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

# Pitt Meadows tree removal rules and permits

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

**Short answer:** In Pitt Meadows you need a Tree Management Permit to cut or damage a tree with a trunk 20 cm or more across, and any woody plant on City land. All trees in Riparian and Natural Features Development Permit Areas are protected regardless of size. A maintenance permit costs $50 plus $50 per tree.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Pitt Meadows, https://www.pittmeadows.ca)  
**Cost:** Non-development (property maintenance) permit: $50 plus $50 per tree, non-refundable. Development permit: $300 plus $50 per tree. A retroactive permit costs twice the normal fees and cash-in-lieu amounts.  
**Where:**
- Phone: City Hall (ask for the Environment Division or Planning), 604-465-5454
- In person: City Hall, 12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B5 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** A Tree Management Permit is needed to cut or damage a Permit Tree: any woody plant 20 cm DBH or more, any woody plant on City land whatever its size, replacement and canopy trees, and Significant Trees. All trees and woody plants are also protected in Riparian and Natural Features Development Permit Areas. Cutting March 1 to August 31 needs confirmation no nests are active.
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026 (PDF, adopted September 22, 2026), s. 3.1 dd), s. 5.1](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tree-Management-Bylaw-No-3067%2C-2026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "has a DBH of 20cm or greater;" … "is a woody plant, regardless of size, on City-owned property;" … "Except in accordance with a valid Tree Management Permit, a person must" … "Cut a Permit Tree during the bird nesting season (March 1–August"
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw, Tree removal](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/community-projects-and-initiatives/environment-and-sustainability/trees-and-landscaping/tree-0)
  - Official wording: "A permit is required to remove Permit Trees; trees with trunk diameter larger than 20cm (7.9”)." … "All trees and woody plants are protected within Riparian Development Permit Areas and Natural Features Development Permit Areas unless removal is approved under permit."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Exemptions:** Trees cut by the City or a public utility for its work; trees in the Agricultural Land Reserve (except where riparian rules still apply); trees removed in active agriculture under a valid Farm Plan; routine pruning to arboricultural standards; hazard or dead trees confirmed by a Certified Arborist (or the Director); land under the Private Managed Forest Land Act or Forest Act tenures.
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026 (PDF, adopted September 22, 2026), s. 6.1](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tree-Management-Bylaw-No-3067%2C-2026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "trees Cut or removed by the City for municipal purposes;" … "trees Cut or removed by a Public Utility for the safety, maintenance," … "trees Cut or removed in the Agricultural Land Reserve, except where" … "trees Cut or removed as part of active Agricultural Practices in" … "routine Pruning conducted in accordance with best management" … "Hazard Trees or dead trees, as confirmed by a Certified Arborist in"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** Non-development (property maintenance) permit: $50 plus $50 per tree to be removed, non-refundable. Development permit (building, subdivision, land clearing): $300 plus $50 per tree. A retroactive permit costs twice the normal fees and cash-in-lieu amounts.
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026 (PDF, adopted September 22, 2026), s. 7.1 b), 7.4 c), 12.5](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tree-Management-Bylaw-No-3067%2C-2026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "a non-refundable permit application fee of $50, plus $50 per Permit" … "a non-refundable permit application fee of $300 plus $50 per Permit" … "Cash In Lieu payments that are twice the values required for non-"
  - Source: [Tree Protection, Removal and Replacement Requirements, Tree Management Permit application](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/community-projects-and-initiatives/environment-and-sustainability/trees-and-landscaping/tree)
  - Official wording: "Application fees: $50 plus $50 per tree removed." … "Application fee: $300 plus $50 per tree removed"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Replacement trees:** Non-development: plant 1 tree for a removed tree of 20-40 cm DBH, 2 for 41-70 cm, 3 for over 70 cm (none if canopy stays above 30%). Development: 2, 4 or 6. If planting is not feasible, cash in lieu: $1,000 large, $500 medium, $250 small canopy tree. Development permits need a refundable security deposit of $1,500 per replacement tree. (Sources differ: The City's web page says the security deposit per replacement tree is $250, $500 or $1,000 by canopy size, while the bylaw sets $1,500 per replacement tree (maximum $30,000 per hectare and $100,000 per application). The bylaw is followed here. Half the deposit is released after the planting letter of completion and the rest after 24 months of maintenance.)
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026 (PDF, adopted September 22, 2026), s. 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.8, 9.9, 9.10](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tree-Management-Bylaw-No-3067%2C-2026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "one Replacement Tree for the removal of a Permit Tree of 20cm to" … "three Replacement Trees for the removal of a Permit Tree of DBH" … "six Replacement Trees for the removal of a Permit Tree of DBH" … "$1,000 for large canopy class trees;" … "$250 for small canopy class trees." … "Security Deposit in the amount of" … "$1,500 for each Replacement Tree required to be planted to a maximum"
  - Source: [Tree Protection, Removal and Replacement Requirements, Tree Management Permit application](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/community-projects-and-initiatives/environment-and-sustainability/trees-and-landscaping/tree)
  - Official wording: "Security deposit value for each tree is based on the canopy size class of the Replacement Tree to be planted; $250, $500, or $1,000 for small, medium or large canopy size class trees, respectively."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **City trees:** All trees and woody plants on City-owned land are protected; any woody plant on City property is a Permit Tree regardless of size, except for approved municipal or utility work. Written consent of the City is required to cut or prune boulevard vegetation.
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw, Tree removal](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/community-projects-and-initiatives/environment-and-sustainability/trees-and-landscaping/tree-0)
  - Official wording: "All trees and woody plants are protected on City-owned lands, unless removal is required for approved municipal or utility work."
  - Source: [Tree Protection, Removal and Replacement Requirements, City trees](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/community-projects-and-initiatives/environment-and-sustainability/trees-and-landscaping/tree)
  - Official wording: "Written consent of the City is required to cut or prune any boulevard vegetation."
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026 (PDF, adopted September 22, 2026), s. 3.1 dd) iii](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tree-Management-Bylaw-No-3067%2C-2026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "is a woody plant, regardless of size, on City-owned property;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Cutting or damaging a Permit Tree without a permit: $500 bylaw notice (no early-payment discount). Disturbing a Permit Tree or soil within a Tree Protection Zone: $300. Cutting Permit Trees without a nesting survey: $250. Each tree and each day is a separate offence.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2439, 2009 (consolidated, PDF), Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026 schedule](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/Bylaw-Notice-Enforcement-Bylaw-No-2439%2C-2009-Consolidated-Version.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Cut or Damage a Permit 5.1 a) n/a 500" … "Disturb Permit tree or soil 5.1 b) n/a 300" … "Cut Permit Trees without 5.1 c) n/a 250"
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026 (PDF, adopted September 22, 2026), s. 13.2](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tree-Management-Bylaw-No-3067%2C-2026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "each day and for each tree, that a violation"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026
  - Source: [Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026 (PDF, adopted September 22, 2026), s. 1.1](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tree-Management-Bylaw-No-3067%2C-2026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the [Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tree-Management-Bylaw-No-3067%2C-2026.pdf), you need a Tree Management Permit to cut or damage a "Permit Tree". That means any woody plant 20 cm DBH (trunk width at breast height) or more, replacement and canopy trees, and Significant Trees. For a multi-stem tree, the combined DBH must exceed 20 cm. Any woody plant on City land is a Permit Tree whatever its size. All trees and woody plants in Riparian and Natural Features Development Permit Areas are protected regardless of size. The bylaw applies to all land in the City except the exemptions below.

## Steps

1. Check whether your tree is a Permit Tree, or in a protected area (confirm on Meadows Mapview).
2. A Significant Tree (over 70 cm DBH, or on the Significant Tree Registry) needs an arborist assessment and accepted justification.
3. Apply for the permit and pay the fee.
4. Plant replacement trees as required. If planting is not feasible, pay cash in lieu.
5. Before cutting from March 1 to August 31, confirm no nests are active.

## Good to know

- Replacement, non-development: 1 tree for a removed tree of 20 to 40 cm DBH, 2 for 41 to 70 cm, 3 for over 70 cm (none if canopy stays above 30%). Development: 2, 4 or 6. Cash in lieu: $1,000 large, $500 medium, $250 small canopy tree.
- Development permits need a refundable security deposit of $1,500 per replacement tree. Half is released after the planting letter of completion, the rest after 24 months of maintenance. The City's web page gives lower deposits ($250, $500 or $1,000); the bylaw says $1,500, so confirm with the City.
- Exempt: work by the City or a public utility; trees in the Agricultural Land Reserve (except where riparian rules still apply); active agriculture under a valid Farm Plan; routine pruning to arboricultural standards; hazard or dead trees confirmed by a Certified Arborist (or the Director); land under the Private Managed Forest Land Act or Forest Act tenures.
- Written City consent is needed to cut or prune boulevard vegetation. A Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw notice is $160 if paid within 14 days, $200 after.
- Cutting or damaging a Permit Tree without a permit: $500 bylaw notice, no early-payment discount. Disturbing a Permit Tree or soil in a Tree Protection Zone: $300. Cutting without a nesting survey: $250. Each tree and each day is a separate offence. A separate municipal ticket bylaw may exist but was not found.
- Tree removal companies must hold a City business licence.

## What you'll need

- Completed Tree Management Permit application
- For a Significant Tree (over 70 cm DBH), an arborist assessment and an accepted justification

## Official forms and pages

- [Tree Protection, Removal and Replacement Requirements](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/community-projects-and-initiatives/environment-and-sustainability/trees-and-landscaping/tree)
- [Tree Management Permit Application (PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-02/Pitt-Meadows-Tree-Management-Permit-Application.pdf)
- [Tree Management Bylaw 3067, 2026 (PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tree-Management-Bylaw-No-3067%2C-2026.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Pitt Meadows building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/building-permit.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md)
- [Maple Ridge](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/maple-ridge/tree-removal.md)
- [Port Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/tree-removal.md)
- [Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/tree-removal.md)
- [Anmore](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/tree-removal.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/tree-removal.md)
- [Township of Langley](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley-township/tree-removal.md)

## Sources

- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2439, 2009 (consolidated, PDF)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/Bylaw-Notice-Enforcement-Bylaw-No-2439%2C-2009-Consolidated-Version.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Management Bylaw No. 3067, 2026 (PDF, adopted September 22, 2026)](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tree-Management-Bylaw-No-3067%2C-2026.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Protection, Removal and Replacement Requirements, City of Pitt Meadows](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/community-projects-and-initiatives/environment-and-sustainability/trees-and-landscaping/tree) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Management Bylaw, City of Pitt Meadows](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/community-projects-and-initiatives/environment-and-sustainability/trees-and-landscaping/tree-0) (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 Pitt Meadows. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/tree-removal/_