Vancouver tree removal rules and permits
Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Vancouver?
Short answer
In Vancouver, get a permit before removing a private tree at least 20 centimetres in diameter, measured 1.4 metres above ground. Smaller trees may be protected if they are replacement trees or part of a development landscape plan.
Key facts
| When a permit is needed | In Vancouver, get a permit before removing a private tree at least 20 centimetres in diameter, measured 1.4 metres above ground.Protection of Trees By-law 9958, When you need a permit · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingYou need a permit to remove any tree on private property that has a diameter (width) of 20 centimetres or greater, measured at 1.4 metres above the ground. Note A tree trunk with a diameter of 20 centimetres will have a circumference of approximately 64 centimetres. |
|---|---|
| Exemptions | Smaller trees are usually exempt unless designated replacements or included in a new development’s landscape design.Protection of Trees By-law 9958, When you need a permit · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingYou don't need a permit to remove a tree that is smaller than 20 centimetres in diameter unless the tree was previously identified as a replacement tree, or is as part of a landscape design for a new development project. |
| Fee | The non-refundable application fee is $113 for the first tree in a 12-month period and $324 for each additional tree in the same period.Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958, Tree permit application fee, first and subsequent trees within 12 months; Get a tree removal permit | City of Vancouver, Tree permit application fee, first and subsequent trees within 12 months · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording(c) a non-refundable application fee of: (i) $113.00 for a tree permit to remove the first tree in a 12 month period, and (ii) $324.00 to remove each subsequent tree during that same 12 month period; ###### Fees: * First tree requested for removal in a 12-month period: $113 * Each additional tree requested for removal in the same 12-month period: $324 |
| Replacement trees | The City says it requires a replacement for a removed tree larger than 20 cm in diameter. Inspectors check required planting and condition.Get a tree removal permit | City of Vancouver, Steps 3 and 4, site inspection and replacement · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wording* Review the documentation provided with your application * Confirm that the site conditions match the plans and arborist reports * ### Step 4: Remove tree(s) and plant replacement trees, if required Note A replacement tree will be required to be planted for any removed tree that is larger than 20 centimetres diameter. * May have to plant replacement trees on your site (This is dependent on the number of trees that are approved for removal and the number of other trees that exist on the site.) Landscape inspectors will visit your site to ensure that any replacement trees required have been planted and remain in good condition. |
| City trees | Not confirmed. Checked Protection of Trees By-law 9958, Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958; not found there. |
| Fine | Not confirmed. Checked Protection of Trees By-law 9958, Get a tree removal permit, Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958; not found there. |
| Bylaw | Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958.Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958, Cover, Protection of Trees By-law · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09Official wordingCITY OF VANCOUVER BRITISH COLUMBIA PROTECTION OF TREES BY-LAW NO. 9958 This By-law is printed under and by authority of the Council of the City of Vancouver (Consolidated for convenience only to December 9, 2025)i |
How it works
Identify the tree and where it stands before arranging its removal. Mark the trunk on a sketch showing lot lines, the street, watercourses and any proposed construction. The applicable approval can depend on the location as well as the tree itself. Smaller trees are usually exempt unless designated replacements or included in a new development’s landscape design.
Steps
- For the local removal or planning process, consult Protection of Trees By-law 9958. Check the local tree or development-permit information for the property. If ownership or the boundary is uncertain, establish that first.
- Describe the reason for removal and whether you are applying as part of a building or subdivision project. Ask what evidence is required before relying on an exemption.
Good to know
- The City says it requires a replacement for a removed tree larger than 20 cm in diameter. Inspectors check required planting and condition.
- The non-refundable application fee is $113 for the first tree in a 12-month period and $324 for each additional tree in the same period.
- Find your Vancouver property on the City’s Digital Zoning Map and note its district.
- Keep a copy of any plan, assessment and written approval with the project records. If the scope changes from pruning to removal, ask about the work you now propose.
- For a question about the tree’s size, location and ownership and whether approval is required, call City Hall at 311. Identify the trunk on a site plan if the lot line is close.
- Read the applicable provisions in Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958 (PDF).
The same question in other places
Richmond · Burnaby · North Vancouver · District of North Vancouver · New Westminster · Delta
Sources
- Protection of Trees By-law 9958 (read 2026-11-09)
- Digital Zoning Map (read 2026-11-09)
- Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958 (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
- Get a tree removal permit | City of Vancouver (read 2026-11-09)
- Vancouver municipal office contact information (read 2026-11-09)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 2 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.