{"title":"View Royal tree removal rules and permits","question":"Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on my property?","slug":"tree-removal","place":{"path":"ca/bc/view-royal","name":"View Royal","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":"Town of View Royal","url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca"},"short_answer":"Often yes. In the Town of View Royal you need a Tree Permit to cut or alter a Protected Tree: listed native species, any tree over 20 cm DBH, any tree on Town land, and trees on a steep slope or within 30 m of a watercourse. A regular request has no fee, but you usually plant 2 replacements per tree.","aliases":["tree permit view royal","cut down tree view royal","tree protection bylaw","garry oak arbutus","tree removal permit"],"cost":"No fee for a regular tree removal or alteration request. Priority processing $100; re-inspection $100. Replacement trees: 2 for each Protected Tree removed, or $700 per replacement tree if the Director accepts a fee instead. The Town may require security of 120% of the replacement cost.","how_long":"A Tree Permit expires 12 months after it is issued. Replacement trees are planted within one year of the permit. The Town does not state how long a permit takes to issue.","where":[{"type":"phone","label":"Engineering & Parks","value":"250-708-2258"},{"type":"email","label":"Engineering & Parks","value":"engineering@viewroyal.ca"}],"documents":["Tree Removal or Alteration Permit Application","Site plan showing trees, species, sizes and the reason for removal","Arborist report if the Director requires one","Neighbour's signed letter of consent for a boundary tree"],"forms":[{"title":"Tree Removal or Alteration Permit Application (PDF)","url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Documents-Forms/Engineering/2024%20Tree%20Permit%20Application.pdf"},{"title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 1069 (PDF)","url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"View Royal secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/secondary-suite/"},{"slug":"building-permit","title":"View Royal building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/esquimalt","name":"Esquimalt","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/colwood","name":"Colwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/victoria","name":"Victoria","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/langford","name":"Langford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/saanich","name":"Saanich","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/highlands","name":"Highlands","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/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 Permit is needed to cut or alter a Protected Tree: garry oak, arbutus, dogwood, yew, Douglas and grand fir, bigleaf maple, Sitka spruce, red cedar, shore pine, nest trees, trees on Town land, any tree over 20 cm DBH; also trees on steep slopes or within 30 m of a watercourse. In OCP watercourse, shoreline and sensitive ecosystem areas, removing vegetation needs a development permit.","short":"Yes, for protected trees (any tree over 20 cm DBH)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145)","section":"ss. 2.2, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4","quotes":["any Tree having a diameter greater than 20 centimeters D.B.H.; and","No person shall carry out any of the following activities without first obtaining a Tree Permit issued","Alter or Cut any Tree growing on a Steep Slope; or","No person shall Cut or Alter a Tree within 30 meters of a Watercourse without a Tree Permit."]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/TreeRemoval.html","title":"Tree Removal or Alterations, Town of View Royal","section":"Tree Removal or Alterations page","quotes":["Tree Permits are required for the removal or alteration of trees designated as a Protected Tree.","any tree having a diameter greater than 30cm D.B.H.; and"]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1180%20Official%20Community%20Plan%20Bylaw%20No.%201180,%202026.pdf","title":"Official Community Plan Bylaw 1180, 2026 (PDF)","section":"Development Permit Areas: Natural Watercourse and Shoreline; Sensitive Terrestrial Ecosystems","quotes":["Alter lands, including soil disturbing activities and removing or altering vegetation;","DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA: SENSITIVE TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The Town's Tree Removal page lists 30 cm DBH for large trees; the bylaw text (consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145) says 20 cm. The bylaw is followed here. Roots inside a Protected Root Zone are also covered (s. 4.1.2). The Tree Protection Bylaw page describes the watercourse setback as 30 m."},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":"No permit is needed for a tree that is not a Protected Tree, for cutting a branch under 10 cm in diameter, or for pruning a Protected Tree done by a Certified Arborist. Also exempt: Town work on its own trees, trees described in s. 50(1)(a)-(c) of the Community Charter, and utility work under provincial law. An owner may cut a Protected Tree severely damaged in the past 24 hours and in imminent danger of injuring people or property, but must contact the Director within one business day with photos.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145)","section":"ss. 4.5, 4.6","quotes":["a Tree Permit is not required under this Bylaw if the tree is not a Protected Tree;","Cutting of a Branch of a Protected Tree that is less than 10 centimeters in diameter;","Pruning of a Protected Tree if completed by a Certified Arborist.","Trees described in s. 50 (1) (a), (b) and (c) of the Community Charter;","has been severely damaged within the preceding 24-hour period; and","contact the Director within one Business Day of the Alteration or Cutting; and"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"No fee for a regular tree removal or alteration request ($0). Priority processing is $100 and a re-inspection is $100. If two replacement trees per removed tree cannot be planted, the Director may accept $700 per replacement tree.","short":"$0","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/958%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20Sept%202026.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw 958, consolidated to September 2026 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, Application for Permit - Tree Removal/Alteration","quotes":["As per Section 5.8.1 of Bylaw $0.00 tree No. 1069","Priority Processing Fee $100.00","applicant cannot comply with $700.00 per As per Section 5.21 of Bylaw","Re-inspection Fee $100.00"]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/discover/environment/tree-protection/tree-protection-bylaw.html","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw, Town of View Royal","section":"Tree Protection Bylaw page","quotes":["The replacement tree cost for cash-in-lieu (i.e. where a replacement tree cannot be accommodated on a property) has been increased from $500.00 to $700.00 per replacement"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":"Two replacement trees must be planted for each Protected Tree removed, within one year of the permit (or before occupancy if required by a development permit). The Town may require security of 120% of the cost of buying, planting and maintaining them for one year. If there is not room on the lot, a fee per tree may be accepted instead, or trees may be planted on Town property at the Director's discretion.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145)","section":"ss. 5.10, 5.17, 5.18, 5.20, 5.21","quotes":["For each one Protected Tree removed by a Tree Permit holder, two Replacement Trees shall be","security in the amount of 120% of the total cost of the purchase, planting and one","within one (1) year of Tree Permit issuance, or","If there is insufficient area on a Parcel to accommodate the required Replacement Trees"]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/discover/environment/tree-protection/tree-protection-bylaw.html","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw, Town of View Royal","section":"Tree Protection Bylaw page","quotes":["The replacement tree exemption for protected trees located within the building envelope, as approved under building plans/permits, has been removed"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"Any tree growing on Town-owned property is a Protected Tree, so private owners need a permit to cut or alter it. An owner whose lot abuts Town land may prune for aesthetic reasons only with the Director's permission, done by a Certified Arborist.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145)","section":"ss. 2.2.12, 5.22.8","quotes":["any Tree growing on Town-owned property;","Pruning for aesthetic reasons may be performed by an Owner whose Parcel abuts Town-owned","land with permission from the Director. This Pruning must be carried out by a Certified Arborist"]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/TreeRemoval.html","title":"Tree Removal or Alterations, Town of View Royal","section":"Tree Removal or Alterations page","quotes":["any tree growing on Town-owned property;"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: $1,000 to $50,000 for cutting, altering or damaging a Protected Tree; $1,000 for damaging roots, cutting on a steep slope or in a watercourse; $700 for failing to plant or maintain replacement trees. On conviction the bylaw fine is $1,000 to $50,000, with a separate offence for each tree and each day.","short":"Ticket $1,000 to $50,000","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/643%20MTI%20Bylaw%20No.%20643,%202007%20-%20May%202026.pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 643 (PDF, to May 2026)","section":"Schedule 5","quotes":["Cut/alter/damage protected tree 4.1.1 $1,000 to $50,000","Fail to plant replacement trees 5.17 – 5.18 $ 700.00"]},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145)","section":"ss. 7.1-7.3","quotes":["not less than $1,000 and not more than $50,000.","a separate offence is committed in respect of each Protected Tree."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Tree Protection Bylaw No. 1069, 2022 (as amended by Bylaw No. 1145)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145)","section":"title","quotes":["BYLAW NO. 1069 As amended by Bylaw No. 1145","Tree Protection Bylaw No. 1069, 2022"]}],"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\nUnder [Tree Protection Bylaw 1069](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf), the Town of View Royal requires a Tree Permit to cut or alter a Protected Tree. Protected Trees include garry oak, arbutus, dogwood, yew, Douglas and grand fir, bigleaf maple, Sitka spruce, western red cedar and shore pine, trees with a raptor, osprey or heron nest, any tree on Town land, and any tree over 20 cm DBH. A permit is also needed for a tree on a steep slope or within 30 m of a watercourse.\n\nThe Town's Tree Removal page says 30 cm DBH, but the bylaw says 20 cm. The bylaw is followed here; confirm with Engineering & Parks.\n\nSeparately, the Official Community Plan (Bylaw 1180) has development permit areas for watercourses and shorelines and for sensitive ecosystems. In those areas, removing or altering vegetation needs a development permit. Ask Planning if your lot is in one.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check whether your tree is protected, and whether it is on a steep slope or within 30 m of a watercourse.\n2. Fill in the Tree Removal or Alteration Permit Application with a site plan.\n3. Send it to Engineering & Parks. An arborist report may be required, and a geotechnical engineer's report for steep slopes.\n4. Plant the required replacement trees within one year of the permit.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No permit is needed for a tree that is not a Protected Tree, for cutting a branch under 10 cm in diameter, or for pruning a Protected Tree done by a Certified Arborist.\n- You may cut a Protected Tree that was severely damaged in the past 24 hours and is in imminent danger of injuring people or property. Contact the Director within one business day with photos.\n- A boundary tree needs a signed letter of consent from the neighbour.\n- If two replacement trees per tree cannot be planted, the Director may accept $700 per replacement tree.\n- Fines: a municipal ticket is $1,000 to $50,000 for cutting, altering or damaging a Protected Tree. Damaging roots, cutting on a steep slope or in a watercourse is $1,000. Failing to plant or maintain replacement trees is $700. On conviction the fine is $1,000 to $50,000, with a separate offence for each tree and each day.\n- You can ask Council to reconsider a decision on a permit at no charge.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/TreeRemoval.html","title":"Tree Removal or Alterations, Town of View Royal","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/discover/environment/tree-protection/tree-protection-bylaw.html","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw, Town of View Royal","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/958%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20Sept%202026.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw 958, consolidated to September 2026 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/643%20MTI%20Bylaw%20No.%20643,%202007%20-%20May%202026.pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 643 (PDF, to May 2026)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1180%20Official%20Community%20Plan%20Bylaw%20No.%201180,%202026.pdf","title":"Official Community Plan Bylaw 1180, 2026 (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/view-royal/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/tree-removal.json"}}