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Lillooet tree removal rules and permits

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

Lillooet, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-08

Short answer

Lillooet has no tree-cutting bylaw. But removing vegetation within the Watercourse Development Permit Area, which includes land within 30 m of a watercourse, is development that needs a development permit unless exempt. That permit costs $200. Check your lot with the District before you cut.

Key facts

When a permit is neededNo tree-cutting bylaw was found. But in the Watercourse Development Permit Area (riparian assessment areas, including land within 30 m of a watercourse's high water mark) removing vegetation is development that needs a development permit, unless exempt.Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2020-040 (Lillooet 2040), Watercourse Development Permit Area, Guidelines s. 1; Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2020-040 (Lillooet 2040), Watercourse Development Permit Area, Area · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
A development permit is required, except where exempt under Exemptions Section for development or land alteration on land identified as a riparian assessment area within the WDP Area.
a. removal, alteration, disruption or destruction of vegetation;
within 30m (98.4 feet) of the high water mark of the watercourse,
ExemptionsThe Watercourse permit does not apply to farm buildings, institutional development with no residential, commercial or industrial aspect, repairs on an existing foundation, areas already covered by a past permit, or where a QEP letter confirms no visible channel. No hazard-tree exemption is stated.Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2020-040 (Lillooet 2040), Watercourse Development Permit Area, Exemptions · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
The WDPA does not apply to the following:
a. the construction, alteration, addition, repair, demolition and maintenance of farm
institutional development containing no residential, commercial or industrial aspect;
e. A letter is provided by a QEP confirming that there is no visible channel.
FeeNo tree permit fee. Where a Watercourse (RAR) Development Permit is needed: $200.Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2021-003, current to April 22, 2026, Schedule 8, s. 1.0, item 5.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Watercourse (RAR) Development Permit $200.00
Replacement treesNot confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read.
City treesNot confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read.
FineNone set. Lillooet's Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw has no tree offence, and the District has no tree-cutting bylaw.
BylawNo tree bylaw. Vegetation in riparian areas is controlled through the Watercourse Development Permit Area in the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2020-040 (Lillooet 2040).Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2020-040 (Lillooet 2040), Cover / OCP Bylaw; Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2020-040 (Lillooet 2040), Watercourse Development Permit Area, Guidelines s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
n e y, l v e t h e a i Bylaw No. 2020-040 Schedule A August 2021
A development permit is required, except where exempt under Exemptions Section for development or land alteration on land identified as a riparian assessment area within the WDP Area.
a. removal, alteration, disruption or destruction of vegetation;

How it works

The District has no bylaw that requires a permit to cut a tree on private land. The Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2020-040 only encourages tree retention and encourages owners to replace trees removed for safety reasons.

In the Watercourse Development Permit Area, which includes riparian assessment areas and land within 30 m of a watercourse's high water mark, removing vegetation is development that needs a development permit, unless exempt. The permit does not apply to farm buildings, institutional development with no residential, commercial or industrial aspect, repairs on an existing foundation, areas already covered by a past permit, or where a qualified environmental professional's letter confirms no visible channel. No hazard-tree exemption is stated.

Steps

  1. Check the Development Permit Areas Map (Schedule D of the OCP) for your lot.
  2. If you are near a watercourse, ask the Planning Technician at planning@lillooet.ca or 250-256-4289 before cutting.
  3. If a permit is needed, apply for a Watercourse (RAR) Development Permit.

Good to know

  • Fees: no tree permit fee; $200 for a Watercourse (RAR) Development Permit; $500 for an Environmental and Hazardous Conditions Development Permit.
  • No replacement-planting or security rule was found.
  • No District rule on boulevard or park trees was found. Ask the District before touching a tree on public land.
  • No ticket amount for cutting trees was found; the Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw has no tree offence.
  • The Nuisance Bylaw lets the District direct owners to clear brush or trees, and requires owners next to sidewalks to keep trees hazard-free.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Ashcroft · Lytton · Whistler · Merritt · 100 Mile House · Kamloops

Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2020-040 (Lillooet 2040), District of Lillooet (read 2026-11-08)
  2. Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2021-003, current to April 22, 2026, District of Lillooet (read 2026-11-08)
  3. Contact Us, District of Lillooet (read 2026-11-08)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set; 2 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.