---
title: Nanaimo tree removal rules and permits
question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?"
place: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/nanaimo
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Nanaimo
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/tree-removal/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/tree-removal.json"
---

# Nanaimo tree removal rules and permits

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

**Short answer:** In the City of Nanaimo you need a permit to cut a protected tree, which includes any tree in a Development Permit Area, a significant tree, or a City tree. For other trees you can remove up to four a year from your parcel without one.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Nanaimo, https://www.nanaimo.ca)  
**Cost:** $50 application fee plus $10 for each tree 6 cm or more across and $100 for each significant tree, capped at $500 per hectare or $2,500. No fee for a hazardous tree. Cutting without a permit costs twice the fee.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Urban Forester (Development Engineering), 250-755-4446
- Email: Urban Forester, urban.forester@nanaimo.ca

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** A permit from the City's Director is needed to cut a tree (stem 6 cm or more across, able to reach 4.5 m) unless an exemption applies (up to 4 unprotected, non-significant trees a year). Protected trees always need one: City trees, significant trees, trees in a Development Permit Area or slope or buffer covenant area. Damaging roots inside the drip line, topping, or attaching a sign also needs a permit.
  - Source: [Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), s. 2 (Tree, Protected tree), s. 5(1)](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7126.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No person shall carry out any of the following activities in respect of a tree without first obtaining a Permit issued by the Director for that purpose:" … "cut any tree or suffer any tree to be cut;" … "where the diameter of tree stem is six (6) cm or more and is capable of reaching a mature height of 4.5 m or greater within its natural range" … "(a) a City tree; (b) a significant tree; (c) a tree within a Development Permit Area;" … "(c) a tree within a Development Permit Area;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Exemptions:** No permit is needed for a tree that is not a protected tree (not a City tree, significant tree or tree in a Development Permit Area) if: you remove up to 4 non-significant trees per calendar year from your parcel; it is a hedge; it is dead; or a certified arborist finds it hazardous and the Director gives written approval first.
  - Source: [Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), s. 6(1), s. 7(1)](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7126.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Notwithstanding Section 5, a person may cut or remove a tree, other than a protected tree, without first obtaining a Permit if:" … "to a maximum total of four (4) trees in a calendar year on their parcel of land" … "(this exemption is void where a subdivision or other development permit has been applied for)" … "an owner is removing or pruning an existing hedge located on their parcel" … "the tree is dead; or," … "prior to any removal or pruning written approval from the Director" … "Emergency removal of a hazard tree or branches as the result of a weather event" … "Notwithstanding Section 5, a person may cut or remove a tree, other than a" … "protected tree, without first obtaining a Permit if:"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** $50 application fee plus $10 for each tree 6 cm or more across and $100 for each significant tree, to be cut or pruned. Total fee is capped at $500 per hectare or $2,500. No fee for removing a hazardous tree. Cutting without a permit costs twice the fee. Transfer or renewal of a permit is $50.
  - Source: [Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), Schedule E, s. 16(2)](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7126.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The minimum charge for a tree permit will be fifty dollar ($50) (application fee) plus the cost of each tree as indicated below." … "Trees, other than significant, over 6 cm diameter $10.00 each tree" … "Significant Trees $100.00 each tree" … "Five hundred dollars ($500) per hectare of land upon which trees are to be cut; or," … "Twenty-five hundred dollars ($2500) in total." … "There shall be no fee charged for a permit authorizing the removal of a hazardous" … "a person who cuts or removes a tree without holding a permit must pay a fee equal to twice the amount of the fee payable" … "Permit Transfer Fee $50.00" … "Permit Renewal Fee $50.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Replacement trees:** Replacement trees (Schedule G) must be planted and kept for at least two years for trees cut without a permit or contrary to its conditions, and for protected trees cut even with a permit. Trees 100 mm or more across need 2 to 8 replacements by size; street trees 1 to 3. Security of 120% of replacement value is required.
  - Source: [Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), Schedule G; s. 15(1)](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7126.pdf)
  - Official wording: "shall replace the tree by planting one or more replacement trees as set out below and maintain the replacement trees for a minimum of at least two years" … "100 mm to 151mm 2 replacement trees (min height of 1.5m)" … "610mm of greater 8 replacement trees (min height 2.0m)" … "Less than 300mm 1 replacement tree" … "601mm or greater 3 replacement trees" … "shall be equal to 120% of the value of all the replacement trees or retained trees, site restoration and clean up measures required by the City of Nanaimo" … "An owner must replace every tree that is removed contrary to this Bylaw as" … "cuts down a protected tree, with or without a permit;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **City trees:** A City tree (street, boulevard or median tree on City land) is a protected tree, so cutting or pruning it needs a permit; the 4-trees-a-year and hazard exemptions do not apply to protected trees. The Director may refuse removal to improve views, reduce shade or reduce leaf, flower or seed litter.
  - Source: [Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), s. 2 (City Tree, Protected tree), s. 6(1), s. 11(1)](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7126.pdf)
  - Official wording: "means any tree located on property owned or in the control of the City including a street tree, a Boulevard Tree and a median tree." … "(a) a City tree; (b) a significant tree; (c) a tree within a Development Permit Area;" … "other than a protected tree, without first obtaining a Permit if:" … "maintain or enhance view corridors;" … "prevent a City tree or a tree on Provincial Crown Land from shading areas"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Cutting any tree without a permit is a $500 bylaw notice ticket ($625 if paid late; no early-payment discount). Working contrary to permit conditions is $250 ($312.50 late). A court conviction can bring a fine up to $50,000.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2012 No. 7159, Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 schedule](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7159.pdf)
  - Official wording: "5(1)(a) Cut any tree 500.00 - 625.00" … "5(1)(b) Work contrary to tree removal permit 250.00 - 312.50"
  - Source: [Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), s. 18.1](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7126.pdf)
  - Official wording: "commits an offence against this Bylaw and is liable upon summary conviction to pay a fine of not more than $50,000"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126
  - Source: [Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), s. 1](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7126.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the City of Nanaimo's [Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 7126](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7126.pdf), a tree is a woody plant with a stem 6 cm or more across that can reach 4.5 m. A permit from the City's Director is needed to cut one, and for damaging roots inside the drip line or topping a tree, unless an exemption applies.

Protected trees always need a permit: City trees (street, boulevard or median trees on City land), significant trees listed in the bylaw's schedules, any tree in a Development Permit Area, and trees in slope or buffer covenant areas, or kept under an approved development permit landscape plan.

## No permit needed

For a tree that is not protected, no permit is needed if:

- you remove up to 4 non-significant trees per calendar year from your parcel;
- it is a hedge, or it is dead;
- a certified arborist finds it hazardous and the Director gives written approval first.

These exemptions do not apply to protected trees. Customary pruning with standard arboricultural practice is also exempt.

## Steps

1. Call the Urban Forester (250-755-4446) to check whether your tree is protected.
2. Apply for a tree removal permit and pay the fee.
3. If replacement is required, plant and keep the trees for at least two years.

## Good to know

- Replacement trees are required for trees cut without a permit or contrary to its conditions, and for protected trees cut even with a permit. Trees 100 mm or more across need 2 to 8 replacements by size; street trees 1 to 3. Security of 120 percent of replacement value is required.
- The Director may refuse removal of a City tree to improve views, reduce shade or reduce leaf, flower or seed litter.
- Cutting a tree without a permit is a $500 bylaw notice ticket ($625 if paid late). Working contrary to permit conditions is $250. A court conviction can bring a fine up to $50,000. You must also replace unlawfully removed trees and pay double the permit fee.

## Official forms and pages

- [Home Tree Care page](https://www.nanaimo.ca/green-initiatives/urban-forestry/animals-trees-gardens/home-tree-care)
- [Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 7126 (PDF)](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7126.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Nanaimo zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Nanaimo building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/building-permit.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md)
- [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/tree-removal.md)
- [Ladysmith](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ladysmith/tree-removal.md)
- [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/tree-removal.md)
- [Sechelt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/tree-removal.md)
- [Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/tree-removal.md)
- [Lake Cowichan](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-cowichan/tree-removal.md)

## Sources

- [Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21)](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7126.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Home Tree Care, City of Nanaimo](https://www.nanaimo.ca/green-initiatives/urban-forestry/animals-trees-gardens/home-tree-care) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2012 No. 7159 (PDF)](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7159.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Nanaimo. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/tree-removal/_