Get a tree removal permit

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  Digital submissions and enquiries

  Last updated: May 10, 2022

  Services Centre access

  Services Centre access is by appointment only. Walk-in service and drop-in appointments are not available. 

  Digital submissions

  To help process your permit applications more quickly, some permit types have moved to a digital approach for submission, payments, and issuance.  Learn more about the requirements

  Contact the Business Licence Office for all licence applications, enquires, and payments.

  Enquiries

  • General enquiries: Phone 604-873-7611
  • Building, development, and application enquiries:
    • Use our online form and receive a tracking number, which you can use to get real-time status updates from 3-1-1.
    • We will aim to respond to all enquiries within 10 business days.

Steps to removing a tree(s) from your property

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  Step 1: Determine if you are required to get a tree removal permit

  You need a permit to remove a tree or hedge on private property if you meet one of these criteria:

  • The tree measures at least 30 centimetres in diameter and 94 centimetres in circumference, measured 1.4 metres above the base of the tree
  • The tree, tree row, or hedge has more than one stem at 1.4 metres above grade and the combined diameters of the largest two or three stems is at least 30 centimeters in diameter (94 centimetres in circumference)
  • The tree doesn't meet the size requirements but was a condition of approving a plan or permit   

  

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  Step 2: Apply for a tree removal permit and pay fees

  A. Determine if the removal of trees is part of a development project

  If the removal of trees is:

  • Not a part of a development project
    • Register and submit application
  • A part of development project
    • Approval will be granted as part of the development/building permit
    • Follow the steps, below, and include this with your development or building permit application 

  Apply to remove trees for development projects 

  A. Gather documents

  You will need to provide the following documents to apply for a permit:

  • An arborist report prepared by an ISA-certified arborist (International Society of Arboriculture)
  • A plan of your site showing:
    • Existing buildings and streets or lanes
    • Existing trees to be retained
    • Trees proposed for removal
    • Location or replacement tree(s)
  • When you apply on behalf of the owner:
    • An original, signed letter of authorization from the property owner
  • When the tree straddles the property line (co-owned):
    • A written letter of consent from the other owner 
  • When the tree is located on strata property:
    • A written letter of consent from the strata council president or vice-president (not the strata management company)

  Example of a site plan

  

  B. Review fees

  Fees:

  • First tree requested for removal in a 12-month period: $91
  • Each additional tree requested for removal in the same 12-month period: $263

  C. Submit application and pay fees

  You can submit your form and pay the required fees either online or in person.

  Option A: Submit online

  1. Register for an online account (If you don't have an account.)
  2. Submit your application
  3. Pay fees

  Register and submit application

  Option B: Submit in person

  Visit the Development and Building Services Centre.

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  Step 3: City staff review application

  Our inspectors will:

  • Review the documentation provided with your application
  • Confirm that the site conditions match the plans and arborist reports
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  Step 4: Remove tree(s) and plant replacement trees, if required

  Note A replacement tree will be required to be planted for any removed tree that is larger than 30 centimetres diameter.

  Based on your application review:

  • Tree(s) may be approved for removal
  • A tree removal permit will be issued

   Once a tree removal permit has been issued, you:

  • Must complete the removal within six months of the issuance date; otherwise, your permit will be void
  • Must post a copy of the permit in a location visible from the street and/or lane while work is underway
  • May have to plant replacement trees on your site (This is dependent on the number of trees that are approved for removal and the number of other trees that exist on the site.)

  Landscape inspectors will visit your site to ensure that any replacement trees required have been planted and remain in good condition.

  Learn about specifications for replacement trees PDF file (73 KB)

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