{"title":"New Westminster tree removal rules and permits","question":"Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?","slug":"tree-removal","place":{"path":"ca/bc/new-westminster","name":"New Westminster","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of New Westminster","url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes, for any protected tree. In New Westminster that means a tree 20 cm or more across (measured 1.3 m above the ground), a hedge 5 m or higher, a tree with nesting birds, and any tree or shrub on City land. A permit costs $106 per tree for the first 5.","aliases":["tree permit new westminster","tree bylaw new west","cut down tree new westminster","hazardous tree removal","dead tree removal"],"cost":"Per tree: $106 for the first 5, $211 each after; specimen trees $158 first, $264 each after. Hazardous trees only: $79 for one, or $79 plus $26 per extra tree. Resident Applicants: $0 per hazardous tree, otherwise $81 per tree up to $1,584. Replacement security is extra. 2026.","how_long":"Not stated.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Tree permit applications","value":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits"},{"type":"phone","label":"Tree Bylaw and Regulation","value":"604-636-4318"},{"type":"email","label":"City Arborist","value":"treeprotectionbylaw@newwestcity.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Boulevard tree maintenance requests (City trees)","value":"604-527-4567"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Tree Permits page","url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits"},{"title":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw 7799, 2016 (PDF)","url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"New Westminster building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/building-permit/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"New Westminster permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"New Westminster secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/burnaby","name":"Burnaby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/coquitlam","name":"Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-coquitlam","name":"Port Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-moody","name":"Port Moody","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/surrey","name":"Surrey","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/richmond","name":"Richmond","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/tree-removal/"}],"topic":{"title":"Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal/"},"facts":{"permit_needed":{"label":"When a permit is needed","value":"A permit is needed to cut or remove any protected tree on any lot: a tree 20 cm or more in diameter (measured 1.3 m above grade), or whose two largest stems total 20 cm; a hedge 5 m or higher; a tree with nesting birds; and any tree or shrub on City land.","short":"Yes, for trees 20 cm or more in diameter","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits","title":"Tree Permits, City of New Westminster","section":"FAQ","quotes":["A permit is required for cutting or removing any protected tree."]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf","title":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 (PDF)","section":"s. 1.0(jj)","quotes":["that has a DBH of 20 centimetres or greater, or has a combined DBH of its two largest trunks or stems of 20 centimetres or greater","a hedge that is 5 metres or higher as measured from the trunk flare to the tip"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":"Pruning to sound arboricultural practice needs no permit, but not crown raising below 50% live crown, removing over 25% of the crown, topping, or cutting structural roots. A tree in imminent danger of falling from natural causes, where no permit can be had first, may be cut; report it by the next business day with a photo, and replace it.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf","title":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 (PDF)","section":"s. 5.7","quotes":["A permit is not required for the pruning of a protected tree so long as pruning is carried out","In the event that a protected tree is in imminent danger of falling and injuring persons or","property due to natural causes, and it is not possible to obtain a permit prior to the tree falling","Trees that are cut pursuant to this section must be replaced"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf","title":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 (PDF)","section":"s. 5.6","quotes":["the owner may cut the tree or have it cut, but shall report the cutting of the tree to"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf","title":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 (PDF)","section":"s. 3.2(b)","quotes":["protected trees on City-owned property or highways that are cut or removed by the City or its authorized agents in accordance with approved City operations."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Per tree: $106 for the first 5, $211 each after; specimen trees $158 first, $264 each after. Hazardous trees only: $79 for one, or $79 plus $26 per extra tree. Resident Applicants: $0 per hazardous tree, otherwise $81 per tree up to $1,584.","short":"$106 per tree for first 5 ($211 each after)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7683__2014_Planning__Development_Fees_and_Rates__2026_06_15_consolidation_.pdf","title":"Planning and Development Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7683, 2014 (PDF, Schedule E, 2026)","section":"Schedule E, Tree Permit Fee","quotes":["$106.00 per tree for first 5","$211.00 per tree for each","$158.00 per specimen tree","$79.00 for the first tree, plus","$26.00 for each additional","$0.00 per hazardous tree","and $81.00 per tree for all"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":"Two replacement trees per protected tree removed; one per hazardous or heavily diseased tree. Security or cash-in-lieu per replacement tree is $792, or $686 for a Resident Applicant (capped at $10,811 in total). Replacement trees must be maintained for 1 year.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf","title":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 (PDF)","section":"s. 7.2, 7.6","quotes":["required shall be 2 replacement trees for each 1 protected tree that is cut, removed or","1 replacement tree for each 1 hazardous tree","Replacement trees shall be maintained for a period of 1 year"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7683__2014_Planning__Development_Fees_and_Rates__2026_06_15_consolidation_.pdf","title":"Planning and Development Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7683, 2014 (PDF, Schedule E, 2026)","section":"Schedule E, Security or Cash-in-Lieu for Replacement Trees","quotes":["Security or cash-in-lieu per replacement tree (general)","Resident Applicant: $686.00","Maximum combined security or cash-in-lieu for all"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits","title":"Tree Permits, City of New Westminster","section":"Resident Applicants","quotes":["40% of replacement tree securities will be refunded once the trees have been planted and the remaining 60% returned at the end of the one year maintenance period."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"Trees and shrubs of any size on City-owned or occupied land, including boulevards, are protected. No one may cut, remove, prune or damage them, or fasten anything to them.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf","title":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 (PDF)","section":"s. 4.5, 4.6","quotes":["No person shall cut, remove, prune or damage any tree or shrub of any size on City-owned","or occupied land, including any tree or shrub located on a highway."]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits","title":"Tree Permits, City of New Westminster","section":"FAQ","quotes":["Trees/shrubs of any size on all City-owned or occupied lands"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $500 for cutting, removing or damaging a protected tree without a permit ($475 if paid early, $525 if paid late). The Municipal Ticket Information schedule sets $1,000 for the same offence. On conviction in court the fine is $1,000 to $10,000.","short":"Notice $500 ($475 if paid early); ticket $1,000","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7318__2009_Bylaw_Notice_Enforcement__2026_07_29_consolidation_.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318, 2009 (PDF, consolidated 2026)","section":"Schedule A, Part 23","quotes":["4.1 Cut, remove, or damage 500.00 475.00 525.00"]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf","title":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 (PDF)","section":"s. 11.3","quotes":["a person shall be liable to pay a fine of","not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000."]},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_8077__2019_Municipal_Ticket_Information__2026_07_29_consolidation_(1).pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 8077, 2019 (PDF, consolidated 2026)","section":"Schedule B, Part 23","quotes":["Cut, remove, or damage a protected tree without 1,000.00 permit"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf","title":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 (PDF)","section":"title page","quotes":["TREE PROTECTION AND REGULATION BYLAW NO. 7799, 2016"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nNew Westminster's [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw 7799, 2016](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf) requires a permit to cut or remove a protected tree. Protected trees are a tree 20 cm or more across 1.3 m above the ground (or whose two largest stems total 20 cm), a hedge 5 m or higher, a tree with nesting birds, and any tree or shrub on City land. Retained, replacement and specimen trees named in plans are also protected.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Measure your tree at 1.3 m above the ground.\n2. Apply for a tree permit on the City's Tree Permits page.\n3. Pay the fees and the replacement tree security or cash-in-lieu.\n4. Plant and maintain the replacement trees for 1 year.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Replacement: two trees per protected tree removed; one per hazardous or heavily diseased tree. Security is $792 per replacement tree, or $686 for a Resident Applicant, capped at $10,811 in total.\n- A Resident Applicant is an owner who lives on the lot and removes a hazardous tree, builds an addition or alteration, or builds an accessory building that is not a dwelling.\n- Pruning to sound arboricultural practice needs no permit, but not crown raising below 50% live crown, removing over 25% of the crown, topping, or cutting structural roots.\n- A tree in imminent danger of falling from natural causes may be cut if no permit can be had first. Report it by the next business day with a photo, and replace it.\n- Trees and shrubs on City land, including boulevards, may not be cut, pruned, damaged or have anything fastened to them.\n- Fines: a bylaw notice is $500 ($475 if paid early, $525 if paid late); a municipal ticket is $1,000. On conviction in court the fine is $1,000 to $10,000.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits","title":"Tree Permits, City of New Westminster","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1).pdf","title":"Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7683__2014_Planning__Development_Fees_and_Rates__2026_06_15_consolidation_.pdf","title":"Planning and Development Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7683, 2014 (PDF, Schedule E, 2026)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7318__2009_Bylaw_Notice_Enforcement__2026_07_29_consolidation_.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318, 2009 (PDF, consolidated 2026)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_8077__2019_Municipal_Ticket_Information__2026_07_29_consolidation_(1).pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 8077, 2019 (PDF, consolidated 2026)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/tree-removal.json"}}