Langford tree removal rules and permits

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

Langford, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

Short answer

Usually yes. Langford's Tree Protection Bylaw protects any tree 20 cm or more in diameter (measured 1.4 m above the base), so you need a Tree Cutting Permit from the City's Parks Department. There is no fee to apply, but you pay for the arborist report and may post a deposit.

Key facts

When a permit is needed	A Tree Cutting Permit is needed for a protected tree anywhere in Langford: any tree 20 cm or more in diameter at 1.4 m above the base, trees planted as a requirement of a permit, trees on City land, trees under a covenant, and trees with raptor, osprey or heron nests. Removing a tree as part of development needs a Development Permit instead.Langford Tree Protection Bylaw, Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ; Tree Removal, Private property · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Langford’s Tree Protection Bylaw applies to all areas of the City. A diameter of at least 20cm, measured 1.4m above the base Located on City-owned or occupied land Protected by a restrictive covenant in favor of the City If a property owner wishes to remove a tree or vegetation as part of a proposed development, then he or she must first obtain a Development Permit
Exemptions	Exempt: removal under the Railway Safety Act, Hydro and Power Authority Act, Oil and Gas Activities Act, Workers Compensation Act or Community Charter s. 50; by City employees; by BC land surveyors on duty; by a public utility on its own land; under a Development Permit; and regulated invasive species. A tree in imminent danger of falling may be cut without a permit if a permit is applied for the next business day with photos. Pruning is allowed under best arboriculture practices.Langford Tree Protection Bylaw, Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Cutting or Removal of a Protected Tree by City employees, or their agents, during the Cutting or Removal of a Protected Tree in accordance with a Development Permit in imminent danger of falling or causing injury to a person or property provided that a Tree Cutting Permit is applied for on the next business day Yes. Pruning can be conducted so long as it is
Fee	No fee to apply for a Tree Cutting Permit. The owner pays for the arborist report and other supporting documents, and may have to post a refundable security deposit for replacement trees.Langford Tree Protection Bylaw, Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording There is no fee associated with applying for a Tree Cutting Permit. you may be required to submit a refundable security deposit
Replacement trees	A removed protected tree must be replaced. Refundable deposit of $400 per replacement tree; 50% is returned once the tree is planted and passes inspection, the rest a year after planting if the tree is healthy. Replacements must be at least 5 cm caliper (deciduous) or 2 m tall (evergreen).Tree Removal, Private property; Tree Cutting Permit Application, Tree Replacement Plan · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording If you remove a protected tree, you will be required to replace it. You will be required to provide a refundable deposit of $400 for each replacement tree required. Fifty percent of the deposit will be returned once the tree is planted and the full deposit will be returned a year after planting if the tree is still in good health. a minimum of 5cm caliper diameter if a deciduous species, or a minimum height of 2 meters tall if an evergreen
City trees	The Parks Department authorizes removal of any tree on public property, including parks and boulevards. If unsure whether a tree is on your property, contact Parks (parks@langford.ca, 250-478-7882).Tree Removal, Municipal property; Langford Tree Protection Bylaw, Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording The City of Langford’s Parks Department is responsible for authorizing the removal of any tree on public property. This includes trees in any public space whether it is a park or boulevard. replacement trees as part of the Tree Protection Bylaw violation. City of Langford Parks Department T: 250.478.7882 2nd Floor, 877 Goldstream Avenue, Langford, BC, V9B 2X8 E: parks@langford.ca
Fine	Tickets start at $1,000 per tree; each tree cut is a separate offence (City FAQ). The FAQ says the penalty can be increased to up to $10,000 per violation (or per tree). Replacement planting may also be required.Langford Tree Protection Bylaw, Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Violations can result in a ticket issuance starting at $1,000 by Bylaw Enforcement O can be increased to up to $10,000 per violation (or per tree)
Bylaw	Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2269Tree Removal, intro · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording The City of Langford controls the cutting of trees through Tree Protection Bylaw No.2269

How it works

The City of Langford's Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2269 applies across the city. A Tree Cutting Permit is needed for any protected tree: a tree 20 cm or more in diameter at 1.4 m above the base, a tree planted as a requirement of a permit, trees on City land, trees under a covenant, and trees with raptor, osprey or heron nests. If you remove a tree as part of development, you need a Development Permit instead. Areas with steep slopes, streams or fire hazard have separate vegetation rules.

Steps

Contact Parks (250-478-7882 or parks@langford.ca) with questions, including whether your tree is on your property.
Prepare the Tree Cutting Permit Application, an arborist report and the other supporting documents.
Submit them to the Parks Department.
If a replacement is required, plant the tree. The deposit is $400 per replacement tree. Half is returned once the tree is planted and passes inspection, and the rest a year after planting if the tree is healthy.

Good to know

Replacements must be at least 5 cm caliper (deciduous) or 2 m tall (evergreen).
A tree in imminent danger of falling may be cut without a permit if you apply for a permit the next business day with photos.
Pruning is allowed under best arboriculture practices.
Exempt: removal by City employees, by a public utility on its own land, under a Development Permit, and regulated invasive species, among others set out in the FAQ.
Trees on public property, including parks and boulevards, are authorized by the Parks Department.
The City's FAQ says tickets start at $1,000 per tree, each tree cut is a separate offence, and the penalty can go up to $10,000. Replacement planting may also be required.

Official forms and pages

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Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

Tree Removal, City of Langford (read 2026-11-05)
Langford Tree Protection Bylaw, Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
Tree Cutting Permit Application, City of Langford (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)

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