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Hope tree removal rules and permits

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

Hope, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

Short answer

Yes, in Hope, cutting a tree with a trunk over 20 cm across (measured 90 cm above ground) needs a tree cutting permit from the Municipal Engineer, unless an exemption applies. A fee applies; the amount in the posted 1995 bylaw scan is unreadable, so ask the District.

Key facts

When a permit is neededCutting any tree (trunk over 20 cm / 8 in across, measured 90 cm above ground) needs a tree cutting permit from the Municipal Engineer, unless exempt. No exemption applies within 5 m of a stream or ravine bank top or on slopes steeper than 2:1. The OCP riparian development permit area (within 30 m of water) also covers removing vegetation.Tree Protection Bylaw No. 20/95, s. 4(a), s. 2 "Tree", s. 3; Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1617, OCP s. 19.5 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
No person shall cut any tree in the District without first applying
for a tree cutting permit as required under this bylaw.
of the bank of all stream courses or ravines, and trees on steep slopes with
grades in excess of 2 horizontal to 1 vertical
With the exception of trees within 5 m,measured horizontally from the top
obtained on lands within 30 metres of rivers,
Removal or disruption of vegetation
ExemptionsExempt, except within 5 m of a stream or ravine bank or on slopes steeper than 2:1: lots up to 0.5 ha that could not be subdivided; dead, diseased, damaged or hazardous trees; pruning; removal of 2% or less of a property's trees; tree farms; municipal parks.Tree Protection Bylaw No. 20/95, s. 3(a) to (i) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
which are without sufficient lot area to create
two or more new lots within the requirements of the existing
are greater than 0.5 ha in area
removal or pruning of dead, diseased or damaged trees or the
removal of hazardous trees or branches by standard arboricultural
or less of all trees on a property are being removed
lands classed as tree farms by the British Columbia Assessment
With the exception of trees within 5 m,measured horizontally from the top
FeeA non-refundable application fee applies (a base fee plus an amount for each tree to be removed). The amounts in the posted 1995 bylaw scan cannot be read reliably, so confirm the current fee with the District, 604-869-5671.Tree Protection Bylaw No. 20/95, s. 8 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
refundable application fee shall be paid, as follows:
25.00, plus $20
per tree proposed to be removed.
Replacement treesA security deposit (cash or irrevocable letter of credit) of 100% of the value of replacement trees and site restoration the District requires, with 10% held back for one year after the permit expires. Trees cut without a permit must be replaced two for one, at least 4 m tall (conifers) or 8 cm trunk diameter (deciduous).Tree Protection Bylaw No. 20/95, s. 9, s. 12 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
The amount of the security deposit shall be 100%
holdback of the value of all restoration
replanting is required at a ratio of two replacement trees for
the minimum size of replacement trees shall be a height of
4.0 m for conifers and a trunk diameter of 8.0 cm measured
City treesNone set. The District's tree bylaw has no rule for boulevard or street trees.
FineBylaw notice: $500 ($400 if paid within 14 days; a $100 late surcharge is added if paid more than 28 days after receipt). Municipal ticket: $1,000.Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1627, 2026, Schedule A, s. 5; Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1628, 2026, Schedule A · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
Tree Protection Bylaw No. 20/95 $500.00 $400.00 $100.00 Yes
The early payment penalty set out in column A2 of Schedule
if payment is received more than 28 days after a person has received
Tree Protection Bylaw No. 20/95 $1,000.00
BylawTree Protection Bylaw, 1995, Bylaw No. 20/95Tree Protection Bylaw No. 20/95, Title · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
t DIS'RICT OF HOPE TREE PROTECTION BYLAW,1995 Bylaw No. 20/95 WHEREAS Section 929 of the Municipal Act provides that Council may, by

How it works

The Tree Protection Bylaw No. 20/95 requires a tree cutting permit from the Municipal Engineer before you cut any tree with a trunk over 20 cm (8 in) across, measured 90 cm above the ground, unless it is exempt. The posted bylaw is a 1995 scan, and some of its text is unclear, so confirm details with the District.

Exemptions: lots up to 0.5 ha that could not be subdivided; dead, diseased, damaged or hazardous trees; pruning; removal of 2% or less of a property's trees; tree farms; and municipal parks. None of these applies within 5 m of a stream or ravine bank top, or on slopes steeper than 2:1. The Official Community Plan's riparian development permit area (within 30 m of rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands) also covers removing vegetation.

Steps

  1. Call 604-869-5671 to ask whether your tree is exempt and what the fee is.
  2. If a permit is needed, apply and pay the non-refundable application fee. A security deposit (cash or irrevocable letter of credit) is also required.
  3. Replant as the permit requires.

Good to know

  • The deposit is 100% of the value of the replacement trees and site restoration the District requires, with 10% held back for one year after the permit expires.
  • Trees cut without a permit must be replaced two for one, at least 4 m tall (conifers) or 8 cm trunk diameter (deciduous).
  • Where no subdivision is planned, no trees may be removed within 5 m of an interior lot line or 10 m of an exterior lot line, except for driveway access and services.
  • Fines: a bylaw notice is $500 ($400 if paid within 14 days; a $100 late surcharge applies after 28 days); a municipal ticket is $1,000.
  • The bylaw has no rule for boulevard or street trees. Ask Operations at 604-869-2333.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Kent · Harrison Hot Springs · Chilliwack · Princeton · Abbotsford · Mission

Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. Staff Directory - Hope, BC (read 2026-11-06)
  2. Tree Protection Bylaw No. 20/95 (PDF), District of Hope (read 2026-11-06)
  3. Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1617 (PDF), District of Hope (read 2026-11-06)
  4. Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1627, 2026 (PDF), District of Hope (read 2026-11-06)
  5. Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1628, 2026 (PDF), District of Hope (read 2026-11-06)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set. How answers are checked.