North Vancouver tree removal rules and permits
Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?
Short answer
In the City of North Vancouver, low-density residential lots (zones GO, RS-1, RS-2, RS-4B, RT-1, RT-2) need no tree permit, except in streamside areas or some CD zones. Every other property needs a permit to remove a protected tree 20 cm or more across. The fine is $450.
Key facts
| When a permit is needed | Not needed on low-density residential lots (zones GO, RS-1, RS-2, RS-4B, RT-1, RT-2), except in streamside areas or some CD zones. On all other properties (multi-family, commercial, civic, industrial) a permit is needed to remove a protected tree 20 cm or more in diameter, measured 1.4 m above the ground.Tree Bylaw, 2022, No. 8888 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), s. 2.A, 2.B; Trees on Private Property · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingThis Bylaw applies to trees on land throughout the City, but does not apply to a tree if zoned GO (Ground Oriented This Bylaw only applies to trees having a DBH of 20 centimetres or more. are not required to get a tree removal permit unless the property is in a streamside area or some CD zones. A permit is required to remove any protected tree that has a diameter of 20 centimetres or greater, measured at 1.4 metres above the ground. |
|---|---|
| Exemptions | A tree that presents an imminent danger to people or property from natural causes only may be cut without a permit; report it to the City by the next business day with a photo, and do not remove it until the City authorizes. Basic pruning to arboricultural standards is exempt. Trees entirely on a highway, and trees under 20 cm DBH, are outside the bylaw.Sources differ: The City's web page says evidence must be sent within 24 hours of cutting; the bylaw says the next business day. The bylaw is followed here. Hazard trees cut this way still need replacement trees and security as if cut under a permit (s. 4.C).Tree Bylaw, 2022, No. 8888 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), ss. 2.A, 2.B, 4.B; Trees on Private Property, Hazardous Tree Removal · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingdoes not apply to a tree if the entire trunk of the tree is on a highway This Bylaw only applies to trees having a DBH of 20 centimetres or more. due to natural causes only, presents an shall report the cutting to the Delegate within the next business day shall not remove the tree until authorized to do so by the Delegate carried out in accordance with sound arboricultural Within 24 hours of cutting the tree, you must submit evidence |
| Fee | Application base fee $182.25, plus $78.11 per tree removed and a $135.36 inspection fee per site visit. Also a $1,015.37 security deposit per replacement tree (returned if the tree survives) and, where applicable, ecological compensation of $1,562.11 per tree.Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2024, No. 9000, Schedule F, Tree Bylaw Fees · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingApplication Base Fee per application $ 182.25 Tree Removal Fee per tree removed $ 78.11 Inspection Fee per site visit $ 135.36 Replacement Tree Security per tree replaced $ 1,015.37 Ecological Compensation per tree removed $ 1,562.11 |
| Replacement trees | Plant 1 replacement tree for each dead, dying or hazardous tree removed and 3 for any other tree, on the same lot within 6 months, at least one a conifer, each at least 5 cm caliper, and maintain them 2 years (up to 4). If the lot cannot fit them, pay $781.06 per tree cash-in-lieu.Tree Bylaw, 2022, No. 8888 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), s. 7.A, 7.B, 7.D, 7.E; Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2024, No. 9000, Schedule F, Tree Bylaw Fees · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wording1 replacement tree for each dead, dying, or Hazardous Tree that is cut or 3 replacement trees for each tree other than a dead, dying or Hazardous Tree at least one replacement tree must be a conifer, and the caliper for a replacement tree must be at least 5 cm. shall maintain replacement trees for two years from the date of the applicant shall pay cash-in-lieu to the City Tree Replacement Cash-in-Lieu per tree removed $ 781.06 |
| City trees | Trees in parks and on streets and boulevards are managed by the City, which will not prune or remove them for aesthetics or views. Owners may apply for a City Tree Cutting Permit under specific conditions in the City's Tree Policy; work cannot start until it is issued. Apply to eng@cnv.org; call 604-983-7333 about hazards.Trees on Public Property · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingwill not prune or remove trees for aesthetic reasons or to improve a view. A City Tree Cutting Permit must be issued before any tree work begins. Submit your completed application for review to eng@cnv.org. please call 604-983-7333, email eng@cnv.org |
| Fine | $450 per offence ($400 if paid early, $500 if paid late) for cutting, removing or damaging a tree, or allowing it, without a permit. The City can also require a fee of 250% of the ecological compensation fee per tree plus replacement planting; court fines can reach $50,000.Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2018, No. 8675 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), Schedule A, Tree Bylaw, 2022, No. 8888; Tree Bylaw, 2022, No. 8888 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), s. 10.B, 10.C · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingCut, remove or damage a tree, or any part of a tree 4 (a) No $450 $400 $500 to a maximum of $50,000 in fines Pay a fee equal to 250% of the Ecological Compensation Fee |
| Bylaw | Tree Bylaw, 2022, No. 8888 (consolidated June 15, 2026)Tree Bylaw, 2022, No. 8888 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), title page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingTree Bylaw, 2022, No. 8888 CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE – JUNE 15, 2026 |
How it works
The City of North Vancouver's Tree Bylaw No. 8888 depends on your property's zone. Low-density residential lots (GO, RS-1, RS-2, RS-4B, RT-1, RT-2) need no permit, except in streamside areas or some CD (comprehensive development) zones. On all other properties (multi-family, commercial, civic, industrial) you need a permit to remove a protected tree 20 cm or more in diameter, measured 1.4 m above the ground. Check your zone in CityMap.
A permit is only issued for dead, dying or hazardous trees, trees interfering with utility wires or sewer or drainage, and, where a building permit application is active, trees in the building envelope or construction access area. If the trunk is partly off your property, you need the neighbour's permission.
Steps
- If unsure, email TreeBylaw@cnv.org.
- Apply with the Tree Removal Permit Application Form and pay the fees.
- Post the security for replacement trees before the permit issues.
- Replant: 1 tree for each dead, dying or hazardous tree removed and 3 for any other, on the same lot within 6 months, at least one a conifer, each at least 5 cm caliper, kept for 2 years. If they will not fit, pay $781.06 per tree cash-in-lieu.
Good to know
- A tree in imminent danger from natural causes may be cut without a permit. Report it to the City by the next business day with a photo, and do not remove it until the City authorizes. Replacement trees and security still apply. The City's web page says 24 hours instead; confirm with the City.
- Basic pruning to arboricultural standards is exempt, as are trees under 20 cm.
- Trees on streets, boulevards and parks are managed by the City, which will not prune or remove them for aesthetics or views. To apply for a City Tree Cutting Permit, email eng@cnv.org; call 604-983-7333 about hazards.
- Cutting a tree without a permit is a $450 ticket ($400 if paid early, $500 if paid late). The City can also charge 250% of the ecological compensation fee, and court fines can reach $50,000.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
District of North Vancouver · Port Moody · West Vancouver · Vancouver · Burnaby · Richmond
Sources
- Tree Bylaw, 2022, No. 8888 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026) (read 2026-11-05)
- Trees on Private Property, City of North Vancouver (read 2026-11-05)
- Trees on Public Property, City of North Vancouver (read 2026-11-05)
- Fees and Charges Bylaw, 2024, No. 9000 (PDF), Schedule F, Tree Bylaw Fees (read 2026-11-05)
- Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2018, No. 8675 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026) (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. How answers are checked.