Fraser Lake tree removal rules and permits
Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Fraser Lake?
Short answer
In Fraser Lake you need a Village permit to cut and dispose of any tree more than 10 cm in diameter, measured 1.4 m above the ground, on private or Village land. Trees 10 cm or less are exempt. The Village may require replacement trees.
Key facts
| When a permit is needed | A permit is required to cut and dispose of any tree more than 10 cm in diameter (measured 1.4 m above the ground) on land under the Village's jurisdiction, and for any replacement tree. In the OCP development permit areas, removing vegetation also needs a development permit.Bylaw 852, Tree Bylaw, ss. 1.3, 2.1, 3.3(b); Tree Cutting Permit, Tree Cutting Permit page; Official Community Plan, Part 6, Applicable Activities · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordinga permit is required for the cutting and disposal of any Tree with a diameter greater than 10 centimetres or any Replacement Tree This bylaw applies to all lands under the jurisdiction of the Village. Fraser Lake requires a permit to cut any tree greater than 10cm in diameter at 1.4m above the ground, except in case of an emergency. A development permit is required for any development occurring on land within the DPAs The removal, alteration, disruption or destruction of vegetation. |
|---|---|
| Exemptions | No permit for trees 10 cm or less in diameter; an emergency cut of a tree severely damaged by natural causes and in imminent danger of falling (disposal may still need a permit); Village staff duties; where a Development Approval is in place; some utility work. Hazard trees get a permit without applying.Bylaw 852, Tree Bylaw, ss. 3.2, 4.1(c) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingmust be cut down on an emergency basis because it has been severely A permit is not required where a Development Approval from the Village is in place. a permit to cut the Tree will be issued without any application. must be cut down on an emergency basis because it has been severely damaged by natural causes and poses an imminent danger of falling disposal of the Tree may require a permit under this Bylaw a permit is required for the cutting and disposal of any Tree with a diameter greater than 10 centimetres or any Replacement Tree |
| Fee | Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. |
| Replacement trees | The Village may require replacement trees: 2:1 for permitted cutting and 3:1 for unpermitted cutting, unless waived. Replacements must be at least 2 m tall or 7 cm in diameter and replaced if they die within one year.Bylaw 852, Tree Bylaw, s. 4.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingAt a ratio of 3:1 for the unpermitted cutting of or damage to any Tree At a ratio of 2:1 for any permitted cutting of Trees At least 2 metres tall and/or have a diameter of 7 centimetres. Replacement Trees that die within one year of being planted |
| City trees | Cutting, damaging or disposing of a tree on Village property can mean replacement trees at the person's expense, plus a bylaw notice ($500).Bylaw 852, Tree Bylaw, s. 4.2(h); Bylaw Notice Enforcement Schedule A, Schedule A, Bylaw 852 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingIf a person cuts, damages, or disposes of a Tree on Village property, the Village may require 4.2(h) Cutting or otherwise damaging $500 $450 $500 No |
| Fine | Bylaw notice: cutting or damaging a tree over 10 cm without a permit $300 ($150 early; $500 late). Cutting a replacement tree $400 ($300; $500).Bylaw Notice Enforcement Schedule A, Schedule A, Bylaw 852 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wording3.3(b) Cutting or otherwise damaging $300 $150 $500 No 3.3(b) Cutting or otherwise damaging $400 $300 $500 No |
| Bylaw | Bylaw 852, Tree BylawBylaw 852, Tree Bylaw, s. 1.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingThis bylaw may be cited as “Bylaw 852, Tree Bylaw”. |
How it works
The Bylaw 852, Tree Bylaw applies to private land and Village land. A permit is required to cut and dispose of any tree more than 10 cm in diameter (measured 1.4 m above the ground), and for any replacement tree. In the Official Community Plan development permit areas, removing vegetation also needs a development permit.
No permit is needed for:
- trees 10 cm or less in diameter;
- an emergency cut of a tree severely damaged by natural causes and in imminent danger of falling (disposal may still need a permit);
- Village staff duties, or where a Development Approval is in place;
- some utility work.
Hazard trees get a permit without applying.
Steps
- Measure the trunk 1.4 m above the ground.
- If it is more than 10 cm across, see the Tree Cutting Permit page or call the Village office at 250-699-6257.
- If the Village requires replacement trees, plant them within one year and send photos to the Village within 30 days.
Good to know
- Replacement trees: the Village may require 2 for each tree cut with a permit and 3 for each cut without one, unless waived. Each must be at least 2 m tall or 7 cm in diameter, and be replaced if it dies within one year.
- A bylaw notice for cutting or damaging a tree over 10 cm without a permit is $300 ($150 if paid early, $500 if late). Cutting a replacement tree is $400 ($300 early, $500 late).
- Cutting, damaging or disposing of a tree on Village property can mean replacement trees at the person's expense plus a bylaw notice of $500.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Vanderhoof · Fort St James · Houston · Prince George · Telkwa · Smithers
Sources
- Bylaw 852, Tree Bylaw (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
- Tree Cutting Permit, Village of Fraser Lake (read 2026-11-08)
- Official Community Plan, Village of Fraser Lake (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
- Bylaw Notice Enforcement Schedule A (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
- Contact, Village of Fraser Lake (read 2026-11-08)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.