Tree Cutting Permits

The Tree Protection Bylaw protects and regulates the removal of trees on private and City-owned land. This means that the following activities are prohibited for protected trees, unless authorized by a permit:

• Cutting or damaging the roots within the drip line of a tree. This includes placing fill, removing soil, blasting, depositing harmful chemicals, placing building materials, or operating heavy equipment over the roots within a drip line of a tree.

• Denting, gouging, or damaging the trunk or removing bark from a tree.

• Altering the ground water or surface water level within the drip line of a tree.

Tree Cutting Permits Required

You will need a Tree Cutting Permit for any of the following trees:

• Any tree located within a Development Permit Area identified in the Sustainable Official Community Plan

• Any tree identified for protection under a s. 219 Covenant pursuant to the Land Title Act

• Any tree located within a Riparian Area

• Any significant or wildlife tree

• Any tree identified for retention and protection as part of a subdivision, development permit, or building permit approval process

• Any tree having a diameter breast height (DBH) of at least 20 cm (8 in.) that is located on any of the following:

  • City land

  • A parcel of land 1 hectare (2.5 acres) or larger within City boundaries

  • On or immediately adjacent to a slope of 25% or greater

  • Within an Environmentally Sensitive Area, as defined by the Tree Protection Bylaw

A Tree Cutting Permit may be granted as part of an approved subdivision plan or building permit.

Exemptions

Check the Tree Protection Bylaw for specific exemptions. In general, you will not need a Tree Cutting Permit for the following types of tree cutting or removal:

• Farm operations or private managed forest lands

• Tree cutting or removal to install roads, utility services, driveways, or off-street parking

• Tree cutting or removal along highways (except for significant trees), above-ground utility corridors, and for cutting survey lines

• Cutting and removal of dead, diseased, or damaged trees with the submission of a certified statement from an arborist.