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

# Salmon Arm tree removal rules and permits

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

**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).

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Salmon Arm, https://www.salmonarm.ca)  
**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:**
- Phone: Planning (Development Services), 250-803-4000
- In person: City Hall, 500 2 Avenue NE, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** 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. (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).)
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), s. 2, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4-4.6, 5.4](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Exemptions:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), s. 3](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Application and Guide for Tree Cutting Permit, Tree Permits Guide, When is a tree permit not required](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/48)
  - Official wording: "These exemption provisions do not include:" … "trees located on a slope of 30%;" … "trees located within fifteen (15) metres of a"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** $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.
  - Source: [Fee for Services Bylaw No. 2498 (PDF, consolidated August 24, 2026), Schedule B, Appendix 7, s. 5 (Tree Cutting Permit Applications)](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2040)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), s. 5.2](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223)
  - Official wording: "accompanied by a non-refundable application fee as set out in the City’s Fee For Service"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Replacement trees:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), s. 5.6, 8.2, 8.4, 8.6](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Fee for Services Bylaw No. 2498 (PDF, consolidated August 24, 2026), Schedule B, Appendix 7, s. 5](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2040)
  - Official wording: "Section 8.6 Required Trees Density Target Fee (per tree required) $500.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **City trees:** 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.
  - Source: [Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 4609, s. 4.1(b)](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/152/4609-Parks-and-Open-Spaces)
  - Official wording: "deface, remove or otherwise damage any tree, shrub or other plant material"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), s. 3(c)](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223)
  - Official wording: "any tree on any park, highway or utility right-of-way either of the municipality or"
  - Source: [Traffic Bylaw No. 1971 (consolidated to August 24, 2026), Traffic Bylaw No. 1971, s. 612(1), (3)](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/170/Traffic-Bylaw-No-1971)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** 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.
  - Source: [Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 2760 (consolidated), Schedule 5, Schedule 16](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/222/2760-Bylaw---Ticket-Information-Utilization)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), s. 10.2, 10.4](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223)
  - Official wording: "Where more than one (1) tree is cut down, removed or damaged in violation of this"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** City of Salmon Arm Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), s. 15](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223)
  - Official wording: "City of Salmon Arm Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The [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.

## Steps

1. Check the exceptions below. If one covers you, no permit is needed.
2. 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.
3. The City may require security or replacement trees.

## Good to know

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.

## What you'll need

- 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

## Official forms and pages

- [Application and Guide for Tree Cutting Permit (PDF)](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/48)
- [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF)](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223)

## Related questions

- [Salmon Arm building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salmon-arm/building-permit.md)
- [Salmon Arm unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salmon-arm/unsightly-property.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md)

## Sources

- [Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4637 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/223) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Application and Guide for Tree Cutting Permit (PDF), City of Salmon Arm](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/48) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fee for Services Bylaw No. 2498 (PDF, consolidated August 24, 2026), City of Salmon Arm](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2040) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 2760 (PDF, consolidated), City of Salmon Arm](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/222) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 4609 (PDF), City of Salmon Arm](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/152) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 4609, City of Salmon Arm](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/152/4609-Parks-and-Open-Spaces) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Traffic Bylaw No. 1971 (consolidated to August 24, 2026)](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/170/Traffic-Bylaw-No-1971) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 2760 (consolidated), Schedule 5](https://www.salmonarm.ca/DocumentCenter/View/222/2760-Bylaw---Ticket-Information-Utilization) (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 Salmon Arm. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salmon-arm/tree-removal/_