Valemount tree removal rules and permits
Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Valemount?
Valemount has no tree bylaw and no stand-alone tree-cutting permit for private land that we could find. In a Development Permit Area, removing trees and vegetation for development needs a development permit first. Dead or dying trees are exempt.
Key facts
| When a permit is needed | No stand-alone tree-cutting permit for private land was found. In a Development Permit Area, a development permit is needed before stripping and grading, which includes removing trees and vegetation for development. The Environmental DPA (Map 6) covers land within 30 m of streams and slopes over 20%.Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 843, 2021, s. 7.2.1(c) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingStripping and Grading, which includes removal of trees, vegetation, stripping 7.3.4. All lands within 30 meters from the natural 7.3.9. Steep slopes, understood to be lands with a |
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| Exemptions | No development permit is needed for the removal of dead or dying trees, pruning of undergrowth, or supplementing or maintaining natural existing vegetation. Accessory buildings under 47 m² (500 ft²) are also exempt from a development permit.Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 843, 2021, s. 7.2.2(g), (b) · 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. Accessory buildings less than 47 |
| Fee | $200 for a development permit, where one is required.Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 869, 2023, Schedule F · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingPlanning and Development Fees Planning and Development Fee: Development Permit $200 Development Variance Permit $450 Temporary Use Permit $650 |
| Replacement trees | Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. |
| 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. Rules come through the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 843, 2021, section 7 (Development Permit Areas)Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 843, 2021, s. 7.2; Valemount - Document Center, Bylaw directory · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wording7.2. DPA REQUIREMENTS & EXEMPTIONS Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 843_CONSOLIDATED 2026 2026-02-09 |
How it works
The Village of Valemount has no tree bylaw. Its rules come through section 7 (Development Permit Areas) of the Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 843. In a Development Permit Area, a development permit is needed before stripping and grading, which includes removing trees and vegetation for development. The Environmental Development Permit Area covers land within 30 m of streams and slopes over 20%.
Steps
- Ask the Land Use Planner (planner@valemount.ca or 250.566.4435) whether your lot is in a Development Permit Area.
- If it is, apply for a development permit before removing trees.
- If it is not, no tree-cutting permit was found, but ask before you cut.
Good to know
- No development permit is needed to remove dead or dying trees, prune undergrowth, or supplement or maintain natural existing vegetation. Accessory buildings under 47 m² (500 ft²) are also exempt from a development permit.
- The Village's Good Neighbour Bylaw requires owners to remove trees that create a safety hazard.
- No replacement planting rule, rule for trees on Village land or boulevards, or fine for cutting trees without a permit was found. Ask the Village Office.
- The Official Community Plan copy on the Village site is marked as a draft on its map pages. Confirm the current version with the Village.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Clearwater · Wells · 100 Mile House · Barriere · Williams Lake · Quesnel
Sources
- Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 843, 2021 (PDF), Village of Valemount (read 2026-11-08)
- Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 869, 2023 (PDF), Village of Valemount (read 2026-11-08)
- Community Planning, Development and Subdivision, Village of Valemount (read 2026-11-08)
- Valemount - Document Center (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; 3 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.