bylaw No. 6343, 1995 (consolidated to June 25, 2012) · Prince George building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Only in the AG: Greenbelt zone or a Riparian Protection Development Permit Area (s.4.1). There, a "tree" is 1.5 m tall or 3 cm in trunk diameter (s.3). In the riparian DPA the rule covers set distances from the top of bank, for example 15 m for low-density residential (s.5.3). Elsewhere: no private-tree bylaw found; check with the city. |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | 1.5 m tall or 3 cm trunk diameter, inside the regulated areas only (s.3). |
| Species | No species-based threshold. |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | In a Riparian Protection DPA: 15 m from top of bank for agricultural, outdoor recreation and low-density residential; 30 m for commercial, industrial, institutional and the Fraser and Nechako rivers; 10 m from the top of wide ravines (s.5.3). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | Dangerous trees are exempt (s.5.1(b)). Permits for severely damaged or unstable trees are free (s.8.1, s.8.2). |
| Fees | Set in Schedule A-15 of the City's fees bylaw (s.6). We did not verify the amount; check with the City. |
| Replacement trees | For trees cut in contravention: two per tree within 5 m of top of bank, one per tree beyond 5 m (s.11.1). |
| Boulevard and City trees | The City's trees page says a tree within roughly 8 to 20 feet of the front of a property is most likely on City land and maintained by the City. Contact the City. |
| Official sources |
|
Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8057 (consolidated) · Richmond building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Cutting or removing a "tree": 20 cm DBH or more and able to reach 4.5 m; any size in an environmentally sensitive area (Schedule E) or on City land (s.2.1, s.3.1.1). The bylaw covers private and City land (s.1.1). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | 20 cm DBH at 1.4 m (s.2.1). |
| Species | No species-based threshold. Significant trees (92 cm or more) carry 3-for-1 replacement (s.2.1, Schedule A). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | Any size in an environmentally sensitive area listed in Schedule E (s.2.1). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | A permit is still needed (s.3.1.1). No application fee for a hazard tree (s.4.2.1(a); Consolidated Fees Bylaw No. 8636), with a certified tree risk assessor's written report (s.2.1, s.4.2). No replacement for a hazard tree, unless it was damaged in a way that made it hazardous or dead (s.4.3.3). Emergency removal of a storm-damaged tree in imminent danger is exempt (s.3.2.1(d)). |
| Fees | $70 for one tree per parcel in 12 months; $84.25 per tree for two or more; $70 renewal, extension or modification; no fee for a hazard tree (Consolidated Fees Bylaw No. 8636, Tree Protection schedule). |
| Replacement trees | 1 for 1 for ordinary removals (deciduous 6 cm caliper or 3.5 m; conifer 3.5 m); 2 for 1 when tied to rezoning, development permit, subdivision or works; 3 for 1 for significant trees (s.4.3.1, Schedule A). Replacement security: $0 unless tied to subdivision ($750 per tree) (Bylaw No. 8636). |
| Boulevard and City trees | Trees on City land are covered at any size (s.1.1(a), s.2.1); City work on public property is exempt (s.3.2.1(e)). Contact the City. |
| Official sources |
|
Tree Protection Bylaw, 2014, No. 9272 · Saanich building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Altering, cutting or removing a protected tree (s.16): arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific dogwood or Pacific yew 2 m tall or 4 cm thick at 15 cm; Douglas-fir, grand fir, bigleaf maple or western redcedar 30 cm DBH or more; any tree 60 cm DBH or more; any tree in the Streamside Development Permit Area; Significant Trees; raptor, osprey or heron nest trees; trees on Saanich-owned land (s.2). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | 60 cm DBH for most trees; 30 cm DBH for Douglas-fir, grand fir, bigleaf maple and western redcedar (s.2). |
| Species | Arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific dogwood, Pacific yew: protected at 2 m tall or 4 cm at 15 cm. Douglas-fir, grand fir, bigleaf maple, western redcedar: 30 cm DBH (s.2). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | Any tree in the Streamside Development Permit Area is protected (s.2(e)). Saanich's tree bylaw page states the streamside rule with a size cut-off (over 10 cm diameter or 5 m tall); the bylaw text has none. Ask Saanich which applies. |
| Hazardous or dead trees | A permit is still needed; Saanich's page says this includes dead or dying protected trees. Hazardous, dead, damaged or declining trees are grounds for a permit (s.19(a)), with no permit fee (s.30) and a $300 security per replacement tree (s.31). Replacement may be waived for some hazard or dead trees (s.40). |
| Fees | No fee for removals under s.19(a) to (d) and (g), with $300 security per replacement tree. Construction-related removals (s.19(h) to (k)) and s.26: $50 plus $30 per additional tree, with $700 security per replacement tree (s.31). Add $100 if a rezoning or development permit is involved (s.32). Amendment $40 (s.34). |
| Replacement trees | 1 replacement for removals under s.19(a) to (d), (g) or s.26; 2 for s.19(h) to (i); 3 for s.19(j) to (k). Minimum deciduous 4 cm caliper, conifer 3 m (s.44). Cash-in-lieu $300 or $700 per tree (s.45). |
| Boulevard and City trees | Any tree on Saanich-owned property is a protected tree (s.2(i)). Contact Saanich about a boulevard tree. |
| Notes | Saanich is updating this bylaw (Saanich tree bylaw page). |
| Official sources |
|
Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100 (consolidated to Bylaw No. 21973, 2026) · Surrey building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Cutting, removing or damaging a protected tree (s.6): 30 cm DBH or more (or a 35 cm stump); any tree in a riparian area; arbutus, Garry oak, coast, dawn or giant redwood and ginkgo once 3 m tall (conifers) or 5 cm caliper (deciduous); specimen, significant, replacement, condition and raptor, osprey or heron nest trees; any tree on City property (s.2 "protected tree"). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | 30 cm DBH, or a 35 cm stump at ground level where DBH cannot be measured (s.2). |
| Species | Arbutus, Garry oak, coast redwood, dawn redwood, giant redwood and ginkgo: protected at 3 m tall (conifers) or 5 cm caliper (deciduous) (s.2(h)). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | Any tree in a riparian area is protected (s.2(d)). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | A permit is still needed. Hazardous, dead, damaged, diseased or declining trees are grounds for a permit, with an arborist report if asked (s.29(a)). If a tree is about to fall from natural causes with no time for a permit, you may cut it, report it the next business day, and leave it on the lot until the City confirms (s.7). |
| Fees | $108 base plus $42 per protected tree removed, on existing lots with no subdivision (s.36). The City's removal page shows the same and a $550 per-tree replacement deposit. |
| Replacement trees | Two replacement trees per protected tree; one for red alder or black cottonwood outside a riparian area (s.57). If the lot cannot fit them, $550 cash-in-lieu per tree (s.57.1). |
| Boulevard and City trees | Any tree on City property is a protected tree (s.2(i)); City work is exempt (s.5). Contact the City. |
| Notes | Fee conflict: a 2025 City corporate report cited $104 plus $40 per tree; the current consolidated bylaw and the City's page both say $108 plus $42. |
| Official sources |
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Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958 (consolidated to December 9, 2025) · Vancouver building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Removing, cutting down or killing a tree 20 cm or more in diameter at 1.4 m (two or three largest stems combined), plus replacement trees and hedge trees of any size (s.2.2, s.4.1). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | 20 cm diameter at 1.4 m above grade (s.2.2). |
| Species | No species-based threshold. |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | No separate streamside or slope size rule in this by-law; the 20 cm rule applies. |
| Hazardous or dead trees | A permit is still needed. A hazard finding by a certified risk-assessor arborist, and a dying or dead tree, are listed grounds (s.4.5(f), (h)). If natural causes make a tree an imminent hazard, you may remove it first and get the permit afterwards (s.9.1, s.9.2). |
| Fees | Non-refundable application fee: $113 for the first tree in a 12-month period; $324 for each further tree in that period (s.4.4(c)). The City's permit page lists the same amounts. |
| Replacement trees | 1 Part 1 tree or 2 Part 2 trees per tree removed (s.6.3). Cash-in-lieu $1,000 per tree where allowed (s.6.2). Security $500 per replacement tree, or $750 in some cases (s.4.10). Removal must happen within 6 months of the permit (s.4.9). |
| Boulevard and City trees | Park Board work is outside the by-law (s.2.4). During construction, owners must not prune or disturb a boulevard tree without the Park Board's written permission (s.7.8(b)). Contact the City or Park Board about a street tree. |
| Official sources |
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Tree Protection Bylaw No. 21-035 · Victoria building permit guide
| When a permit is needed | Cutting, removing or pruning a protected tree (s.5(1)): any tree over 30 cm DBH; Garry oak, arbutus, Pacific yew or Pacific dogwood over 50 cm tall; any tree within 15 m of a watercourse or on a slope over 33% across 10 m; hedges with a stem over 30 cm; replacement and covenant trees (s.2). |
|---|---|
| Protected-tree size | Over 30 cm DBH at 1.4 m; for multi-stem trees, add the three largest stems (s.2). |
| Species | Garry oak, arbutus, Pacific yew and Pacific dogwood are protected once over 50 cm tall, whatever the trunk size (s.2(c)). |
| Streamside, ESA or steep slope | Any tree within 15 m of a watercourse's natural boundary, or on a slope steeper than 33% over 10 m, is protected (s.2(f), (g)). |
| Hazardous or dead trees | A permit is still needed. Hazard trees (high or extreme risk rating, or imminent failure), dead or more than 50% dead trees, and invasive trees are listed grounds (s.8(a) to (c)) and pay no permit fee (Schedule A). In an emergency you may act first and apply the next business day; replacement still applies (s.15). |
| Fees | No fee for hazard, dead or 50%-dead, or invasive trees, emergency work, or pruning. Other removal permits: $50 for lots up to 2,000 m2, $100 for 2,000 to 4,000 m2, $250 per 4,000 m2 for larger lots. Root-zone work or extensions: $50 (s.23, Schedule A). |
| Replacement trees | 1 Part 1 tree or 2 Part 2 trees per protected tree removed (s.20(4)). If none fit, $2,000 per tree cash-in-lieu (s.20(7)(b)), waived when the removed tree was a hazard tree (s.20(7)(a)). Security $2,000 per Part 1 or Part 3 tree and $1,000 per Part 2 tree (s.25). |
| Boulevard and City trees | Tree work by or for the City on park, highway or City land is outside this bylaw (s.3(2)). Contact the City about a boulevard tree. |
| Official sources |
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It depends on the local government. Most cities in this checker regulate private trees through a tree bylaw with size, species and location rules. Kelowna and Prince George regulate only certain mapped areas, Kamloops exempts residential lots under 2 ha, and the CVRD electoral areas have no tree cutting bylaw. Check with your city before cutting.
Measure around the trunk 1.4 m above the ground and divide by 3.14 to get the diameter; Langford's bylaw Schedule A shows this method. Burnaby measures at 1.3 m and Kelowna at 1 m. Multi-stem rules differ by city, so read your city's definition.
Often yes. Victoria, Saanich, Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Duncan, Langford and Abbotsford still require a permit, though several waive the fee or replacement for hazard trees. Nanaimo exempts dead trees, Kamloops exempts trees a tree risk assessor finds to be an immediate danger, and Prince George exempts dangerous trees in its regulated areas. Most cities allow emergency removal first with a report or application soon after.
Provincial and federal law can apply even when no city permit is needed. BC Wildlife Act s.34 makes it an offence to destroy a bird or egg, an eagle, peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, osprey, heron or burrowing owl nest, or another bird's nest while it is occupied. The federal Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, s.5, under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, prohibit damaging, destroying or disturbing migratory bird nests without a permit.
Usually that is a City tree. Several bylaws protect trees on City land at any size, including Abbotsford, Courtenay, Langford, Nanaimo, Richmond, Saanich and Surrey. Vancouver's by-law says owners must not disturb a boulevard tree during construction without Park Board written permission. Contact the city.
This checker relies only on the official bylaws, city pages and statutes below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you cut or spend money.
All sources verified on October 5, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.