---
title: Abbotsford tree removal rules and permits
question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?"
place: Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/abbotsford
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Abbotsford
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/tree-removal/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/tree-removal.json"
---

# Abbotsford tree removal rules and permits

**Question:** Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?

**Short answer:** In the City of Abbotsford, yes, for a "protected tree": 20 cm or more across (measured 1.4 m above ground), or 10 cm or more in a tree retention area. You need a Tree Permit under Tree Management Bylaw 3600-2025, in force March 1, 2026. Land in the Agricultural Land Reserve is not covered. The application fee is $59.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Abbotsford, https://www.abbotsford.ca)  
**Cost:** $59 non-refundable application fee. Replacement tree security $500 per tree ($750 if the property is being developed). Schedule K of the Fees and Charges Bylaw also lists per-tree permit fees; see below.  
**How long:** The City's pages do not give a processing time.  
**Where:**
- Online: Tree Permit application, https://www.abbotsford.ca/tree-cutting-application
- Phone: Parks, Recreation and Culture office (questions, pay by credit card), 604-859-3134
- In person: City Hall, 3rd floor (Parks, Recreation and Culture), 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 1W7 (Pay by cheque, credit card or debit card.)
- Phone: Urban Forestry (trees on City land), 604-853-5485

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** A permit is needed to damage a 'protected tree' on private land: any tree 20 cm or more across (measured 1.4 m above ground); a tree 10 cm or more in a tree retention area (streamside or sensitive area, slope over 20%, covenant); a hedge row of 5+ trees with one stem 20 cm or more; any replacement tree or yard tree required for subdivision; any City tree. Pruning a significant tree also needs a permit.
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 (No. 3600-2025), s. 1 (protected tree, tree retention area), s. 9](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2026b3600)
  - Official wording: "has a DBH of at least 20 cm," … "has a DBH of at least 10 cm and is growing in a tree retention area," … "is a row of at least five or more closely planted trees, in a hedge-like form, where" … "is a replacement tree of any size required in a permit," … "is a city tree of any size," … "undertake any act that would damage a protected tree;" … "are within a steep slope greater than 20 percent," … "is a yard tree of any size required for subdivision" … "prune a significant tree;"
  - Source: [Tree Permit, Tree Permit page](https://www.abbotsford.ca/tree-permit)
  - Official wording: "Under the Tree Management Bylaw, a Tree Permit is required prior to pruning a significant tree"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Exemptions:** Not covered: land in the Agricultural Land Reserve, farm use in a farming area, federal and provincial Crown land, private managed forest land, Forest Act tenure land. Emergency: if the general manager considers a tree in imminent danger of failing and removal is the only practical fix, photograph it, cut it, and apply by the end of the next business day. No replacement for a high or extreme risk tree, except in streamside areas.
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 (No. 3600-2025), s. 4, s. 19, s. 30](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2026b3600)
  - Official wording: "designated as agricultural land reserve as defined in the Agricultural Land Commission Act" … "land owned by the Crown in right of Canada or being used for a purpose of the" … "the protected tree is in such imminent danger of failing and injuring persons or" … "By the end of the next business day after the emergency damage to a protected" … "the protected tree removed was a high or extreme risk tree due to natural causes" … "land subject to a valid and current licence, tenure or approval granted under the Forest Act" … "the only practical method of abating the risk referred to in subsection (a) is partial or full removal of the protected tree." … "The exemption contained in subsection (1) (a) does not apply if the tree is growing in a streamside protection and enhancement area"
  - Source: [Tree Permit, Tree Permit page](https://www.abbotsford.ca/tree-permit)
  - Official wording: "The tree is not located within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)." … "but if verified by a City arborist as a hazard tree, a permit exemption will be granted"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** $59 non-refundable application fee. Schedule K of the Fees and Charges Bylaw also lists permit fees of $65 for one tree, $97 per tree for 2 to 5 trees and $131 per tree for more than 5. (Sources differ: The City pages mention only the $59 application fee. Schedule K (last amended by 3709-2026) lists the per-tree fees as well, and one line after them is marked repealed. Ask the City whether the per-tree fees still apply. Re-inspection fee $82 (1 to 10 trees) or $164 (10 or more).)
  - Source: [Tree Permit, Tree Permit page](https://www.abbotsford.ca/tree-permit)
  - Official wording: "There is a non-refundable permit application fee of $59 that must be paid before your application is processed."
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2006 (Consolidated), Schedule K Tree Management, Schedule K, s. 1](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2006b1532)
  - Official wording: "$65.00/tree For cutting two (2) to five (5) trees" … "$97.00/tree For cutting more than five (5) trees" … "$131.00/tree For renewing, extending or modifying a tree cutting permit"
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 (No. 3600-2025), s. 10(f)](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2026b3600)
  - Official wording: "a non-refundable permit application fee in the amount established in the Fees and Charges Bylaw"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Replacement trees:** Per protected tree removed, plant medium-size replacements: 4 for 60 cm or more across, 3 for 30 to under 60 cm, 2 for 20 to under 30 cm, 1 for 10 to under 20 cm (large species need fewer, small species more). Security $500 per tree ($750 if the property is being developed); cash-in-lieu at the same rates. (Sources differ: Bylaw: 'tree density target' is 60 medium-size trees per net developable hectare (applies to properties undergoing development). The City page says a 40 percent canopy cover target per lot. Bylaw followed. No replacement is required for a high or extreme risk tree (natural causes), or for a rural property not being developed with 5 or fewer trees under 60 cm removed that keeps the density target (s. 30). Retained-tree security is $2,000 per tree ($5,000 for 60 cm+ or significant).)
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 (No. 3600-2025), Schedule D, s. 1; s. 31; s. 38](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2026b3600)
  - Official wording: "At least 60 cm DBH 2 4 8" … "30 cm to less than 60 1.5 3 6" … "20 cm to less than 30 1 2 4" … "10 cm to less than 20 0.5 1 2" … "cash-in- lieu of any required replacement trees"
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2006 (Consolidated), Schedule K Tree Management, Schedule K, s. 4, 6](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2006b1532)
  - Official wording: "$750.00/tree For any other replacement trees" … "$500.00/tree Except $0 per replacement tree when cash-in-lieu is being provided."
  - Source: [Tree Permit, Tree Permit page](https://www.abbotsford.ca/tree-permit)
  - Official wording: "The City charges a security deposit for replacement trees of $500 per tree, unless the property is undergoing development, in which case the security deposit is $750."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **City trees:** A City tree of any size is protected: damaging one needs authorization (City works are exempt). Someone who damages a City tree pays restoration costs, or a replacement tree plus its appraised value. Questions: Urban Forestry, 604-853-5485.
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 (No. 3600-2025), s. 1, s. 20](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2026b3600)
  - Official wording: "“city tree” means a tree of any size growing on property owned, occupied or leased by the City" … "An owner who damages or causes damage to a city tree must pay to the City the following:" … "the value of the city tree calculated using an industry standard tree appraisal"
  - Source: [Tree Management, Tree Management page](https://www.abbotsford.ca/tree-management)
  - Official wording: "Urban Forestry Section at 604-853-5485"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** No tree-specific amount is set. The general penalty in the Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw applies: bylaw notice $500 ($450 if paid within 14 days); municipal ticket $1,000. Each day is a separate offence.
  - Source: [Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw, 2020 (No. 3017-2020), s. 4, 6, 17](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2020bylaw3017)
  - Official wording: "If a bylaw is contravened on more than one day, a separate bylaw contravention occurs for" … "(a) $500 for a bylaw contravention dealt with by bylaw notice;" … "(b) $1 000 for a bylaw contravention dealt with by municipal ticket;" … "is discounted by $50 if the penalty is paid in full within 14 days of the delivery of the bylaw notice."
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 (No. 3600-2025), s. 43](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2026b3600)
  - Official wording: "Notwithstanding any penalty that may be imposed under the Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw, if"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 (Bylaw No. 3600-2025), in force March 1, 2026. It repeals Tree Protection Bylaw No. 1831-2009.
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 (No. 3600-2025), title, s. 44, 46](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2026b3600)
  - Official wording: "Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 Bylaw No. 3600-2025" … "Tree Protection Bylaw No. 1831-2009 is repealed." … "This Bylaw comes into force on March 1, 2026."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The City of Abbotsford's [Tree Management Bylaw](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2026b3600) took effect March 1, 2026 and repeals the old Tree Protection Bylaw 1831-2009. The old bylaw still applies to any complete application the City received before that date.

A permit is needed to damage a protected tree on private land. Protected trees are:

- any tree 20 cm or more across, measured 1.4 m above ground
- a tree 10 cm or more in a tree retention area (streamside or sensitive area, slope over 20%, or a tree-protection covenant)
- a hedge row of 5 or more trees with one stem 20 cm or more
- any replacement tree, or yard tree required for subdivision
- any City tree

Pruning a "significant tree" listed in the bylaw also needs a permit. Pruning is not "damage" unless it removes over 25% of the live foliage.

## Steps

1. Measure the trunk 1.4 m above ground. If it is under 20 cm and not in a retention area, it is not protected.
2. Submit the online Tree Permit application. You are emailed a file reference number and an invoice.
3. Pay the $59 fee (phone, City Hall 3rd floor, or mailed cheque), quoting the file number.
4. Supply an arborist report and replanting plan if required, and the Owner's Authorization Form for a shared tree.
5. Do not cut until the permit is issued, then plant any required replacements.

## Good to know

- Not covered: land in the Agricultural Land Reserve, farm use in a farming area, federal and provincial Crown land, private managed forest land, and Forest Act tenure land.
- Emergency: if a tree is in imminent danger of failing and removal is the only practical fix, photograph it, cut it, and apply by the end of the next business day. The City page says a hazard tree still needs an application and fee, with a permit exemption if a City arborist verifies the hazard.
- Replacements per tree removed: 4 for 60 cm or more across, 3 for 30 to under 60 cm, 2 for 20 to under 30 cm, 1 for 10 to under 20 cm. No replacement for a high or extreme risk tree, except in streamside areas.
- The City page also lists Schedule K per-tree permit fees ($65, $97 or $131 depending on the count) that may still apply. Ask the City.
- Fines: the bylaw sets no tree-specific amount. A bylaw notice is $500 ($450 if paid within 14 days); a municipal ticket is $1,000. Each day is a separate offence.
- A shared tree needs the other owner's authorization, and that owner does not have to agree.
- City trees: call Urban Forestry at 604-853-5485.

## What you'll need

- Owner's Authorization Form if a tree straddles a property line (all owners must sign) or an agent applies
- Arborist report where required; a replanting plan for replacement trees

## Official forms and pages

- [Tree Permit](https://www.abbotsford.ca/tree-permit)
- [Owner's Authorization Form (PDF)](https://www.abbotsford.ca/sites/default/files/2021-06/Owner%27s%20Authorization%20fillable.pdf)
- [Tree Management Bylaw 3600-2025](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2026b3600)

## Related questions

- [Abbotsford building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/building-permit.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md)
- [Mission](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mission/tree-removal.md)
- [Township of Langley](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley-township/tree-removal.md)
- [Chilliwack](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chilliwack/tree-removal.md)
- [Langley City](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley/tree-removal.md)
- [Maple Ridge](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/maple-ridge/tree-removal.md)
- [Pitt Meadows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/tree-removal.md)

## Sources

- [Tree Permit, City of Abbotsford](https://www.abbotsford.ca/tree-permit) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Management, City of Abbotsford](https://www.abbotsford.ca/tree-management) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Permit Application, City of Abbotsford](https://www.abbotsford.ca/tree-cutting-application) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Management Bylaw, 2025 (No. 3600-2025), City of Abbotsford](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2026b3600) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2006 (Consolidated), Schedule K Tree Management](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2006b1532) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw, 2020 (No. 3017-2020), City of Abbotsford](https://laws.abbotsford.ca/civix/document/id/coa/coabylaws/2020bylaw3017) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Abbotsford. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/tree-removal/_