{"title":"Port Moody tree removal rules and permits","question":"Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?","slug":"tree-removal","place":{"path":"ca/bc/port-moody","name":"Port Moody","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Port Moody","url":"https://www.portmoody.ca"},"short_answer":"Usually yes. In Port Moody a Tree Management Permit is needed for a tree 30 cm or more across (diameter at breast height), 10 cm or more in a sensitive area or on a lot with a development application, and certain native species. The fee is $75 for a property without a development approval.","aliases":["tree cutting permit port moody","tree protection bylaw","remove dead tree port moody","cut down tree permit"],"cost":"$75 for a property not subject to a development approval; $300 for RS and RT zoned residential properties (the schedule states no condition, probably with a development approval; confirm with the City); $720 for other properties with a development approval; $0 for hazard trees. Tree Removal Review $155. Replacement tree security $370 per tree on most lots ($740 for non-RS/RT lots with development approval).","how_long":"Not stated on the City's tree pages or in the bylaw.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Non-development tree removal permit form","value":"https://eforms.portmoody.ca/Environment/Non-Development-Tree-Removal-Permit"},{"type":"phone","label":"Planning Division (tree permits)","value":"604-469-4540"},{"type":"email","label":"Emergency tree removals","value":"treepermits@portmoody.ca"}],"documents":["Arborist report, site plan and tree replacement plan (non-development removal)","Photos and letter of intent only (dead tree)","Letter of authorization if applying for the owner","Bird nesting survey for removals from March to August (may be needed)"],"forms":[{"title":"Tree Management Permits","url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/business-development-and-planning/development/development-application-process/tree-management-permits/"},{"title":"Guide to Tree Management Permits for Homeowners (PDF)","url":"https://api.ghdcdn.com/portmoody-edocs/v1/eDocs/Get?docnumber=668143"},{"title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 3531 (PDF)","url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669735"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Port Moody building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/building-permit-fees/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/anmore","name":"Anmore","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/coquitlam","name":"Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-westminster","name":"New Westminster","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-coquitlam","name":"Port Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burnaby","name":"Burnaby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/north-vancouver","name":"North Vancouver","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/tree-removal/"}],"topic":{"title":"Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal/"},"facts":{"permit_needed":{"label":"When a permit is needed","value":"A permit is needed for a tree 30 cm DBH or larger; 10 cm or larger in an environmentally sensitive area or riparian zone; 10 cm or larger of arbutus, cascara, Pacific dogwood, Pacific yew, shore pine or western white pine; or 10 cm or larger on a lot with a development application. Replacement and covenant trees too.","short":"Yes, for trees 30 cm DBH or larger","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/business-development-and-planning/development/development-application-process/tree-management-permits/","title":"Tree Management Permits, City of Port Moody","section":"Do I need a Tree Management Permit?","quotes":["You must apply for a permit if the tree is:","≥30 cm DBH (diameter at breast height);","≥10 cm DBH and is one of the following protected native species: arbutus, cascara, pacific dogwood, pacific yew, shore pine, western white pine;"]},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669735","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3531 (PDF)","section":"s. 3.1 Protected Tree","quotes":["a Tree with a DBH equal to, or greater, than 30cm","a Tree with a DBH equal to or greater than 10cm located:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":"Exempt: pruning to best arboricultural practices, invasive species, work under BC Hydro or provincial/federal authority, City crews, and emergency removal of a tree in imminent danger (report next business day and apply for a permit). Hazard trees need a permit but pay $0.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/business-development-and-planning/development/development-application-process/tree-management-permits/","title":"Tree Management Permits, City of Port Moody","section":"When permits are not required","quotes":["pruning your tree in accordance with best arboricultural practices;","removing an invasive species (PDF) listed by the province or Invasive Species Council of BC;","removing a tree due to a documented emergency, such as imminent tree failure"]},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669735","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3531 (PDF)","section":"s. 7.1 and 8.1","quotes":["pursuant to the Hydro and Power Authority Act or the Pipeline Act;","if the Tree is in imminent danger of falling and injuring persons or property."]},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669753","title":"Fees Bylaw, 2025, No. 3524 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"Tree Protection Bylaw Permit Fees","quotes":["Tree Permit for Hazard Tree removal $0"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"$75 for a property not subject to a development approval; $300 for RS and RT zoned residential properties (no condition stated, likely with a development approval; confirm with the City); $720 for other properties with a development approval; $0 for hazard trees.","short":"$75 (no development approval)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669753","title":"Fees Bylaw, 2025, No. 3524 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"Tree Protection Bylaw Permit Fees","quotes":["Tree Permit for properties not subject to a development approval $75","Tree Permit for RS and RT zoned residential properties $300","Tree Permit for all properties (other than RS and RT zoned residential properties) subject to $720","Tree Permit for Hazard Tree removal $0"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":"Replacement trees are planted on the same lot: under 50 cm DBH, 1 medium or large (or 2 small); 50 cm or more, 2 (or 4 small); a protected tree on a lot with development approval, 2 (or 4 small); hazard tree, 1 (or 2). Security is $370 per tree on most lots ($740 for non-RS/RT lots with development approval).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669735","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3531 (PDF)","section":"s. 13.1-13.2","quotes":["the Owner must plant and maintain Replacement Trees on the same lot","Less than 50cm DBH 1 2","Equal to or greater 2 4 than 50cm DBH","A Protected Tree on a 2 4 property subject to Development Approval"]},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669753","title":"Fees Bylaw, 2025, No. 3524 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"Tree Protection Bylaw Permit Fees","quotes":["Replacement tree security and case-in-lieu for properties not subject to development $370"]},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/business-development-and-planning/development/development-application-process/tree-management-permits/","title":"Tree Management Permits, City of Port Moody","section":"Application process","quotes":["Cash-in-lieu may be considered only if planting is not feasible."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"Trees on parks, boulevards and street rights-of-way are City trees. Only City staff or agents may prune them without written approval. Removing one requires a permit and paying the City its cash value. Call Public Works at 604.469.4574.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669735","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3531 (PDF)","section":"s. 3.1, 6.2, 13.4(c)","quotes":["any Tree(s), including those Trees within a Hedge, on City owned, occupied, or leased property, including parks, greenspaces, walkways, medians, boulevards, and road rights of-way","No person other than a person employed by the City or its authorized agent shall Prune a City Tree, except if such a person received written approval from the City.","the Tree Permit holder shall compensate the City with the cash value in accordance with Schedule"]},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/trees/","title":"Trees, City of Port Moody","section":"Trees on public property","quotes":["Trees on public property are maintained by the City.","call Public Works at 604.469.4574."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: $1,000 for cutting, damaging or removing a protected tree without a permit (also for landmark or shared trees; $500 for disturbance in the root zone). In court: $1,000 to $50,000 per tree under 50 cm DBH, $3,000 to $50,000 for 50 cm or more.","short":"Ticket $1,000 per tree","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=514329","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 3218 (PDF)","section":"Schedule 2, Tree Protection Bylaw","quotes":["Protected Tree, a Protected Hedge,","Cut, Damage, or Remove a 6.1, 10.1 $1,000","Disturbance within the Protected 6.4 $500"]},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669735","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3531 (PDF)","section":"s. 17.3","quotes":["a penalty of at least $1,000.00, and not more than $50,000.00, for each offence arising from the Removal, loss, or death of a Tree, Protected Tree, or Protected Hedge with a DBH of less than 50cm","a penalty of at least $3,000.00, and not more than $50,000.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"City of Port Moody Tree Protection Bylaw, 2026, No. 3531","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669735","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3531 (PDF)","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["City of Port Moody Tree Protection Bylaw, 2026,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nPort Moody's [Tree Protection Bylaw 3531](https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669735) (replacing Bylaw 2961, adopted March 2026) requires a permit to remove:\n\n- a tree 30 cm DBH (diameter at breast height, measured 4.5 feet above the ground) or larger;\n- a tree 10 cm or larger in an environmentally sensitive area or riparian zone;\n- an arbutus, cascara, Pacific dogwood, Pacific yew, shore pine or western white pine 10 cm or larger;\n- a tree 10 cm or larger on a lot with a development application.\n\nReplacement and covenant trees are also covered, and dead or dying trees need a permit check. The bylaw's wording of \"Tree\" is narrower than the City's page, which states the 30 cm rule for any lot.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Measure the trunk's diameter 4.5 feet above the ground.\n2. Apply through the City's Tree Management Permits page; staff give payment instructions.\n3. Plant replacement trees on the same lot: under 50 cm DBH, 1 medium or large tree (or 2 small); 50 cm or more, 2 (or 4 small); a protected tree on a lot with development approval, 2 (or 4 small); hazard tree, 1 (or 2).\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Exempt: pruning to best arboricultural practices, invasive species, work under BC Hydro or provincial or federal authority, City crews, and emergency removal of a tree in imminent danger (report the next business day and apply for a permit).\n- A hazard tree (rated high or extreme risk by a TRAQ-qualified arborist) needs a permit but costs $0.\n- Replacement may be reduced or waived on lots with 35 to 45% or over 45% canopy cover.\n- Trees on parks, boulevards and street rights-of-way are City trees. Removing one needs a permit and payment of its cash value; call Public Works at 604-469-4574.\n- Unauthorized removal may mean doubled fees. A municipal ticket is $1,000 for cutting, damaging or removing a protected tree without a permit ($500 for root zone disturbance); in court the fine is $1,000 to $50,000 per tree under 50 cm DBH and $3,000 to $50,000 for 50 cm or more.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/business-development-and-planning/development/development-application-process/tree-management-permits/","title":"Tree Management Permits, City of Port Moody","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/trees/","title":"Trees, City of Port Moody","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669735","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3531 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=669753","title":"Fees Bylaw, 2025, No. 3524 (consolidated) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=514329","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw No. 3218 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/tree-removal.json"}}