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

# Port Coquitlam tree removal rules and permits

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

**Short answer:** Yes, usually. Port Coquitlam's Tree Bylaw 4108 requires a $100 permit for each tree at least 5 m tall or at least 15 cm across (measured 1.4 m above ground). There is no charge for a tree the City deems hazardous, and you must plant a replacement. Cutting without a permit is a $500 fine.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Coquitlam, https://www.portcoquitlam.ca)  
**Cost:** $100 per tree; no charge for a tree the City deems hazardous. A $500 security deposit per replacement tree may also apply (may be waived for single residential use). $500 is paid in lieu of each tree not planted, if the City approves.  
**How long:** The City does not state a processing time.  
**Where:**
- Online: Tree Cutting Permit Application, https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/other-applications/tree-cutting-application
- Phone: Public Works (trees on City property), 604-927-5496 (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 604-543-6700 after hours.)

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** A permit is needed to cut, remove or damage a tree on private property that is at least 5 m tall or at least 15 cm across (measured 1.4 m above ground; 10 cm for some rare species). Hazardous or dead trees also need one. A hedge is not a tree.
  - Source: [Tree Removal and Protection, Do I need a Tree Permit?](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/trees/tree-removal-protection)
  - Official wording: "Cut, remove or damage a tree at least 5 m tall OR wider than 15 cm across measured 1.4 m above the ground (10 cm across for some significant trees)." … "Remove a tree that is hazardous or dead."
  - Source: [Tree Bylaw 4108, s. 3.1 (Tree) and s. 5.1(a)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4108%20-%20Tree%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "with a diameter of at least 15 cm measured 1.4 metres above natural grade or a height of at least 5 metres; but does not include a hedge." … "No person shall cut or remove a tree (tree other than a significant or heritage tree) without a tree cutting permit."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Exemptions:** No permit to prune per ISA guidelines or to remove dead or dying branches or a dead or broken stem of a multi-stemmed tree. A tree in imminent danger of falling from natural causes may be cut first if reported the next business day with a photo, then permitted within ten business days. Plants under 15 cm across and under 5 m tall are not trees.
  - Source: [Tree Bylaw 4108, s. 4.2 and 6.2](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4108%20-%20Tree%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "to prune a tree in accordance with ISA guidelines; or" … "owner shall apply for a tree cutting permit within ten business days of the tree cutting." … "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." … "injuring persons or property due to natural causes and it is not possible to obtain a tree" … "with a diameter of at least 15 cm measured 1.4 metres above natural grade or a height of at least 5 metres; but does not include a hedge." … "The owner shall not remove the tree from the lot until the City has attended at the site."
  - Source: [Tree Removal and Protection, Do I need a Tree Permit?](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/trees/tree-removal-protection)
  - Official wording: "Permits are not required to prune dead or dying branches, or to remove a dead or broken stem of a multi-stemmed tree."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** $100 per tree cut. No charge for a tree the City deems hazardous. The application fee is non-refundable. A security deposit of $500 per required replacement tree is also taken (may be waived for single residential use).
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw 4415, Schedule B (Engineering and Public Works)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2026-01/Bylaw%204415%20-%202026%20Fees%20and%20Charges.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Tree cutting permit $100 per cut tree" … "Tree cutting permit for a tree deemed hazardous N/C - requires approval from the Parks"
  - Source: [Tree Bylaw 4108, s. 6.3(d), 8.2, 8.6](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4108%20-%20Tree%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "a non-refundable application fee set out in the Fees and Charges Bylaw" … "The amount of security shall be $500 per required replacement tree." … "waive the requirement to post security under this section 8 if the owner carries on an institutional or single residential use"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Replacement trees:** One replacement tree per tree cut; two for each significant tree 60 cm or more across; none if the cut tree is within 5 m of another tree on the property. Replacements: deciduous at least 5.0 cm caliper, conifers at least 2.0 m tall. If an arborist report shows planting is not feasible and the City approves, $500 is paid in lieu of each tree not planted.
  - Source: [Tree Bylaw 4108, s. 3.1(w), 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.7](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4108%20-%20Tree%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "A tree replacement plan shall provide for one replacement tree to be planted for each tree proposed to be cut" … "A tree replacement plan shall provide for two replacement trees to be planted for each significant tree 60 cm DBH or greater proposed to be cut." … "No replacement tree shall be required where the largest stem of the tree to be replaced is within a 5 metre radius of the largest stem of another tree on the subject property." … "a minimum caliper diameter of 5.0 cm if deciduous, or a minimum height of 2.0 m if coniferous," … "owner shall be required to contribute $500 in lieu of each replacement tree not planted."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **City trees:** A private individual needs a tree permit to cut a tree on City-owned property. Under the Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw, no adjacent owner or occupier may cut down a boulevard tree without the Director's prior written consent. The City maintains park and boulevard trees; report problems to Public Works at 604.927.5496 (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.), or 604.543.6700 after hours.
  - Source: [Tree Removal and Protection, Tree Permits and Fees; Reporting Trees of Concern](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/trees/tree-removal-protection)
  - Official wording: "A tree on City-owned property, if proposed to be cut by a private individual" … "The City is responsible for maintaining trees on public property, such as park land or on a boulevard." … "To report a problem, call Public Works at 604.927.5496 (Monday-Friday, 7am to 3pm). For after-hours emergencies, call 604.543.6700."
  - Source: [Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw 3965, Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw No. 3965, s. 7(j)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/3965%20-%20Boulevard%20Maintenance%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "7. No owner or occupier of real property adjacent to a boulevard shall:" … "cut down any tree, any portion of the trunk of which is located on a boulevard;" … "without prior written consent of the Director, which consent is within the Director"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** $500 for cutting or removing a tree without a permit (a $400 ticket applies to damaging a non-significant tree; $500 for a significant tree). No early-payment discount; $500 if paid late (after 90 days). Each tree is a separate offence. Schedule A of Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 3814.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 3814, Schedule A, Tree Bylaw No. 4108](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-10/3814%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Cutting or removing tree without 5.1 (a) 500 N/A 500 N/A" … "Damaging or allowing tree to be 5.1 (b) 400 N/A 500 N/A" … "5.1 (c) 500 N/A 500 N/A"
  - Source: [Tree Bylaw 4108, s. 11.3](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4108%20-%20Tree%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "a separate offence is committed in respect of each tree."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Tree Bylaw, 2019, No. 4108
  - Source: [Tree Bylaw 4108, s. 1.1](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4108%20-%20Tree%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw is cited as “Tree Bylaw, 2019, No. 4108 ”"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the City of Port Coquitlam's [Tree Bylaw 4108](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4108%20-%20Tree%20Bylaw.pdf), you need a permit to cut, remove or damage a tree on private property that is at least 5 m tall or at least 15 cm across, measured 1.4 m above ground (10 cm for some rare species). Hazardous or dead trees also need one, though the fee is waived. A hedge is not a tree.

## Steps

1. Photograph the trunk with a ruler at 1.4 m, and the tree in its surroundings.
2. Complete the online Tree Cutting Permit Application with a replacement plan.
3. Pay the $100 fee and any security deposit. The application fee is not refundable.
4. Plant the replacements: one per tree cut, two for each significant tree 60 cm or more across, none if the cut tree is within 5 m of another tree on the property. Deciduous trees must be at least 5.0 cm caliper and conifers at least 2.0 m tall. Keep them healthy for one year.

## Good to know

- No permit is needed to prune per ISA guidelines or to remove dead or dying branches or a dead or broken stem of a multi-stemmed tree.
- A tree in imminent danger of falling may be cut first if you report it the next business day with a photo; a permit then follows within ten business days.
- Permits are generally not issued March 15 to August 31 (bird nesting season) without a biological survey, per the City page.
- Fine: $500 for cutting or removing a tree without a permit ($400 for damaging a non-significant tree), with no early-payment discount. Each tree is a separate offence, and you must plant 3 replacement trees per tree cut.
- A private person needs a permit to cut a tree on City land. Boulevard trees need the Director's prior written consent under the Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw. Report City tree problems to Public Works at 604-927-5496.

## What you'll need

- Photo of the trunk with a ruler or tape at 1.4 m above ground
- Photo of the tree in its surroundings and any hazard
- Tree replacement plan

## Official forms and pages

- [Tree Removal and Protection](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/trees/tree-removal-protection)
- [Tree Replacement List (PDF)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/media/file/tree-replacement-list2026)
- [Tree Bylaw 4108 (PDF)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4108%20-%20Tree%20Bylaw.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Port Coquitlam building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/building-permit.md)

## The same question elsewhere

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

## Sources

- [Tree Removal and Protection, City of Port Coquitlam](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/services/environment-nature/trees/tree-removal-protection) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Cutting Permit Application, City of Port Coquitlam](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/other-applications/tree-cutting-application) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Bylaw 4108 (PDF)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/4108%20-%20Tree%20Bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw 4415 (PDF)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2026-01/Bylaw%204415%20-%202026%20Fees%20and%20Charges.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw 3965 (PDF)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2024-10/3965%20-%20Boulevard%20Maintenance%20Bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 3814 (PDF)](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-10/3814%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement.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 Port Coquitlam. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/tree-removal/_