A permit is required to cut protected trees:

• trees of any species 75 cm in diameter or larger
• Arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific yew, Pacific dogwood, Yellow cedar, and Shore pine 20 cm in diameter or larger
• trees 10 centimeters in diameter or larger that are located within 15 metres of the top of a watercourse bank, through an Environmental Development Permit
• heritage trees (as part of the Community Heritage Register)

Note: the diameter is measured 1.4 metres from the ground.

How to apply

1.    Obtain an arborist report outlining the proposed work and rationale based on the Tree Bylaw.

2.    Complete the application form:

Private Property Tree Cutting Permit Application Form

3.    Applications must now be submitted using the Document Upload Centre. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.

In order to use this service, you will require the following:

• A valid email address. 
• An arborist report.
• All application forms, documents, and arborist report must be ready in PDF format.
• The person specified as the applicant on the application form must be the same individual making this online submission.

Ready to submit? Click on the link below

Document Upload Centre

4.     Once your application has been received and processed, an application fee slip will be emailed to you. This typically takes up to five days depending on the volume of permits received.

Fee: $300 for any pruning work or removal of one tree plus $100 for each additional tree removal, if applicable.  

Application fees are non-refundable.

Note: replanting and a security deposit may be required.

Pay your invoice online

5.    The review of a completed application usually takes two to three weeks.

6.    If your application is approved, the permit will be sent to you by email.

7.    The tree permit must be posted on site, in a visible location from the street, during the work.