---
title: Sechelt tree removal rules and permits
question: "Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Sechelt?"
place: Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/sechelt
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Sechelt
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/tree-removal/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/tree-removal.json"
---

# Sechelt tree removal rules and permits

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

**Short answer:** In Sechelt you need a District permit to cut a Protected Tree (60 cm diameter or larger, nesting, covenant or marked to be retained) on lots of 1.0 ha or more, near creeks or the ocean, and any tree on slopes over 30%. The fee is $50 per tree for the first three.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Sechelt, https://www.sechelt.ca)  
**Cost:** $50 per tree for the first three trees, plus $10 for each additional tree. No application fee for a pruning permit.  
**How long:** The District's pages do not state a processing time.  
**Where:**
- Online: Tree Cutting Permit, District of Sechelt, https://www.sechelt.ca/business-and-development/planning-and-development/tree-cutting-permit/
- In person: Municipal Hall, 2nd Floor, 5797 Cowrie Street, Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (days of the week not stated on the page))
- Phone: Planning Department, 604-740-8459

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** A permit is needed for Protected Trees (60 cm diameter or larger, nesting, covenant or marked 'to be retained') on lots of 1.0 ha or more, within 30 m of Chapman or Gray Creek or 15 m of other watercourses or the ocean, and for any tree on slopes over 30%. Environmental and hazard Development Permit Areas (DPA 1 to 5) also need a development permit.
  - Source: [Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), ss. 3-4 and definition](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/kz1bwio4/484-2009-environmental-management-and-protection-bylaw-consolidation.pdf)
  - Official wording: "(a) All properties that are 1.0 hectares (2.47 acres) in size or greater;" … "(b) All trees within 30 metres of the natural boundary of Chapman Creek or Gray Creek" … "(c) All slopes that are 30% or greater." … "a) Any tree with a DBH of 60 cm or more;" … "(b) Cut down a tree on slopes greater than 30%" … "(c) All slopes that are 30% or greater."
  - Source: [Tree Cutting Permit](https://www.sechelt.ca/business-and-development/planning-and-development/tree-cutting-permit/)
  - Official wording: "You will need a permit if you are planning to cut, prune, top or remove Protected Trees."
  - Source: [Development Permits](https://www.sechelt.ca/business-and-development/planning-and-development/development-permits/)
  - Official wording: "Removal, alteration or cutting of trees or vegetation"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Exemptions:** The bylaw does not apply to: a single-family parcel under 1.0 ha that existed when the bylaw was adopted; ALR land; managed forest land; a dead, diseased, damaged or hazardous tree if the owner gives the Parks Foreman an arborist's certified statement; and public works and utility work. An owner may cut a severely damaged Protected Tree that is an imminent danger, and must notify the Parks Foreman within 72 hours.
  - Source: [Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), ss. 5, 9](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/kz1bwio4/484-2009-environmental-management-and-protection-bylaw-consolidation.pdf)
  - Official wording: "(a)A single-family residential parcel existing at the time of adoption of this bylaw with an area of less than 1.0 ha (2.47 acres);" … "(b) Land within the ALR;" … "the Parks Foreman must be notified by the owner no more than 72 hours after the removal"
  - Source: [Tree Cutting Permit](https://www.sechelt.ca/business-and-development/planning-and-development/tree-cutting-permit/)
  - Official wording: "For existing residential properties less than 1 ha. in size except if you are in a Development Permit Area" … "For emergency removal of hazard trees"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** $50 per tree for the first three trees, plus $10 for each additional tree. No application fee for a pruning permit.
  - Source: [Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), ss. 8(c), 15(a)](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/kz1bwio4/484-2009-environmental-management-and-protection-bylaw-consolidation.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Pay the permit application fee of $50.00 per tree for the first three (3) trees and $10.00 for each additional tree." … "There shall be no application fee under this section."
  - Source: [Tree Cutting Permit, Tree Cutting Permit Application Fee](https://www.sechelt.ca/business-and-development/planning-and-development/tree-cutting-permit/)
  - Official wording: "$50.00 per tree for the first three trees plus $10.00 for each additional tree."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Replacement trees:** When a permit requires replacement, each Protected Tree removed is replaced with the same number of trees on the same parcel (deciduous at least 11 cm caliper, coniferous at least 2.7 m tall, native species the District approves), with $200 security per tree. If an arborist certifies planting is not possible, $750 per tree not planted is paid instead.
  - Source: [Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), s. 14](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/kz1bwio4/484-2009-environmental-management-and-protection-bylaw-consolidation.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The owner shall replace the Protected Trees cut and removed with the same number of trees planted on the same parcel" … "a minimum caliper of 11 cm (4.5”) for any deciduous Replacement Tree and a minimum 2.7 m height (10 feet) for any coniferous Replacement Tree" … "pays the District $750 for each tree not planted" … "The owner shall provide to the District security in the amount of $200.00 for each tree to be planted and maintained;" … "When a replacement tree is required by permit:"
  - Source: [Tree Cutting Permit](https://www.sechelt.ca/business-and-development/planning-and-development/tree-cutting-permit/)
  - Official wording: "If replacement trees cannot be planted on the property $750 per tree must be provided in lieu."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **City trees:** District trees: submit an Online Service Request and the Parks team decides, under its Tree Limbing and Cutting Policy. In parks, the Parks Tree Protection Bylaw No. 436, 2005 says no person shall cut or prune a tree within a park.
  - Source: [Tree Care and Removals, Trees on District of Sechelt Property](https://www.sechelt.ca/living-here/trees-and-plants/tree-care-and-removals/)
  - Official wording: "If there is a tree, on our property, that you feel requires attention please complete an Online Service Request." … "No person shall cut, cause, permit or allow the cutting or pruning of a tree within a park."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Municipal ticket (Bylaw 491): $1,000 per tree for damaging a Protected Tree (s. 4(a)), for cutting a tree on a slope over 30%, and for topping or pruning a tree over 10 cm without a permit. $750 (then $1,000 for each additional offence) for root, equipment, soil or blasting offences. Cutting in a park: $1,000.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 491, 2010 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), Appendix 10 (Bylaw 484)](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/sghjjzsn/491-2010-municipal-ticket-information-consolidation.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Damage or allow to be damaged and protected 4(a) $1,000.00 each tree" … "Cut down a tree on slopes greater than 30% 4(b) $1,000.00 each tree" … "Top or prune a Protected Tree which is greater 7 $1,000.00 each tree" … "$750.00 and $1,000.00" … "for each additional" … "Cut or prune tree in a designated Park 3. $1,000.00"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 491, 2010 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), Appendix 5](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/sghjjzsn/491-2010-municipal-ticket-information-consolidation.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Cut or prune tree in a designated Park 3. $1,000.00"
  - Source: [Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), s. 18](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/kz1bwio4/484-2009-environmental-management-and-protection-bylaw-consolidation.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Every person who commits an offence against this bylaw is subject to a fine as per the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 491, 2010 and its amendments."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** District of Sechelt Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009
  - Source: [Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009 (PDF, consolidated March 2026), s. 1](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/kz1bwio4/484-2009-environmental-management-and-protection-bylaw-consolidation.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “District of Sechelt Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009”."
  - Source: [Tree Cutting Permit](https://www.sechelt.ca/business-and-development/planning-and-development/tree-cutting-permit/)
  - Official wording: "District of Sechelt Environmental Management Bylaw No. 484"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The District of Sechelt protects trees through the [Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw 484](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/kz1bwio4/484-2009-environmental-management-and-protection-bylaw-consolidation.pdf). A permit is needed for Protected Trees (60 cm diameter or larger, nesting, covenant or marked "to be retained") on lots of 1.0 ha or more, within 30 m of Chapman or Gray Creek or 15 m of other watercourses or the ocean, and for any tree on slopes over 30%. Pruning a branch over 10 cm in diameter of a Protected Tree also needs a permit.

The Environmental and hazard Development Permit Areas (DPA 1 to 5) also need a development permit.

## Steps

1. Check your lot size, slope and distance from water, and whether you are in a Development Permit Area (zoning-lookup answer).
2. Apply for a tree cutting permit through the District's Tree Cutting Permit page, or call Planning (604-740-8459).
3. If the permit requires replacement, plant the trees and give the security (see below).

## Good to know

- Not covered by the bylaw: a single-family parcel under 1.0 ha that existed when the bylaw was adopted; ALR land; managed forest land; public works and utility work; and a dead, diseased, damaged or hazardous tree if you give the Parks Foreman an arborist's certified statement. The District's page says a permit may not be required on small existing residential lots unless you are in a Development Permit Area.
- A severely damaged Protected Tree that is an imminent danger may be cut; notify the Parks Foreman within 72 hours.
- Replacement: each Protected Tree removed is replaced with the same number of trees on the same parcel (deciduous at least 11 cm caliper, coniferous at least 2.7 m tall, native species the District approves), with $200 security per tree. If an arborist certifies planting is not possible, $750 per tree not planted is paid instead.
- Fines (municipal ticket): $1,000 per tree for damaging a Protected Tree, for cutting a tree on a slope over 30%, and for topping or pruning a tree over 10 cm without a permit. Cutting in a park: $1,000.
- Trees on District property: submit an Online Service Request and the Parks team decides. No one may cut or prune a tree within a park.

## Official forms and pages

- [Tree Cutting Permit, District of Sechelt](https://www.sechelt.ca/business-and-development/planning-and-development/tree-cutting-permit/)
- [Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009 (PDF)](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/kz1bwio4/484-2009-environmental-management-and-protection-bylaw-consolidation.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Sechelt zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Sechelt building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/building-permit.md)
- [Sechelt yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/yard-waste.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md)
- [Gibsons](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/gibsons/tree-removal.md)
- [Bowen Island](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/bowen-island/tree-removal.md)
- [Lantzville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/tree-removal.md)
- [Nanaimo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/tree-removal.md)
- [Lions Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lions-bay/tree-removal.md)
- [West Vancouver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-vancouver/tree-removal.md)

## Sources

- [Environmental Management and Protection Bylaw No. 484, 2009 (PDF, consolidated March 2026)](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/kz1bwio4/484-2009-environmental-management-and-protection-bylaw-consolidation.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Tree Cutting Permit, District of Sechelt](https://www.sechelt.ca/business-and-development/planning-and-development/tree-cutting-permit/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Development Permits, District of Sechelt](https://www.sechelt.ca/business-and-development/planning-and-development/development-permits/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Tree Care and Removals, District of Sechelt](https://www.sechelt.ca/living-here/trees-and-plants/tree-care-and-removals/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 491, 2010 (PDF, consolidated March 2026)](https://www.sechelt.ca/media/sghjjzsn/491-2010-municipal-ticket-information-consolidation.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Contacts Directory, District of Sechelt](https://www.sechelt.ca/contacts-directory/) (read 2026-11-06)

_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 District of Sechelt. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/tree-removal/_