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

# New Westminster tree removal rules and permits

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

**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.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of New Westminster, https://www.newwestcity.ca)  
**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:**
- Online: Tree permit applications, https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits
- Phone: Tree Bylaw and Regulation, 604-636-4318
- Email: City Arborist, treeprotectionbylaw@newwestcity.ca
- Phone: Boulevard tree maintenance requests (City trees), 604-527-4567

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Permits, FAQ](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits)
  - Official wording: "A permit is required for cutting or removing any protected tree."
  - Source: [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016, s. 1.0(jj)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Exemptions:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016, s. 5.7](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016, s. 5.6](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "the owner may cut the tree or have it cut, but shall report the cutting of the tree to"
  - Source: [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016, s. 3.2(b)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** 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.
  - Source: [Planning and Development Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7683, 2014 (PDF, Schedule E, 2026), Schedule E, Tree Permit Fee](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7683__2014_Planning__Development_Fees_and_Rates__2026_06_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "$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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Replacement trees:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016, s. 7.2, 7.6](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Planning and Development Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7683, 2014 (PDF, Schedule E, 2026), Schedule E, Security or Cash-in-Lieu for Replacement Trees](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7683__2014_Planning__Development_Fees_and_Rates__2026_06_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Security or cash-in-lieu per replacement tree (general)" … "Resident Applicant: $686.00" … "Maximum combined security or cash-in-lieu for all"
  - Source: [Tree Permits, Resident Applicants](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **City trees:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016, s. 4.5, 4.6](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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."
  - Source: [Tree Permits, FAQ](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits)
  - Official wording: "Trees/shrubs of any size on all City-owned or occupied lands"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** 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.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318, 2009 (PDF, consolidated 2026), Schedule A, Part 23](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7318__2009_Bylaw_Notice_Enforcement__2026_07_29_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "4.1 Cut, remove, or damage 500.00 475.00 525.00"
  - Source: [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016, s. 11.3](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "a person shall be liable to pay a fine of" … "not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000."
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 8077, 2019 (PDF, consolidated 2026), Schedule B, Part 23](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_8077__2019_Municipal_Ticket_Information__2026_07_29_consolidation_(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Cut, remove, or damage a protected tree without 1,000.00 permit"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016
  - Source: [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016, title page](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "TREE PROTECTION AND REGULATION BYLAW NO. 7799, 2016"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

New 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.

## Steps

1. Measure your tree at 1.3 m above the ground.
2. Apply for a tree permit on the City's Tree Permits page.
3. Pay the fees and the replacement tree security or cash-in-lieu.
4. Plant and maintain the replacement trees for 1 year.

## Good to know

- 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.
- 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.
- 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 may be cut if no permit can be had first. Report it by the next business day with a photo, and replace it.
- Trees and shrubs on City land, including boulevards, may not be cut, pruned, damaged or have anything fastened to them.
- 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.

## Official forms and pages

- [Tree Permits page](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits)
- [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw 7799, 2016 (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1%29.pdf)

## Related questions

- [New Westminster building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/building-permit.md)
- [New Westminster permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [New Westminster secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/secondary-suite.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md)
- [Burnaby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/tree-removal.md)
- [Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/tree-removal.md)
- [Port Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/tree-removal.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/tree-removal.md)
- [Surrey](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/tree-removal.md)
- [Richmond](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/tree-removal.md)

## Sources

- [Tree Permits, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/trees/tree-permits) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7799_Tree_Protection_and_Regulation(1%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Planning and Development Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7683, 2014 (PDF, Schedule E, 2026)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7683__2014_Planning__Development_Fees_and_Rates__2026_06_15_consolidation_.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 7318, 2009 (PDF, consolidated 2026)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7318__2009_Bylaw_Notice_Enforcement__2026_07_29_consolidation_.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 8077, 2019 (PDF, consolidated 2026)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_8077__2019_Municipal_Ticket_Information__2026_07_29_consolidation_(1%29.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 New Westminster. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/tree-removal/_