Slocan tree removal rules and permits
Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Slocan?
Slocan has no general tree-cutting bylaw. But in the Official Community Plan's development permit areas, removing trees for development needs a development permit first. Dead or dying trees can be removed without one. Ask the Village Office, 250-355-2277.
Key facts
| When a permit is needed | No general tree-cutting bylaw found. In an OCP development permit area (riparian, flood hazard, steep slopes, village core, gateways, mill and waterfront), a development permit is needed before stripping and grading, which includes removing trees, for development.https://drive.usercontent.google.com/download?id=1t2_2oHj4KGDx_Ro6Dil-2rEQ2_XtT5tg&export=download, OCP Bylaw 700, s. 6.2.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingStripping and grading, which includes removal of trees, vegetation, stripping and grading of land where any portion of the proposed development is located within any DPA. |
|---|---|
| Exemptions | The removal of dead or dying trees, pruning of undergrowth, and maintaining natural vegetation do not need a development permit.https://drive.usercontent.google.com/download?id=1t2_2oHj4KGDx_Ro6Dil-2rEQ2_XtT5tg&export=download, OCP Bylaw 700, s. 6.2.2(f) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingThe removal of dead or dying trees, pruning of undergrowth, supplementing or maintaining natural existing vegetation. |
| Fee | Development Permit application $200, plus costs of any advertising.Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 584, Schedule D · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingDevelopment Permit $200, plus costs of any advertising |
| Replacement trees | None set. Slocan's Official Community Plan sets no tree replacement rule. |
| City trees | Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. |
| Fine | Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. |
| Bylaw | No tree bylaw. Development permit areas are set in Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 700, 2022, s. 6.2.https://drive.usercontent.google.com/download?id=1t2_2oHj4KGDx_Ro6Dil-2rEQ2_XtT5tg&export=download, OCP Bylaw 700 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingVillage of Slocan Official Community Plan – Bylaw No. 700 GENERAL DPA POLICIES |
How it works
The Village of Slocan's Bylaws page lists no tree bylaw. The rule that can apply is in the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 700 (s. 6.2). In its development permit areas (riparian, flood hazard, steep slopes, village core, gateways, mill and waterfront), you need a development permit before stripping and grading, which includes removing trees, for development. Maps 7 to 10 on the Village's Maps page show the areas.
Steps
- Check the Maps page to see if your lot is in a development permit area.
- If it is, call the Village Office before removing trees for development.
- Apply for a development permit if staff confirm one is needed.
Good to know
- No development permit is needed to remove dead or dying trees, prune undergrowth or maintain natural vegetation (s. 6.2.2).
- A single-detached or two-unit dwelling needs no permit in the Village Core, Mill and Waterfront or Gateways areas (s. 6.2.3).
- Development permit application fee: $200, plus advertising costs (Fees and Charges Bylaw, Schedule D).
- The OCP only says the Village should consider a Tree Retention Policy; it sets no replacement rule.
- The sources read state no rules on boulevard or Village trees and no fine for tree removal. Ask the Village Office.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Sources
- Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 700, 2022 (PDF, Village-linked Google Drive file) (read 2026-11-08)
- Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 584, Schedule D (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
- Maps, Village of Slocan (read 2026-11-08)
- Bylaws, Village of Slocan (read 2026-11-08)
- https://drive.usercontent.google.com/download?id=1t2_2oHj4KGDx_Ro6Dil-2rEQ2_XtT5tg&export=download (read 2026-11-08)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set; 2 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.