{"title":"Salmon Arm 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/salmon-arm","name":"Salmon Arm","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 Salmon Arm","url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca"},"short_answer":"In Salmon Arm you need a City tree cutting permit to cut or damage a tree with a trunk circumference of 30 cm or more, measured 1.5 m above the ground, unless an exception applies. On residential parcels you can remove 3 trees a year without a permit (more on larger parcels).","aliases":["tree cutting permit salmon arm","tree bylaw salmon arm","remove tree salmon arm","tree protection bylaw 4637"],"cost":"Permit application (non-refundable): $50 for 1 to 5 trees, $75 for 6 to 10, $100 for 11 to 20, $250 for over 20.","how_long":"A permit lasts one year. The City's pages do not state a processing time.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Planning (Development Services)","value":"250-803-4000"},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall","value":"500 2 Avenue NE, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2"}],"documents":["Current title search","Scaled sketch plan marking trees to cut (red) and trees to keep within 30 m (green)","Reports from a geotechnical or environmental professional if the trees are on a steep slope or near a watercourse"],"forms":[{"title":"Application and Guide for Tree Cutting Permit (PDF)","url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/48"},{"title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF)","url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Salmon Arm building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salmon-arm/building-permit/"},{"slug":"unsightly-property","title":"Salmon Arm unsightly property rules and how to report","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salmon-arm/unsightly-property/"}],"nearby":[],"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":"Yes, for any tree with a trunk circumference of 30 cm or more measured 1.5 m above the ground, unless an exception applies. Landscape Trees listed in the bylaw's Schedule A need a permit that only Council can issue. Reports are required for trees on slopes over 30%, within 15 m of a watercourse's top of bank, or in the 1:200-year floodplain.","short":"Yes, trunk circumference of 30 cm or more","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm","section":"s. 2, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4-4.6, 5.4","quotes":["This Bylaw applies to all trees within the City, having a minimum trunk circumference of","30.0 centimetres (cm), when measured at 1.5 metres (m) above the level of the natural ground.","No tree may be cut, removed or damaged except where its’ Owner holds a valid and subsisting Permit to do so, or where excepted subject to Section 3 of this Bylaw.","only Council may issue a Permit.","No tree on land with a slope in excess of thirty per cent (30%) may be cut down,","No tree located within fifteen (15) metres of the Top of Bank of a Watercourse may","No tree located within the 1:200 year Floodplain may be cut down, removed or"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"'Damage' includes pruning a limb larger than 5% (conifers) or 15% (broadleaf) of the trunk diameter (s. 4.2). The City's tree permit guide says a permit is not required for trees under 31.5 cm circumference, which differs slightly from the bylaw's 30 cm; the bylaw is followed here. Permit lasts one year (s. 5.5)."},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":"Hazard trees (certified arborist or tree risk assessor); farm-use clearing (with affidavit); trees authorized by a building, development or subdivision approval; FireSmart removals; and on residential parcels 3 trees a year (6 over 1,500 m², up to 0.4 ha; 12 per hectare, max 100, if larger). The City's guide says those residential limits do not cover trees on slopes of 30% or within 15 m of a watercourse.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm","section":"s. 3","quotes":["any tree that constitutes a danger or hazard to persons or property, as determined","by a Certified Tree Risk Assessor or Certified Arborist;","the cutting down and removal of trees is necessary to accommodate the agricultural","no more than three (3) trees in any calendar year;","no more than six (6) trees in any calendar year;","the removal of no more than 12 trees per hectare in any calendar year, to a maximum of 100","construction of a building, structure, off-street vehicular parking area or","any tree on any park, highway or utility right-of-way either of the municipality or"]},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/48","title":"Application and Guide for Tree Cutting Permit (PDF), City of Salmon Arm","section":"Tree Permits Guide, When is a tree permit not required","quotes":["These exemption provisions do not include:","trees located on a slope of 30%;","trees located within fifteen (15) metres of a"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"$50 for 1 to 5 trees, $75 for 6 to 10, $100 for 11 to 20, $250 for over 20. The application fee is non-refundable.","short":"$50 for 1 to 5 trees ($75 for 6 to 10)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2040","title":"Fee for Services Bylaw No. 2498 (PDF, consolidated August 24, 2026), City of Salmon Arm","section":"Schedule B, Appendix 7, s. 5 (Tree Cutting Permit Applications)","quotes":["g) Final Approval - Including Subdivision Plan Signing Fee $500.00 5. Tree Cutting Permit Applications a) 1-5 Trees $50.00 b) 6-10 Trees $75.00 c) 11-20 Trees $100.00","5. Tree Cutting Permit Applications a) 1-5 Trees $50.00 b) 6-10 Trees $75.00 c) 11-20 Trees $100.00 d) Over 20 $250.00","a) 1-5 Trees $50.00 b) 6-10 Trees $75.00 c) 11-20 Trees $100.00 d) Over 20 $250.00 Section 8.6 Required Trees Density Target Fee (per tree required) $500.00"]},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm","section":"s. 5.2","quotes":["accompanied by a non-refundable application fee as set out in the City’s Fee For Service"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":"If trees are cut against the bylaw, the City may order replacement: 2 trees for a 30-45 cm circumference tree, 3 for 45.1-60 cm, 5 for over 60 cm, each at least 2.0 m tall. New homes, multi-family development and subdivisions must meet a parcel tree-density target (2 to 30+ trees by parcel size) or pay $500 per required tree. Permits may require security.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm","section":"s. 5.6, 8.2, 8.4, 8.6","quotes":["30 to 45.0 centimetres 2 replacement trees with a minimum","45.1 to 60 centimetres 3 replacement trees with a minimum","Over 60 centimetres 5 replacement trees with a minimum","security in the form of a cash deposit or letter of credit to secure the full amount","by paying an amount to the City (with the consent of the City ) in the amount"]},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2040","title":"Fee for Services Bylaw No. 2498 (PDF, consolidated August 24, 2026), City of Salmon Arm","section":"Schedule B, Appendix 7, s. 5","quotes":["Section 8.6 Required Trees Density Target Fee (per tree required) $500.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"No one may deface, remove or damage any tree, shrub or plant in a City park or open space. Trees on parks, highways and utility rights-of-way are outside the Tree Protection Bylaw. On a boulevard, the adjacent owner or occupier maintains its plants and trees (unless the City does) and must keep it free of obstructions to sightlines.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/152/4609-Parks-and-Open-Spaces","title":"Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 4609, City of Salmon Arm","section":"s. 4.1(b)","quotes":["deface, remove or otherwise damage any tree, shrub or other plant material"]},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm","section":"s. 3(c)","quotes":["any tree on any park, highway or utility right-of-way either of the municipality or"]},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/170/Traffic-Bylaw-No-1971","title":"Traffic Bylaw No. 1971 (consolidated to August 24, 2026)","section":"Traffic Bylaw No. 1971, s. 612(1), (3)","quotes":["occupier of the property adjacent to a Boulevard shall be responsible for regular maintenance of plants, trees, lawn, shrubs or vegetation within that Boulevard.","shall ensure no obstructions exist within the Boulevard which may negatively affect sightlines,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: $500 for cutting a tree without a permit; $250 to damage a tree; $1,000 to cut or damage a Landscape Tree; $500 on a slope over 30%; $750 within 15 m of a watercourse's top of bank or in the floodplain. Each tree is a separate offence.","short":"Ticket $500","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/222/2760-Bylaw---Ticket-Information-Utilization","title":"Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 2760 (consolidated), Schedule 5","section":"Schedule 16","quotes":["Cut Tree without Permit 4.1 $500.00","Damage Tree 4.2 $250.00","Cut or damage Landscape tree 4.3 $1,000.00","Cut tree on slope in excess of 30% 4.4 $500.00","Cut tree within 15 metres of Top of Bank of Watercourse 4.5 $750.00"]},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm","section":"s. 10.2, 10.4","quotes":["Where more than one (1) tree is cut down, removed or damaged in violation of this"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"City of Salmon Arm Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm","section":"s. 15","quotes":["City of Salmon Arm Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637"]}],"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\nThe [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223) requires a permit to cut, remove or damage a protected tree. Damage includes pruning a limb larger than 5% (conifers) or 15% (broadleaf) of the trunk diameter. Landscape Trees listed in the bylaw's Schedule A need a permit that only Council can issue. Reports are required for trees on slopes over 30%, within 15 m of a watercourse's top of bank, or in the 1:200-year floodplain. A permit lasts one year.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check the exceptions below. If one covers you, no permit is needed.\n2. If not, complete the [tree cutting permit application](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/48) with the title search, sketch plan, fee and any professional reports.\n3. The City may require security or replacement trees.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No permit for: hazard trees (certified arborist or tree risk assessor), farm-use clearing (with affidavit), trees authorized by a building, development or subdivision approval, and FireSmart removals.\n- Residential parcels: 3 trees a year, 6 over 1,500 m² (up to 0.4 ha), or 12 per hectare (maximum 100) if larger. The City's guide says these limits do not cover trees on slopes of 30% or within 15 m of a watercourse.\n- The City's tree guide says no permit is needed under 31.5 cm circumference; the bylaw says 30 cm and is followed here. Confirm with Planning.\n- Replacement: 2 trees for a 30 to 45 cm circumference tree, 3 for 45.1 to 60 cm, 5 for over 60 cm, each at least 2.0 m tall.\n- New homes, multi-family development and subdivisions must meet a parcel tree-density target (2 to 30+ trees by parcel size) or pay $500 per required tree.\n- City trees: no one may deface, remove or damage any tree, shrub or plant in a City park or open space. On a boulevard, the adjacent owner or occupier maintains its plants and trees (unless the City does). The bylaw does not otherwise cover trees on parks, highways and utility rights-of-way.\n- Municipal tickets: $500 for cutting a tree without a permit; $250 to damage a tree; $1,000 for a Landscape Tree; $500 on a slope over 30%; $750 within 15 m of a watercourse's top of bank or in the floodplain. Each tree is a separate offence. The City's guide says a court fine can reach $2,000 per offence.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/48","title":"Application and Guide for Tree Cutting Permit (PDF), City of Salmon Arm","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2040","title":"Fee for Services Bylaw No. 2498 (PDF, consolidated August 24, 2026), City of Salmon Arm","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/222","title":"Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 2760 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/152","title":"Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 4609 (PDF), City of Salmon Arm","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/152/4609-Parks-and-Open-Spaces","title":"Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 4609, City of Salmon Arm","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/170/Traffic-Bylaw-No-1971","title":"Traffic Bylaw No. 1971 (consolidated to August 24, 2026)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/222/2760-Bylaw---Ticket-Information-Utilization","title":"Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 2760 (consolidated), Schedule 5","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/salmon-arm/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salmon-arm/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salmon-arm/tree-removal.json"}}