Surrey tree removal rules and permits

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

Surrey, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

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.

Key facts

When a permit is needed	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).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.Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100, s. 1 "protected tree"; Removing Trees, Tree removal requirements · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording 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: All trees that are at least 30 centimetres diameter at breast height. The following tree species of any size:
Exemptions	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.Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100, ss. 3, 4, 5, 5.1, 5.2, 7 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording 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
Fee	$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.Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100, s. 36; Removing Trees, Payment amount · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording 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. 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.
Replacement trees	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.Removing Trees, Replacing your tree; Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100, s. 45 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording 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 FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ($550.00) DOLLARS, plus applicable taxes per ONE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED ($1,100.00) DOLLARS, plus applicable taxes
City trees	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.Removing Trees, Learn if you can get a permit; Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100, s. 1 "protected tree" · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording If the tree is a City tree, please call 604-501-5050 to report the tree. City-owned property includes parks, boulevards and greenbelts. any tree located on City property.
Fine	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.Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100, s. 10; Surrey Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 18691, Schedule A, Schedule A, Part 1 (Tree Protection Bylaw); Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 12508 Schedule, Schedule (Tree Protection Bylaw) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording is liable to a fine of not less than TWENTY THOUSAND ($20,000.00) 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 1. Cut/remove/damage tree 6 $500.00
Bylaw	Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100, s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 Official wording This Bylaw may be cited as "Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100".

How it works

The City of Surrey's Tree Protection Bylaw 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:

any tree 30 cm or more across at 1.4 m (diameter at breast height);
trees planted as required replacements or as a condition of development;
riparian trees, and specimen or significant trees;
trees with raptor, osprey or heron nests;
Arbutus, Garry Oak, redwoods and Ginkgo that are at least 3 m tall (conifer) or 5 cm caliper (deciduous).

Only protected trees are covered. Residents may not cut City trees (parks, boulevards, greenbelts); call 604-501-5050 to report one.

Steps

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.
Email the signed form, photos and map as attachments to treebylaw@surrey.ca, or use the City Hall drop box.
After approval, pay the permit fee (call 604-591-4086 for a credit card, or mail a cheque) and the replacement deposit.
Post the permit where it is visible from the street, then hire a qualified tree worker.
Plant replacements and book inspections: 50% of the deposit is returned after the first, and 50% a year later.

Good to know

The City says you may have to plant 2 replacement trees for each tree removed.
Active bird nests are protected, typically March 1 to August 31; a nesting survey may be required (birdsurvey@surrey.ca).
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.
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.
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.
A denied applicant can appeal with a Level 3 tree risk assessment from an arborist.

What you'll need

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

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Langley City · White Rock · New Westminster · Port Coquitlam · Township of Langley · Coquitlam

Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

Surrey Tree Protection Bylaw, 2006, No. 16100 (read 2026-11-05)
Removing Trees, City of Surrey (read 2026-11-05)
Surrey Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 18691, Schedule A (read 2026-11-05)
Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 12508 Schedule (PDF) (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. How answers are checked.