Tips and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Tree By-Law
We recommend you visit the following site to learn more about trees
and landscaping.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When do I need a tree removal permit?
A permit is required to remove any tree on private property equal to or greater than 8 inches [20 cm] diameter, as measured from 4.5 feet above the grade at the base of the tree. If the tree has more than one stem at 4.5 feet above grade, take the sum of the diameter of the two (2) or three (3) largest stems to determine total diameter. Trees that do not meet the size requirements are exempt from the permit process and can be removed without a permit, except a "replacement tree" that was required as a condition of a plan or permit approval should not be removed. There are different considerations for the removal of large hedges and tree rows (refer "Large hedges and tree rows").
How long is a permit to remove a tree valid for?
A tree permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
How do I apply for a permit and what are the fees?
You can download the tree permit application [pdf] and bring it by the office. The hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through
Friday. Closed on all statutory holidays. You will need to sketch
a site plan showing:
- all buildings, sidewalks, and road access;
- all existing trees;
- the tree to be removed; and
- where the replacement tree will be located.
There is a $62 permit fee for a single tree and $176 for each
additional tree. The process takes approximately 15 minutes.
What if I wish to apply to remove a tree that is located on a property line?
The location of a tree is determined by the location of the base of the main stem or stems. A "co-owned" tree straddles a common property line. This condition may exist with a private property neighbor or with the City. If the co-owned tree is with your private property neighbor, staff will need a written consent letter from the co-owner to accompany the application. Trees that straddle a common property line with the City, require consent from the City Engineer, administered by the Park Board Streets Department (call 3-1-1 to request an inspection). The restrictions for maximum number of tree removals allowed still apply to sites with co-owned trees.
How is tree location and ownership determined?
Tree ownership is determined by the location of the trunk at grade. A legal surveyor can determine the exact location of a tree with respect to property lines.
Trees on City property:
The boulevard trees needs pruning or a branch has fallen off, who do I call?
All enquiries regarding trees on city property can be referred to Street Tree Department, Park Board. Call 3-1-1.
The street tree protection barrier near a development site has been neglected, fallen down or removed. What can the city do?
These concerns can be directed to the district building inspector. Call 3-1-1.
I would like to report that someone is physically damaging a street tree.
These concerns can be directed to the Park Board, Street Trees Department. Call 3-1-1.
Trees on Private Property:
How do I obtain a tree permit?
A tree removal permit can be applied for "over the counter" at City Hall, East Wing Building, City Hall, 2nd floor, Enquiry Centre, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Public parking is available in the ground level parkade. The process takes approximately 15 minutes, subject to daily business volumes. For trees located on property lines, staff will require a written consent letter from the co-owner. Sites with strata councils require a letter of consent from the strata.
An agent may apply for the permit on the owners' behalf. There is a two page application that can be filled out in the Enquiry Centre or downloaded [pdf]. To assist in processing the application, you should make a note of the approximate location of the tree to be removed and any trees that are to be retained. A replacement tree may be required as condition of the permit. The fee is $62.00 for a single tree removal permit, and $176.00 for additional trees in the same 12 month period.
How many trees can be removed every year?
An owner or agent may apply to remove one tree per 12 month period (an arborist report is not needed for this application). Additional tree removals will only be considered if the tree is within a new building envelope, or if a certified arborist report can demonstrate that the criteria for multiple tree removal has been satisfied (refer below).
What if I wish to remove more than one tree in a 12 month period (and no development is occurring)?
Multiple tree removals are typically associated with property development due to the challenges faced when accommodating new buildings and excavation disturbances. In a "non-development" situation, more than one tree may be also be considered for removal in a 12 month period. However, the application must be accompanied by a certified arborist report that satisfies the criteria for multiple tree removal in the bylaw. For example, an additional tree or trees may be considered for removal if a certified arborist report can demonstrate that the tree(s) are dead, dying, diseased, or "hazardous" and cannot be corrected using standard arboricultural practices. Arborist reports are subject to staff review and additional time may be needed to finalize a decision. Further information may be requested.
Who is responsible for carrying out the work related to the tree permit?
The owner is responsible for arranging any work related to a tree permit. The city does not do any tree related work on private property associated with a tree permit.
My tree or hedge is too small to require a tree removal permit but I do not wish to be accused of doing illegal work if remove it. What do I do?
If the stems are marginally below the size requirement, prior to doing any work, it is recommended that you take photos of the tree(s) or hedge clearly showing a standard measuring instrument (i.e., tape measure or caliper tape) against the trunk or trunks to indicate the diameter at breast height. Take several photos from a distance so that scale and context can be verified. Prior to removal, measurements can be done by a certified arborist or photos can be emailed or presented in person to Landscape Review Staff. Note that smaller trees may be protected as part of an approved development plan. If in doubt, the owner can request copies of approved plans and permits from City Hall, Permits and Licenses.
Do I need a permit to remove a large hedge or tree row?
If the hedge contains individual stems at trees that are equal to or greater than 8 inches [20 cm] diameter as measured 4.5 feet above the grade at the base of the tree, a tree permit approval may be required depending on the spacing and the height of the stems. If you are unsure, contact the Landscape Review Staff. (Hedges are often protected on development sites as a courtesy to neighbours or as a recognized landscape amenity.)
I live in a strata, how do I obtain a tree permit?
You will need City approval and a written letter of consent from the strata council that you have permission to accompany the tree permit application.
We have a very large site, why can I only remove one tree per year?
Normally, the one tree per year allowance applies to all sites, no matter what the size. Where more than one tree removal is desired, submit an arborist report that satisfies the criteria for multiple tree removal (refer Protection of Trees By-law [pdf]). For larger sites that have an approved landscape plan, there is also a process to submit an application to amend the landscape plan, in accordance with provisions from both the Protection of Trees By-law and the Zoning and Development By-law. Contact the Development Services Phone Centre for further information
Why do I need a permit to remove a tree if the tree is already dead or dying?
The City of Vancouver normally requires a one to one replacement of removed trees. Even though the tree is dead, there is (or was) a tree on the site that requires replacing. The intent of the Tree Bylaw is to help replenish the urban forest by replacing trees when they are removed.
I am worried a tree may fall down, how do I know if my tree is a hazard or if it is safe?
Contact a Certified Arborist or a professional tree company to request a tree assessment.
My tree has been damaged by a windstorm and is hazardous. Do I need a permit?
You can remove a hazardous tree without a permit, if you believe the danger (from the tree) is immediate. The Tree By-Law requires that you then obtain a tree removal permit within 24 hours of the tree's removal or on the next business day if the removal takes place during a weekend or statutory holiday.
Can you recommend a tree company or certified arborist?
At this time, there is no central listing for tree care professionals specific to Vancouver. In the Yellow Pages or the internet, search for "Tree companies", "Arborists" or "Arborist consultants". Tree companies active in your neighborhood are likely to have arborists on staff. Alternatively, contact City of Vancouver Landscape Review staff for further information.
What is an I.S.A. Certified Arborist?
These tree specialists have passed exams administered by the International Society of Arborists. They are the only professionals that the City of Vancouver will recognize as qualified to submit a report on tree health and safety. In your search for an arborist, ensure that they have experience with your particular situation.
What can I do if my neighbour's tree branches are overhanging my roof, sundeck, etc.? What can I do if the neighbor tree roots are cracking my sidewalk?
The best way to resolve an issue with your neighbor about overhanging tree branches or invasive roots is to discuss the situation and agree to a solution that serves both parties. Issues that arise between neighbours are more easily resolved if both neighbours use common sense and are willing to compromise. Neighbor to neighbor conflicts about trees overgrowing a property line is regarded as a civil matter and therefore the City of Vancouver cannot intervene on behalf of either neighbour. For disputes involving leaves, branches or root encroachments, the laws of ownership and trespass can be legally complicated. It is recommended that a consulting arborist and/or a lawyer be contacted for further guidance. The City of Vancouver recommends that any tree maintenance be carried out in responsible manner using accepted arboricultural practices.
Do I need a permit to do pruning?
A tree permit is not needed to do standard pruning. Tree work should be done according to accepted arboricultural practices by a certified arborist or a professional tree company. Severe pruning including tree topping is not considered a standard arboricultural practice.
Can I prune my neighbors' tree or roots?
The neighbour should be consulted prior to any work being done on their tree. A tree permit is not needed to do standard pruning. Tree work should be done according to accepted arboricultural practices by a certified arborist or a professional tree company.
What does “D.B.H.” mean?
D.B.H. means diameter at breast height. It is an accurate measurement of the diameter of a tree measured at chest height, or 1.4 metres (4.5
feet) from the ground. The diameter is the width of the tree, not
the circumference around the tree.
The Protection of Trees By-law applies to all trees except those less than 20 cm (8 inches) D.B.H.. If the tree has multiple stems at chest height, measure the 3 largest branches at D.B.H. and add the 3 diameters together. If the sum is less than 20 cm, the tree is exempt from the by-law.
Contacts
For more information, you can read the Protection of Trees
By-law [pdf], review the Residential Tree Removal Information
or the Construction and Development Information.
You can ask us questions by calling the Tree Information Hot Line at 604.871.6378.
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