Golden tree removal rules and permits
Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?
In Golden no private-property tree-cutting bylaw was found, so cutting a tree alone does not appear to need a permit. Near creeks, lakes and wetlands, development needs a development permit and existing trees are to be kept where feasible. Trees on a boulevard are protected.
Key facts
| When a permit is needed | No private-property tree-cutting bylaw was found. In the Riparian development permit area (within 30 m of creeks, lakes and wetlands), new development including land alteration needs a development permit, and existing trees and native vegetation are to be retained where feasible.Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1516, 2026, s. 6 and 6.5 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingAn owner of land located within a DPA must obtain a development permit before The Riparian Development Permit Area applies to the lands identified on Schedule D. Existing trees and native vegetation within the riparian assessment area are to be |
|---|---|
| Exemptions | Riparian development permit area exemptions include emergency action on hazardous trees, repair of existing fences, small detached accessory buildings under 10 m², and farm use in the ALR.Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1516, 2026, s. 6.5 Exemptions · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordinghazardous trees, needed to protect Any farm use as defined in the Agriculture Land Commission Act on land located in The repair of existing fences or the construction of small, detached accessory |
| Fee | Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. |
| Replacement trees | Where a development permit and landscaping are required, mature trees are to be kept; if that is not possible, removal, moving or replacement with comparable mature trees must satisfy the Manager of Development Services before removal.Zoning Bylaw No. 1294, 2011, s. 7.1(1), 7.2(6) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingMature trees are to be retained on site, however, should that not be possible, the removal, comparable mature trees shall be in a manner, Landscaping and Screening Regulations shall apply to Development requiring a Development Permit. |
| City trees | Nobody may destroy or injure any tree, shrub, flower or other growing thing on a boulevard. Owners must trim trees and shrubs on their property so they do not block the street, sidewalk or boulevard.Traffic, Parking and Streets Regulations Bylaw No. 1482, 2024, s. 11.6, 11.7 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingA person must not at any time destroy or injure any tree, shrub, flower, foliage, or other must cause all trees, shrubs or other |
| Fine | Bylaw notice: $100 for damaging a tree or shrub on a boulevard ($80 if paid within 14 days, $120 after 28 days). No fine for cutting a private tree was found.Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, Schedule F, Schedule F, s. 11.6 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wording11.6 Damage tree/shrub 100.00 80.00 120.00 |
| Bylaw | Traffic, Parking & Streets Regulations Bylaw No. 1482, 2024 (boulevard trees, s. 11.6); Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1516, 2026 (development permit areas)Traffic, Parking and Streets Regulations Bylaw No. 1482, 2024, s. 11.6; Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1516, 2026, s. 6 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wording11.6 A person must not at any time destroy or injure any tree, shrub, flower, foliage, or other Development Permit Areas (DPA) are used to shape new development on a site-specific |
How it works
No private-property tree-cutting bylaw was found in the Town's Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw, Traffic Bylaw or bylaw list. Some rules still apply.
In the Riparian development permit area (within 30 m of creeks, lakes and wetlands), new development including land alteration needs a development permit, and existing trees and native vegetation are to be retained where feasible. The Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1516, 2026 does not say plainly that cutting a tree alone counts as development, so ask Development Services.
Where a development permit and landscaping are required, mature trees are to be kept. If that is not possible, removal, moving or replacement with comparable mature trees must satisfy the Manager of Development Services before removal.
Steps
- Check whether your lot is within 30 m of a creek, lake or wetland.
- If so, phone or email Development Services before cutting.
- If the tree is on a boulevard, do not cut or injure it.
Good to know
- Exemptions in the riparian area include emergency action on hazardous trees, repair of existing fences, small detached accessory buildings under 10 m², and farm use in the ALR.
- Under the Traffic, Parking and Streets Regulations Bylaw No. 1482, nobody may destroy or injure any tree, shrub, flower or other growing thing on a boulevard.
- Owners must trim trees and shrubs on their property so they do not block the street, sidewalk or boulevard.
- No fine for cutting a private tree was found.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Revelstoke · Radium Hot Springs · Invermere · Nakusp · Canal Flats · Silverton
Sources
- Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1516, 2026 (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
- Traffic, Parking and Streets Regulations Bylaw No. 1482, 2024 (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
- Zoning Bylaw No. 1294, 2011 (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
- Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, Schedule F (PDF) (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.