Nanaimo tree removal rules and permits

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

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

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.

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.Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), s. 2 (Tree, Protected tree), s. 5(1) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 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;
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.Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), s. 6(1), s. 7(1) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 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:
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.Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), Schedule E, s. 16(2) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 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
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.Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), Schedule G; s. 15(1) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 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;
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.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) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 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
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.Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2012 No. 7159, Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 schedule; Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), s. 18.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 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 commits an offence against this Bylaw and is liable upon summary conviction to pay a fine of not more than $50,000
Bylaw	Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21), s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126

How it works

Under the City of Nanaimo's Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 7126, 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

Call the Urban Forester (250-755-4446) to check whether your tree is protected.
Apply for a tree removal permit and pay the fee.
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

The same question in other places

Lantzville · Ladysmith · Parksville · Sechelt · Qualicum Beach · Lake Cowichan

Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (PDF, consolidated 2022-NOV-21) (read 2026-11-05)
Home Tree Care, City of Nanaimo (read 2026-11-05)
Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 2012 No. 7159 (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)

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