{"title":"Surrey 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/surrey","name":"Surrey","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 Surrey","url":"https://www.surrey.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes, for protected trees. In the City of Surrey you need a Tree Cutting Permit to remove a tree 30 cm or more across at chest height (1.4 m), a replacement or development-condition tree, and some named species. Applying is free. The permit costs $108 plus $42 per tree, and you may have to plant two replacements.","aliases":["tree cutting permit surrey","tree bylaw surrey bc","remove tree on private property","tree protection bylaw 16100"],"cost":"Permit $108 plus $42 per protected tree (one tree $150, two trees $192); nothing is paid to apply. Replacement tree deposit $550 per tree ($1,100 for larger trees), mostly refundable. Fines of $50 to $20,000 per offence.","how_long":"The City reviews applications in order received, hazard trees first. The permit is valid for one year. No review time is stated.","where":[{"type":"email","label":"Tree cutting applications","value":"treebylaw@surrey.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Trees on private land","value":"604-591-4675"},{"type":"phone","label":"Trees on City land","value":"604-501-5050"},{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall secure drop box","value":"13450 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3T 1V8","note":"Main floor, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m."}],"documents":["Tree Cutting Permit Application Form signed by the registered owner","At least three colour photos (whole tree, defect, area at distance)","COSMOS map printout or sketch of the tree's location","Arborist report if applying for 5 or more trees or if requested"],"forms":[{"title":"Removing Trees","url":"https://www.surrey.ca/renovating-building-development/trees-yard-garden/removing-trees"},{"title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 16100","url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/16100"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"Surrey building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/langley","name":"Langley City","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/white-rock","name":"White Rock","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-westminster","name":"New Westminster","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-coquitlam","name":"Port Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/langley-township","name":"Township of Langley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley-township/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/coquitlam","name":"Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/tree-removal/"}],"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":"A Tree Cutting Permit is needed to cut or remove a protected tree: any tree 30 cm or more DBH (1.4 m), replacement or development-condition trees, riparian trees, specimen or significant trees, trees with raptor, osprey or heron nests, and Arbutus, Garry Oak, redwoods and Ginkgo 3 m tall (conifer) or 5 cm caliper (deciduous).","short":"Yes, for trees 30 cm or more DBH","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/16100","title":"Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100","section":"s. 1 \"protected tree\"","quotes":["any tree, including multi-stemmed trees, within the City, regardless of","having a D.B.H. of 30 centimetres [11.8 inches] or more","a tree located in a riparian area;","the following tree species where the tree is 3 metres [118.1 inches] or taller,","if coniferous, or a tree having a 5 centimetres [1.9 inches] or greater","No person shall cut, remove or damage any protected tree","a specimen quality tree; (f) a significant tree; (g) a tree with evidence of nesting or use by:"]},{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/renovating-building-development/trees-yard-garden/removing-trees","title":"Removing Trees, City of Surrey","section":"Tree removal requirements","quotes":["All trees that are at least 30 centimetres diameter at breast height.","The following tree species of any size:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City web page says the listed species need a permit 'of any size'; the Tree Protection Bylaw definition adds the 3 m / 5 cm size minimum. The bylaw is used. Applies on all private property in the City."},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":"Only protected trees are covered. Exempt: City cutting on City land, utility work under the Hydro and Power Authority Act or Oil and Gas Activities Act, and government, Metro Vancouver or school owners on their own land. A tree in imminent danger of falling from natural causes may be cut if no permit can be had first; report by the next business day.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/16100","title":"Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100","section":"ss. 3, 4, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 7","quotes":["This Bylaw applies to protected trees and to no other trees.","This Bylaw does not apply to trees on City-owned property or highways that are cut or","This Bylaw does not apply to trees on property owned by either the Government of","In the event that a protected tree is in imminent danger of falling and injuring persons or","In the event that a protected tree is in imminent danger of falling and injuring persons or property due to natural causes, and it is not possible to obtain a tree cutting permit prior to the tree falling, the owner may cut the tree"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"$108 base fee plus $42 for every protected tree removed on an existing residential lot with no subdivision (one tree $150, two trees $192). Higher per-lot or per-acre fees apply to subdivisions and development sites. The City says nothing is paid to apply; the fee is paid after approval.","short":"$108 plus $42 per protected tree","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/16100","title":"Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100","section":"s. 36","quotes":["the fee for tree cutting permit shall be a ONE HUNDRED and EIGHT ($108.00) DOLLARS base fee plus FORTY-TWO ($42.00) DOLLARS for every","the fee for tree cutting permit shall be a ONE HUNDRED and EIGHT ($108.00) DOLLARS base fee plus FORTY-TWO ($42.00) DOLLARS for every protected tree removed."]},{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/renovating-building-development/trees-yard-garden/removing-trees","title":"Removing Trees, City of Surrey","section":"Payment amount","quotes":["The tree cutting permit fee is $108, plus $42 per tree being removed.","if you were taking out a permit to remove one tree, your permit fee would be $150, for two trees it would be $192."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":"The City says you may be required to plant 2 replacement trees for each tree removed. A deposit of $550 per replacement tree (5 cm deciduous or 3 m conifer; $1,100 for 8 cm or 4 m) is held, with 50% returned after the first inspection and 50% a year later.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/renovating-building-development/trees-yard-garden/removing-trees","title":"Removing Trees, City of Surrey","section":"Replacing your tree","quotes":["For every tree you plan to remove, you may be required to plant 2 replacement trees.","The replacement tree deposit is $550 per tree.","50% of the replacement tree securities is eligible for release once an inspection is completed"]},{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/16100","title":"Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100","section":"s. 45","quotes":["FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ($550.00) DOLLARS, plus applicable taxes per","ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED ($1,100.00) DOLLARS, plus applicable taxes"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"Residents may not cut City trees (parks, boulevards, greenbelts); call 604-501-5050 to report one. Any tree on City property is a protected tree under the bylaw.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/renovating-building-development/trees-yard-garden/removing-trees","title":"Removing Trees, City of Surrey","section":"Learn if you can get a permit","quotes":["If the tree is a City tree, please call 604-501-5050 to report the tree. City-owned property includes parks, boulevards and greenbelts."]},{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/16100","title":"Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100","section":"s. 1 \"protected tree\"","quotes":["any tree located on City property."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw fine of $50 to $20,000 per offence. Bylaw notice for cutting, removing or damaging a tree: $450 ($400 if paid within 14 days, $500 late). Municipal ticket: $500.","short":"Notice $450 ($400 if paid in 14 days); ticket $500","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/16100","title":"Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100","section":"s. 10","quotes":["is liable to a fine of not less than","TWENTY THOUSAND ($20,000.00)"]},{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/18691","title":"Surrey Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 18691, Schedule A","section":"Schedule A, Part 1 (Tree Protection Bylaw)","quotes":["16100 6 Cut/remove/damage tree $450.00 $400.00 $500.00 Yes","4.1.2 the early payment amount set out in column A5 of Schedule A if payment is"]},{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/BYL_reg_12508.pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 12508 Schedule (PDF)","section":"Schedule (Tree Protection Bylaw)","quotes":["1. Cut/remove/damage tree 6 $500.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/16100","title":"Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as \"Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100\"."]}],"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 City of Surrey's [Tree Protection Bylaw 16100](https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/16100) applies on all private property in the City. A Tree Cutting Permit is needed to cut or remove a protected tree. Protected trees are:\n\n- any tree 30 cm or more across at 1.4 m (diameter at breast height);\n- trees planted as required replacements or as a condition of development;\n- riparian trees, and specimen or significant trees;\n- trees with raptor, osprey or heron nests;\n- Arbutus, Garry Oak, redwoods and Ginkgo that are at least 3 m tall (conifer) or 5 cm caliper (deciduous).\n\nOnly protected trees are covered. Residents may not cut City trees (parks, boulevards, greenbelts); call 604-501-5050 to report one.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check you qualify. The City accepts dead or declining trees, hazardous defects, trees that block servicing, trees within 2 m of the foundation, and trees that must go for construction. Shade, leaves, roots, moss or views do not qualify.\n2. Email the signed form, photos and map as attachments to treebylaw@surrey.ca, or use the City Hall drop box.\n3. After approval, pay the permit fee (call 604-591-4086 for a credit card, or mail a cheque) and the replacement deposit.\n4. Post the permit where it is visible from the street, then hire a qualified tree worker.\n5. Plant replacements and book inspections: 50% of the deposit is returned after the first, and 50% a year later.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The City says you may have to plant 2 replacement trees for each tree removed.\n- Active bird nests are protected, typically March 1 to August 31; a nesting survey may be required (birdsurvey@surrey.ca).\n- Fines: the bylaw sets $50 to $20,000 per offence. A bylaw notice for cutting, removing or damaging a tree is $450 ($400 if paid within 14 days, $500 late); a municipal ticket is $500. Each tree and each day is a separate offence.\n- A tree in imminent danger of falling from natural causes may be cut if no permit can be had first; report it by the next business day.\n- The City page says protected species need a permit \"of any size\", but the bylaw adds the 3 m or 5 cm minimum. Confirm with 604-591-4675 for small trees.\n- A denied applicant can appeal with a Level 3 tree risk assessment from an arborist.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/16100","title":"Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/renovating-building-development/trees-yard-garden/removing-trees","title":"Removing Trees, City of Surrey","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/bylaws/18691","title":"Surrey Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 18691, Schedule A","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.surrey.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/BYL_reg_12508.pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 12508 Schedule (PDF)","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/surrey/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/tree-removal.json"}}