Central Saanich tree removal rules and permits

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

Central Saanich, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

Short answer

In Central Saanich you need a permit to cut or remove a "permit tree" (30 cm or more across, or a protected tree), unless your lot keeps 50 permit trees per hectare and the tree is not protected. The District's web page is stricter and says all permit trees need one.

Key facts

When a permit is needed	A permit is needed to cut, remove or damage a 'permit tree': 30 cm or more across at breast height, or a protected tree (listed species over 50 cm tall, any tree in the Erosion District or sensitive areas, or on District land). No permit if the lot keeps 50 permit trees per hectare and the tree is not protected (bylaw s. 5(a)); the web page says all permit trees need one. Pruning branches over 10 cm needs one unless an arborist prunes.Sources differ: Bylaw s. 5(a) lets you skip a permit if removal leaves the lot at 50 or more permit trees per hectare and the tree is not a protected tree, not tied to a development application and not owned by someone else. The District's web page says every permit tree needs a permit, even dead or dying ones, so the bylaw's exception and the page differ. Pruning branches under 10 cm, or any pruning by an arborist, needs no permit.Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, 2021, s. 2, 4, 5; Tree Removal and Planting, Looking to remove a tree? · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording means a protected tree or a living, erect, self-supporting woody plant which is 30 centimetres or more in diameter at DBH No person shall cut, remove or damage any permit tree tree removal will not result in the number of permit trees on a lot falling below 50 permit trees per hectare a tree of any size within the Erosion District shown in Schedule tree removal will not result in the number of permit trees on a lot falling below 50 permit pruning is carried out by an arborist in accordance with sound Even permit trees that are dead or dying require a permit.
Exemptions	Land in the Agricultural Land Reserve with a signed owner statement of agricultural use. Orchards, nurseries, tree farms, Crown and Private Managed Forest land. Trees under 30 cm that are not protected. Non-protected trees where the lot keeps 50 permit trees per hectare. Emergency removals need an application within 24 hours.Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, 2021, s. 3, 5; Tree Removal and Planting, FAQs · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording On lands within the Agricultural Land Reserve where the District has received a written statement signed by the owner declaring that the permit tree is to be cut or removed to permit agricultural use. For Emergency tree removals a person must submit an application for a tree permit within 24 hours of the date of removal Permit trees that are part of plantations for the purposes of an orchard, nursery, or tree farm; land currently designated and managed under the Private Managed Forest Land Act; For Emergency tree removals a person must submit an application for a tree permit within 24 If the fruit tree has a diameter at breast height of less than 30cm, then yes. No permit is required.
Fee	$75 plus $25 per tree, up to $200, for a non-hazardous tree or when a development application is pending. $0 to remove a hazardous tree with no development application. $75 to amend a permit. Application fees are non-refundable.Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, 2021, s. 6; Tree Removal and Planting, Wondering about permit fees? · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Hazardous tree removal and no development application pending: $0. Non-hazardous tree removal or development application pending: $75 base fee plus $25 per tree removed up to a maximum of $200. Amendment to a tree permit: $75 Removing Hazardous Tree AND
Replacement trees	Three replacement trees per permit tree removed, up to the lot reaching 50 permit trees per hectare (one for a hazardous tree; three native trees in sensitive areas). Security of $500 per tree (maximum $10,000 per application) is held about one year. If trees cannot be planted on the lot, $500 per tree cash-in-lieu.Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, 2021, s. 9 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording each permit tree removed shall require three replacement trees up to a maximum total at which the lot achieves fifty (50) permit trees per hectare one replacement tree shall be required up to a maximum total the owner shall provide to the District security in the amount of $500 for each tree to be planted and maintained to a maximum of $10,000 per application. the owner shall provide to the District a cash-in-lieu payment of $500 for each required replacement tree into the Tree Planting Reserve Fund.
City trees	A tree of any size on District-owned or managed land is a protected permit tree. Boulevard trees may be removed for driveway access only if there is no alternative, with three replacement trees paid for at $750 per tree to the Tree Planting Reserve Fund. Do not fasten signs or objects to District trees.Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, 2021, s. 2, 4, 9; Tree Removal and Planting, FAQs · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording a tree of any size on District owned or managed property; No person shall fasten any sign, notice, or other object to, around, or through any tree or shrub of any size located on District-owned or occupied land a cash-in-lieu payment of $750 for each required replacement tree into the Tree Planting Reserve Fund Trees in the boulevard may only be removed if there is no alternative (for access). Three replacement trees are required in the form of a contribution to the Tree Planting Reserve Fund of $750 per tree.
Fine	Cutting or damaging a permit tree without a permit: $50 for each centimetre of trunk diameter (paid to the Tree Planting Reserve Fund), plus replacement planting and $500 security. A separate ticket or court fine may also apply.Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, 2021, s. 12, 13 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording the sum of $50.00 per centimetre of trunk diameter measured at breast height provide to the District security in the amount of $500, for a period of one year is subject to the penalties imposed by this Bylaw, the Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 1545, 2007, and the Offence Act.
Bylaw	Central Saanich Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, 2021 (adopted June 28, 2021)Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, 2021, title, adoption · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Central Saanich Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, 2021 ADOPTED this 28th day of June 2021.

How it works

Under the Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, a "permit tree" is a tree 30 cm or more across at breast height, or a protected tree. Protected trees are listed species over 50 cm tall, any tree in the Erosion District or sensitive areas, and any tree on District land.

You need a permit to cut, remove or damage a permit tree. Under s. 5(a), you do not need one if removal leaves your lot with at least 50 permit trees per hectare and the tree is not protected, not tied to a development application and not owned by someone else. The District's Trees page is stricter: it says every permit tree needs a permit, even dead or dying ones. Confirm with the District before cutting.

Pruning branches over 10 cm across needs a permit unless an arborist does it. Pruning smaller branches, or any pruning by an arborist, needs none.

Steps

Check whether the tree is a permit tree or protected, and whether you are exempt.
Apply to the District. The fee is $75 plus $25 per tree, up to $200, for a non-hazardous tree or if a development application is pending. It is $0 for a hazardous tree with no development application, and $75 to amend a permit. An arborist report may also be needed.
Plant replacements: three per permit tree removed, up to the lot reaching 50 permit trees per hectare (one for a hazardous tree; three native trees in sensitive areas). Security of $500 per tree (maximum $10,000 per application) is held about one year. If trees cannot be planted on your lot, the cash-in-lieu is $500 per tree.
In an emergency you may remove first, but you must apply within 24 hours and take photos before removal.

Good to know

Exempt: land in the Agricultural Land Reserve with a signed owner statement of agricultural use; orchards, nurseries, tree farms, Crown and Private Managed Forest land; trees under 30 cm that are not protected; and trees cut under certain utility and railway laws.
A tree of any size on District land is protected. A boulevard tree may be removed for driveway access only if there is no alternative, with three replacement trees paid for at $750 per tree.
Cutting or damaging a permit tree without a permit costs $50 per centimetre of trunk diameter, plus replacement planting and $500 security. A ticket or court fine may also apply; the ticket amount is not known because the current enforcement bylaw is a scan.
Development permit areas for environmental and riparian land separately control vegetation removal.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Sidney · North Saanich · Highlands · Saanich · View Royal · Esquimalt

Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

Tree Removal and Planting, District of Central Saanich (read 2026-11-06)
Tree Management Bylaw No. 2065, 2021 (PDF) (read 2026-11-06)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.