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Harrison Hot Springs tree removal rules and permits

Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Harrison Hot Springs?

Harrison Hot Springs, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-08

Short answer

In Harrison Hot Springs you apply to the Village to remove a tree 7.5 m or taller with a trunk 300 mm or more across. The application fee is $40. Removing one without a permit can be ticketed at $200 and you may have to plant replacement trees.

Key facts

When a permit is neededOwners apply to the Village to remove a "tree" (a living woody plant 7.5 m or taller with a trunk 300 mm or more across, measured 1.3 m above the ground). Removal is allowed on application for stated reasons (too dense, roots damaging buildings or sidewalks, too close to a building, dying or hazardous in a qualified person's opinion, in a new building envelope, or with Village approval). "Distinct trees" (for example Douglas fir over 100 cm across) can be removed only if there is no reasonable alternative.Tree Management and Preservation Bylaw No. 1015, 2012, s. 2 and 5; Licences & Permits, Licences & Permits page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
a) is 7.5 metres or more in height; and
has a trunk diameter of 300 millimetres or more measured in accordance
As necessary, and on application to the Village, Owners may remove trees
Distinct trees” may only be removed if there are no other reasonable
If you wish to cut or trim a tree, or install a sign or street banner, an application must be submitted to the Village Office for approval.
ExemptionsTrees smaller than the bylaw definition (under 7.5 m tall or under 300 mm trunk diameter) are not covered. Removing hazardous trees is allowed on application with a qualified person's opinion. The OCP says no development permit is needed to remove hazardous trees that endanger people or are likely to damage property.Tree Management and Preservation Bylaw No. 1015, 2012, s. 2 and 5(b)(iv); Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1184 (PDF, consolidated to November 3, 2025), OCP s. 4.0(iii) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Where in the opinion of a qualified person, the tree is dying or
represents a danger or hazard to the property or adjoining
Removal of hazardous trees that present a danger to the safety of persons or are likely to damage public
Fee$40 non-refundable application fee, plus a report by a qualified person if the Village asks.Tree Management and Preservation Bylaw No. 1015, 2012, s. 6(a); https://www.harrisonhotsprings.ca/sites/default/files/2021-10/tree_management_and_preservation_permit_application.pdf, Permit application form · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
amount of $40.00, and where requested by
Permit Fee Received $40.00 DATE:
Replacement treesA person who removes a tree without a permit may be required to plant up to two trees for each tree removed, at least 25 mm in diameter and 2.0 m tall, in places and species the Village chooses.Tree Management and Preservation Bylaw No. 1015, 2012, s. 7 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
provide no more than two trees for each tree removed.
a minimum of 2.0 m tall
City treesNo person may climb, bark, break, peel, cut, deface, remove, injure, root up or otherwise destroy or damage trees, shrubs, flowers, roots or grass in any public area, beach, boulevard, park or grounds (Park Regulation Bylaw No. 1150, s. 16). Public Works handles tree maintenance and removal on Village land. Ticket: $100.Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 855 (PDF, consolidated April 2026), Schedule A; Public Works and Utilities, Public Works page; Park Regulation Bylaw No. 1150 (PDF, consolidated), s. 16 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Bark, break, peel, cut, deface, remove, injure, root up or otherwise
including tree maintenance and removal
No person shall climb, bark, break, peel, cut, deface, remove, injure, root up or otherwise destroy or
Fine$200 ($190 early, $210 late) for removing a tree without a permit.Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 855 (PDF, consolidated April 2026), Schedule A · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Remove tree without permit 200.00 190.00 210.00
BylawVillage of Harrison Hot Springs Tree Management and Preservation Bylaw No. 1015, 2012.Tree Management and Preservation Bylaw No. 1015, 2012, s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Tree Management and Preservation

How it works

The Village's Tree Management and Preservation Bylaw No. 1015, 2012 covers the whole Village. A "tree" is a living woody plant 7.5 m or taller with a trunk 300 mm or more across, measured 1.3 m above the ground. Owners apply to the Village to remove one.

Removal is allowed on application for stated reasons: too dense, roots damaging buildings or sidewalks, too close to a building, dying or hazardous in a qualified person's opinion, in a new building envelope, or with Village approval. "Distinct trees" (for example Douglas fir over 100 cm across) can be removed only if there is no reasonable alternative.

Steps

  1. Fill in the Tree Management Permit Application and submit it to the Village Office with the $40 fee.
  2. If the Village asks, provide a report by a qualified person.
  3. Wait for approval before cutting.

Good to know

  • Trees under 7.5 m tall or under 300 mm across are not covered by the bylaw. It does not say whether a permit is needed for them; ask the Village (604-796-2171).
  • Removing a hazardous tree is allowed on application with a qualified person's opinion.
  • Without a permit: a $200 ticket ($190 if paid early, $210 if late), and you may have to plant up to two trees for each one removed, at least 25 mm across and 2.0 m tall, in places and species the Village chooses.
  • You must also follow Ministry of Environment and Fisheries and Oceans Canada rules. The Official Community Plan's riparian protection area separately requires a permit for development.
  • Village trees: no one may damage or remove trees in a public area, beach, boulevard or park (Park Regulation Bylaw 1150). The ticket is $100. Public Works handles trees on Village land.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Kent · Chilliwack · Hope · Abbotsford · Mission · Maple Ridge

Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. Tree Management and Preservation Bylaw No. 1015, 2012 (PDF), Village of Harrison Hot Springs (read 2026-11-08)
  2. Tree Management Permit Application (PDF), Village of Harrison Hot Springs (read 2026-11-08)
  3. Licences & Permits, Village of Harrison Hot Springs (read 2026-11-08)
  4. Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 855 (PDF, consolidated April 2026), Village of Harrison Hot Springs (read 2026-11-08)
  5. Park Regulation Bylaw No. 1150 (PDF, consolidated), Village of Harrison Hot Springs (read 2026-11-08)
  6. Public Works and Utilities, Village of Harrison Hot Springs (read 2026-11-08)
  7. Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1184 (PDF, consolidated to November 3, 2025), Village of Harrison Hot Springs (read 2026-11-08)
  8. https://www.harrisonhotsprings.ca/sites/default/files/2021-10/tree_management_and_preservation_permit_application.pdf (read 2026-11-08)

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