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CITY OFVANCOUVER

Information on Residential Tree Removal

Single Tree
Multiple Trees

Application for Tree Removal Permit [pdf]

The Protection of Trees By-law [pdf] affects all private property owners in Vancouver wanting to remove a tree. Regardless of whether they are developing their land or not, a permit is required for every tree (except those with a diameter (width) of less than 20 centimeters (8"), measured at 1.4 meters (4'6") above the ground).

Note: The new Protection of Trees By-law requires you to post your tree permit in a location visible from an adjacent street during the removal, relocation, or replacement of a tree.

Single Tree Removal

According to the Protection of Trees By-law, property owners can normally apply to remove only one tree during a 12 month period, and they are required to replace the tree removed from the site. The fee for this permit is $62 and is payable upon issuance of the permit.

Applications can be picked up at the Landscape Review Counter on the second floor of the East Wing - City Hall (2675 Yukon Street) between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. For quicker service, please print the blank application form [pdf] from this website, fill it out and bring it along with your applicable payments to the above address. All tree removal and replacement permits are valid for six months from the day upon which they were issued.

Don’t forget to sketch your property and indicate the following information:

The dimensions of your property and location of the street.
The location of your house and other buildings on the property.
The exact location and type of tree that you wish to remove.
The location and type of replacement tree.
The locations and types of any other trees on your property.

Multiple Tree Removal

Under certain conditions, property owners may be granted permission to remove more than one tree in a twelve month period, but only if one of the following conditions applies:

the tree on a development site is located within the building envelope;
the tree is located such that a proposed garage or other accessory building cannot be located so as to retain the tree;
an accredited plumber certifies that the roots of the tree are directly interfering with, or blocking sewer or drainage systems;
an arborist certifies the tree is dead, dying, or hazardous; or
an arborist certifies the tree is directly interfering with utility wires and cannot be pruned and still maintain its reasonable appearance or health.

The cost of removing more than one tree in a 12 month period is $62 for the first tree, and $176 for each additional tree.

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Questions or Comments? E-mail: private.property.trees@vancouver.ca