Port Hardy tree removal rules and permits

Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Port Hardy?

Port Hardy, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-08

Short answer

In Port Hardy a tree permit is needed only in the sensitive areas the Tree Protection Bylaw lists and for cutting on District land. The 2026 fee is $32 for 1 to 10 trees. Trimming on private land is not regulated. Lots in a development permit area may need a development permit.

Key facts

When a permit is needed	The Tree Protection Bylaw requires a permit only in the sensitive areas it lists (s. 4) and for cutting on District land; trimming on private land is not regulated. Lots in the OCP environmentally sensitive area permit area may also need a development permit before land is altered.Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005, Preamble and s. 4; Trees, Trees page; Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1183-2025, OCP s. 10, DPA #2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording to regulate the cutting of trees on District property and in sensitive areas of the District which have been and are identified in this The following areas are considered sensitive. In response this Bylaw will regulate or Lot A, Plan 31577 The District of Port Hardy does not regulate the trimming of trees on private property. Once an area is designated as a DPA, a property owner must obtain a Development Permit (DP) prior The purpose of this Development Permit Area is to regulate land use and development activities adjacent key
Exemptions	The bylaw does not apply to trees the Ministry of Forests identifies for cutting due to disease or infestation, dangerous trees, trees cut to meet BC Hydro or WorkSafeBC safety rules, public service corridor or highway work, municipal employees on duty, and BC land surveyors on duty.Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005, s. 6 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording This Bylaw does not apply to: dangerous trees; trees required to be cut down to meet any B.C. Hydro or Workers' Compensation British Columbia land surveyors during the discharge of their duties;
Fee	2026 fee: $32 for 1 to 10 trees, $62 for 11 to 20, $108 for 21 or more. No charge for a permit for a severely damaged or unstable tree or one whose roots damage drains, water systems or buildings.Sources differ: The District's tree cutting application form shows older fees of $25, $50 and $100; the 2026 fee bylaw (and the Tree Protection Bylaw, which sets fees in the Rates Bylaw) is followed.User Rates and Fees Bylaw No. 1187-2026, Schedule E, Tree Cutting permits; Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005, s. 9 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording 1 - 10 trees $32.00 11 - 20 trees $62.00 21 or more trees $108.00 There shall be no charge for a permit issued under this section.
Replacement trees	Required only when a tree is cut in contravention of the bylaw: two replacement trees if within 5 m of the visible high water mark of a watercourse, one tree otherwise. Replacements must be at least 1.5 m tall, same or similar species, planted about where the tree was, and replaced if they die within 2 years.Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005, s. 11 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording Any person cutting a tree in contravention of this Bylaw shall replace that tree: with two trees if the tree cut down was within five (5) metres, measured horizontally If a replacement tree dies within a period of two (2) years after being planted it shall be replaced.
City trees	Owners or tenants of land next to District land may apply to cut trees on adjacent undeveloped District land only: softwoods under 12.5 cm at the butt, alder and underbrush; no hardwoods such as maple; no cutting in developed parks. Work must be by a qualified professional with $2,000,000 liability insurance. The District removes trees on its land only for public safety.Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005, s. 5; Trees, Trees on District Property · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording Only landowners or tenants of lands adjacent to lands owned by the Municipality No hardwood trees, such as maple, may be cut. All tree cutting is to be done by a qualified professional who will provide proof to the District that he has a minimum of Two Million ($2,000,000) Dollars liability insurance will not remove trees on District property unless they are a risk to public safety.
Fine	Municipal ticket: $100 for cutting trees in a sensitive or protected area, in a developed park, or hardwoods on District land, for failing to get consent, or disobeying a stop-work order. On conviction the bylaw sets a minimum fine of $100, with each tree cut a separate offence.Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 01-2010, consolidated August 2014, Schedule P; Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005, s. 15 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005 Cutting of trees in sensitive/protected area $ 100.00 Cutting hardwood trees $ 100.00 liable to a minimum fine of One Hundred Dollars Each tree that is cut down contrary to this Bylaw constitutes a separate office.
Bylaw	District of Port Hardy Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005 (adopted 11 October 2005).Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005, s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08 Official wording District of Port Hardy Tree Protection Bylaw ADOPTED ON THE 11TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2005.

How it works

The District of Port Hardy's Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005 requires a permit only in the sensitive areas it lists (s. 4) and for cutting on District land. Trimming on private land is not regulated. Lots in the Official Community Plan's environmentally sensitive area (DPA #2) may also need a development permit before land is altered, so check with the District, especially for riparian or foreshore lots. A "tree" is a live woody plant 1.5 m or more tall and capable of reaching 10 m.

The bylaw does not apply to trees the Ministry of Forests identifies for cutting because of disease or infestation, dangerous trees, trees cut to meet BC Hydro or WorkSafeBC safety rules, highway or public service corridor work, municipal employees on duty, and BC land surveyors on duty.

Steps

Call the District office (250-949-6665) and ask whether your lot is in a sensitive area or a development permit area.
If a permit is needed, apply with the tree cutting application form. The 2026 fee is $32 for 1 to 10 trees, $62 for 11 to 20 and $108 for 21 or more.
To cut trees on undeveloped District land next to your property, apply to the District. Only softwoods under 12.5 cm at the butt, alder and underbrush may be cut, no hardwoods such as maple, and no cutting in developed parks. The work must be done by a qualified professional with $2,000,000 liability insurance. See the Trees page.

Good to know

Cutting in breach of the bylaw requires replacement: two trees if within 5 m of the visible high water mark of a watercourse, otherwise one. Replacements must be at least 1.5 m tall, and replaced if they die within 2 years. No replacement is set as a condition of a normal permit.
A municipal ticket is $100 for cutting in a sensitive or protected area, in a developed park, or hardwoods on District land, or for failing to get consent. The bylaw sets a minimum fine of $100 on conviction, and each tree is a separate offence.
The District's application form shows older fees ($25, $50, $100). The 2026 fee bylaw is followed here; confirm with the District.

Official forms and pages

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Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

Tree Protection Bylaw No. 24-2005 (PDF), District of Port Hardy (read 2026-11-08)
Trees, District of Port Hardy (read 2026-11-08)
User Rates and Fees Bylaw No. 1187-2026 (PDF), District of Port Hardy (read 2026-11-08)
Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1183-2025 (PDF), District of Port Hardy (read 2026-11-08)
Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 01-2010, consolidated August 2014 (PDF), District of Port Hardy (read 2026-11-08)

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