---
title: Gibsons tree removal rules and permits
question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Gibsons?"
place: Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/gibsons
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: Town of Gibsons
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/tree-removal/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/tree-removal.json"
---

# Gibsons tree removal rules and permits

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

**Short answer:** In Gibsons you need a Town Tree Cutting Permit to cut, remove or move a Protected Tree, which is any tree 30 cm across or larger, listed species at 20 cm, and any tree 10 cm on sloping land. The application fee is $50 for up to 3 trees. Replacement trees are required.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (Town of Gibsons, https://www.gibsons.ca)  
**Cost:** $50 application fee for up to 3 trees, non-refundable. No fee for a hazardous, dead, dying or unstable tree, or one that must go for an approved building permit or subdivision services. Replacement trees need $300 cash security each.  
**How long:** No official page states a processing time.  
**Where:**
- Online: Tree removal, Town of Gibsons, https://gibsons.ca/business/tree-removal/
- Email: Questions about tree permits, infrastructure@gibsons.ca

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** On all land in the Town, private or public, a Tree Cutting Permit is needed to cut, remove or move a Protected Tree: any tree 30 cm DBH or more; listed species (e.g. arbutus, Garry oak, Douglas fir, western red cedar, bigleaf maple) 20 cm or more; any tree 10 cm or more on sloping terrain; trees with protected nests; certain seedlings.
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, s. 3.1.1](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No person shall Cut, Remove, or move any Protected Tree" … "This Bylaw applies to all land within the Town."
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, Definitions](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "any Tree having a DBH of 10 cm or" … "a DBH of 30 cm or more." … "any Tree listed in Schedule “A” with a"
  - Source: [Tree removal, Protected Trees](https://gibsons.ca/business/tree-removal/)
  - Official wording: "Any of the following trees with a *DBH of 20 cm (8 in) or more:"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Exemptions:** No permit needed where a DPA 1 or 2 development permit addresses the removal, or for normal pruning under sound arboricultural practice. An owner may cut a tree in imminent danger of falling first, but may not remove it from the lot until the Director confirms the danger.
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, s. 3.3.1](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "A Development Permit under DPA 1 or 2 has been issued which" … "The Cutting or Removal constitutes normal pruning of Trees in"
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, s. 3.4](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "In the event that a Tree is in imminent danger of falling, the Owner may" … "The Owner shall not remove the Tree from the Lot until the Director has"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** $50 application fee for up to 3 trees, non-refundable. No fee for a hazardous, dead, dying or unstable tree, or a tree that must go for an approved building permit or subdivision services.
  - Source: [Rates, Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1196, Schedule J](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/document/96884/)
  - Official wording: "Tree Cutting Permit Application Fee $50 Up to 3 Trees"
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, s. 4.2.1](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "A non-refundable application fee in the amount applicable under the" … "The Tree is dead, dying, severely Damaged, unstable"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Replacement trees:** On single-family lots: 2 replacement trees for each protected tree 20 to 30 cm DBH, 3 for each 30 cm or more. Other lots: 2 per tree. Lots in DPA 1 or 2 with a development permit: 3 native trees per tree. $300 cash security per replacement tree, released 24 months after planting if healthy. None for hazardous trees.
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, s. 5.2.1](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "two (2) Replacement Trees for each 20-" … "three (3) Replacement Trees for each 30 cm or greater DBH Protected"
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, s. 5.2.4](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "a security deposit in the amount of $300"
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, s. 5.2.7](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Replacement Trees are not required for Tree Cutting a Hazardous Tree"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **City trees:** Every tree on Town-owned land, including parks, boulevards, roads and lanes, is a Protected Tree. Nobody may plant a tree or hedge on Town land without the Director's prior written authorization.
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, s. 3.2](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "including, without limitation, a Tree in a park or on a Boulevard, road, lane" … "No person shall plant a Tree or Hedge on Town lands or cause Trees or"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $400 for cutting, removing or moving a protected tree without a permit ($350 if paid early, $500 if late). In court, up to $5,000 plus costs, with a separate offence for each tree.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1125 (consolidated), Schedule A, Bylaw 1282](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/document/104779/)
  - Official wording: "Cut, remove, or move any 1282 3.1.1 $400 $350 $500 No Protected Tree"
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, s. 7.1](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "is liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to $5,000 in addition to the costs of prosecution."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020
  - Source: [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020, title](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)
  - Official wording: "TREE PRESERVATION BYLAW BYLAW No. 1282, 2020"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the [Tree Preservation Bylaw 1282](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf), on all land in the Town, private or public, a Tree Cutting Permit is needed to cut, remove or move a Protected Tree. That means:

- any tree 30 cm DBH (diameter at breast height) or more;
- listed species (for example arbutus, Garry oak, Douglas fir, western red cedar, bigleaf maple) at 20 cm or more;
- any tree 10 cm or more on sloping terrain;
- trees with protected nests, and certain seedlings.

Every tree on Town-owned land, including parks, boulevards, roads and lanes, is protected. Nobody may plant a tree or hedge on Town land without the Director's written authorization.

No permit is needed where a DPA 1 or 2 development permit addresses the removal, or for normal pruning under sound arboricultural practice. An owner may cut a tree in imminent danger of falling first, but may not remove it from the lot until the Director confirms the danger.

## Steps

1. Check the tree's size and species against the list above.
2. Apply online through Cloudpermit (the link is on the Town's tree removal page). Questions go to infrastructure@gibsons.ca.
3. Pay the $50 fee, unless the tree is hazardous, dead, dying or unstable.
4. Plant the replacement trees and provide the security.

## Good to know

- Replacement on single-family lots: 2 trees for each protected tree 20 to 30 cm DBH, 3 for each tree 30 cm or more. Other lots: 2 per tree. Lots in DPA 1 or 2 with a development permit: 3 native trees per tree. Security is $300 per replacement tree, released 24 months after planting if the tree is healthy. None is required for hazardous trees.
- The Town's page says "under 30 cm" where the bylaw says 20 to 30 cm.
- Fine: a bylaw notice is $400 for cutting a protected tree without a permit ($350 if paid early, $500 if late). In court, up to $5,000 plus costs, with a separate offence for each tree.
- Active bird nests are protected under the provincial Wildlife Act, per the Town's page.

## Official forms and pages

- [Tree removal, Town of Gibsons](https://gibsons.ca/business/tree-removal/)
- [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020 (PDF)](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Gibsons building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/building-permit.md)
- [Gibsons zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Gibsons fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/fence-rules.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md)
- [Bowen Island](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/tree-removal.md)
- [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/tree-removal.md)
- [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/tree-removal.md)
- [Sechelt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/tree-removal.md)
- [District of North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/tree-removal.md)
- [North Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/tree-removal.md)

## Sources

- [Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1282, 2020 (PDF), Town of Gibsons](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/filepro/document/92827/Tree%20Preservation%20Bylaw%20No.%201282,%202020.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Tree removal, Town of Gibsons](https://gibsons.ca/business/tree-removal/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Rates, Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1196, Schedule J, Town of Gibsons](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/document/96884/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1125 (consolidated), Town of Gibsons](https://gibsons.civicweb.net/document/104779/) (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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Town of Gibsons. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/tree-removal/_