Smithers tree removal rules and permits

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

Smithers, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

Short answer

In Smithers, no tree may be cut in a development permit area until a development permit is issued. In the Natural Environment and Hazardous Lands area a permit is needed to cut more than 2 trees a calendar year. The permit application fee is $30 for the first 3 trees.

Key facts

When a permit is needed	Land in a development permit area: no tree may be cut before a development permit is issued. Natural Environment and Hazardous Lands: a permit is needed to cut more than 2 trees a calendar year. No cutting within 15 m of a watercourse (limited exceptions). Protected trees (over 6 cm) on urban land: only as directed by the Town, except on urban lots under 2,000 m².Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365, 2001 (consolidated to January 23, 2020), s. 1(i), 1(m), s. 3(a), 3(c), s. 4, s. 5(a) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Any tree having a diameter greater than 6 (2.4 inches) No person shall cut down a protected tree growing on urban land No person shall cut down a tree growing on any land designated as No person shall cut down a tree growing within 15 (49.21 feet) metres of No person shall without first obtaining a permit cut down more than 2 Growing on an urban lot less than 2,000 (21,528 sq feet) sq
Exemptions	Not covered by the Town-direction rule (s. 3(a)): protected trees on urban lots under 2,000 m²; on larger lots, trees removed for a building, driveway, required parking, septic or utilities; trees allowed by a development permit. These do not override the development permit area, 15 m watercourse or steep-slope rules. Dead, dying or unstable trees: no-charge permit (s. 11). Emergency removal of a storm-damaged tree about to fall: no permit (s. 12).Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365, 2001 (consolidated to January 23, 2020), s. 3(b), s. 12 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Growing on an urban lot less than 2,000 (21,528 sq feet) sq Required for the construction or installation of a driveway, required off-street Permitted by an approved Development Permit issued by the The tree or limb of the tree has been severely damaged by a natural cause, The tree or limb of the tree is in imminent danger of falling and The tree is dead, dying, severely damaged, unstable or severely leaning and in danger of falling, or There shall be no charge for a permit issued under this section.
Fee	$30 for the first 3 trees and $5 for each additional tree (non-refundable application fee). No fee for a permit to cut or prune a dead, dying, damaged or hazardous tree.Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003, Section 7, Section 7, Tree Removal Permits; Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365, 2001 (consolidated to January 23, 2020), s. 11(c) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Application Fee for the First 3 Trees $30.00 Application for Each Additional Tree $5.00 There shall be no charge for a permit issued under this section.
Replacement trees	Anyone who cuts or damages a tree against the bylaw or a permit must plant a replacement of the same species in about the same place (size and timing set by the Town), maintain it, and give security of 120% of the cost of replacing and maintaining it for 3 years.Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365, 2001 (consolidated to January 23, 2020), s. 13 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Plant a replacement tree of the same species in approximately the Provide to the municipality security in the amount of 120% of the
City trees	Protected trees on Town land (parks, the Perimeter Trail, highways) cannot be cut unless directed by the Town's Director of Operational Services. In parks, no one may cut down, top, deface or remove any trees, or plant a tree without the Director's authorization.Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365, 2001 (consolidated to January 23, 2020), s. 1(m), s. 3(a); Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 2007, s. 3.3(b), (c) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording all public lands owned by the Town of Smithers including No person shall cut down a protected tree growing on urban land Destroy, damage, cut down, top, deface or remove any trees. Plant any tree, sapling, shrub, flower, or other vegetation unless authorized to
Fine	Bylaw notice: $400 ($200 if paid within 14 days; $500 after 28 days) for unauthorized removal of a protected tree, failing to obtain a permit, and similar offences. Court: a fine of not less than $500 for each tree cut or damaged (first offence), not less than $1,000 for each later offence.Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2011, Schedule A, Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365; Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365, 2001 (consolidated to January 23, 2020), s. 16(a) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording Unauthorized removal of protected tree 3(a) 400.00 200.00 500.00 NO Fail to obtain permit 5(a) 400.00 200.00 500.00 YES fine of not less than $500.00 for each tree unlawfully cut down or fine of not less than $1,000.00 for each tree unlawfully cut down or damaged.
Bylaw	Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365, 2001 (consolidated to January 23, 2020)Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365, 2001 (consolidated to January 23, 2020), Title and s. 17; Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365, 2001 (consolidated to January 23, 2020), Cover · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording TREE PRESERVATION BYLAW NO. 1365, 2001 Consolidated to January 23, 2020

How it works

The Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 1365 is from 2001 (consolidated to January 23, 2020) and still refers to older zoning and OCP bylaws, so confirm current details with the Town.

Development permit area: no tree may be cut before a development permit is issued.
Natural Environment and Hazardous Lands area: a permit is needed to cut more than 2 trees in a calendar year.
Watercourses: no cutting within 15 m of a watercourse, with limited exceptions.
Protected trees (over 6 cm) on urban land: removal only as the Town directs, except on urban lots under 2,000 m². "Urban land" includes that area plus all Town land (parks, the Perimeter Trail, highways).

On larger lots the Town-direction rule does not cover trees removed for a building, driveway, required parking, septic or utilities, or trees allowed by a development permit. Those exemptions do not override the development permit area, 15 m watercourse or steep-slope rules.

Steps

Call 250-847-1600 to find out whether your property is in a development permit area.
Apply for a permit with a plan showing the location, species and diameter of the trees. Flag or paint the trees.
Pay the application fee ($30 for the first 3 trees, $5 for each additional tree).
For a dead, dying, unstable or hazardous tree, ask for the no-charge permit. If a storm-damaged tree is about to fall, it can be removed without a permit.

Good to know

Anyone who cuts or damages a tree against the bylaw or a permit must plant a replacement of the same species in about the same place, maintain it, and give security of 120% of the cost of replacing and maintaining it for 3 years.
Town trees: protected trees on Town land cannot be cut unless the Director of Operational Services directs it. In parks, no one may cut, top, deface or remove trees without the Director's authorization (Parks and Open Spaces Bylaw No. 2007).
The Town can order owners to trim or remove hazardous trees within 5 days of notice, or do it at the owner's cost.
Penalties: the bylaw notice Penalty amount is $400 (check the amount on your notice). In court, the fine is not less than $500 for each tree cut or damaged, and not less than $1,000 for each later offence.