---
title: View Royal tree removal rules and permits
question: "Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on my property?"
place: View Royal, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/view-royal
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: Town of View Royal
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/tree-removal/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/tree-removal.json"
---

# View Royal tree removal rules and permits

**Question:** Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on my property?

**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.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (Town of View Royal, https://www.viewroyal.ca)  
**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:**
- Phone: Engineering & Parks, 250-708-2258
- Email: Engineering & Parks, engineering@viewroyal.ca

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** 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. (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.)
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145), ss. 2.2, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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."
  - Source: [Tree Removal or Alterations, Tree Removal or Alterations page](https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/TreeRemoval.html)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Official Community Plan Bylaw 1180, 2026, Development Permit Areas: Natural Watercourse and Shoreline; Sensitive Terrestrial Ecosystems](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1180%20Official%20Community%20Plan%20Bylaw%20No.%201180,%202026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Alter lands, including soil disturbing activities and removing or altering vegetation;" … "DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA: SENSITIVE TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Exemptions:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145), ss. 4.5, 4.6](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** 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.
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw 958, consolidated to September 2026, Schedule A, Application for Permit - Tree Removal/Alteration](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/958%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20Sept%202026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw, Tree Protection Bylaw page](https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/discover/environment/tree-protection/tree-protection-bylaw.html)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Replacement trees:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145), ss. 5.10, 5.17, 5.18, 5.20, 5.21](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw, Tree Protection Bylaw page](https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/discover/environment/tree-protection/tree-protection-bylaw.html)
  - Official wording: "The replacement tree exemption for protected trees located within the building envelope, as approved under building plans/permits, has been removed"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **City trees:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145), ss. 2.2.12, 5.22.8](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Tree Removal or Alterations, Tree Removal or Alterations page](https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/TreeRemoval.html)
  - Official wording: "any tree growing on Town-owned property;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** 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.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 643 (PDF, to May 2026), Schedule 5](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/643%20MTI%20Bylaw%20No.%20643,%202007%20-%20May%202026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Cut/alter/damage protected tree 4.1.1 $1,000 to $50,000" … "Fail to plant replacement trees 5.17 – 5.18 $ 700.00"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145), ss. 7.1-7.3](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "not less than $1,000 and not more than $50,000." … "a separate offence is committed in respect of each Protected Tree."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Tree Protection Bylaw No. 1069, 2022 (as amended by Bylaw No. 1145)
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145), title](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "BYLAW NO. 1069 As amended by Bylaw No. 1145" … "Tree Protection Bylaw No. 1069, 2022"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under [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.

The Town's Tree Removal page says 30 cm DBH, but the bylaw says 20 cm. The bylaw is followed here; confirm with Engineering & Parks.

Separately, 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.

## Steps

1. Check whether your tree is protected, and whether it is on a steep slope or within 30 m of a watercourse.
2. Fill in the Tree Removal or Alteration Permit Application with a site plan.
3. Send it to Engineering & Parks. An arborist report may be required, and a geotechnical engineer's report for steep slopes.
4. Plant the required replacement trees within one year of the permit.

## Good to know

- 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.
- 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.
- A boundary tree needs a signed letter of consent from the neighbour.
- If two replacement trees per tree cannot be planted, the Director may accept $700 per replacement tree.
- 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.
- You can ask Council to reconsider a decision on a permit at no charge.

## What you'll need

- 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

## Official forms and pages

- [Tree Removal or Alteration Permit Application (PDF)](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Documents-Forms/Engineering/2024%20Tree%20Permit%20Application.pdf)
- [Tree Protection Bylaw 1069 (PDF)](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf)

## Related questions

- [View Royal secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/secondary-suite.md)
- [View Royal building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/building-permit.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md)
- [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/tree-removal.md)
- [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/tree-removal.md)
- [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/tree-removal.md)
- [Langford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/tree-removal.md)
- [Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/tree-removal.md)
- [Highlands](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/tree-removal.md)

## Sources

- [Tree Removal or Alterations, Town of View Royal](https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/business/permits-inspections/TreeRemoval.html) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Protection Bylaw 1069, 2022 (PDF, consolidated, as amended by Bylaw 1145)](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1069%20-%20Tree%20Protection%20Bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Protection Bylaw, Town of View Royal](https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/discover/environment/tree-protection/tree-protection-bylaw.html) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw 958, consolidated to September 2026 (PDF)](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/958%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20Consolidated%20to%20Sept%202026.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 643 (PDF, to May 2026)](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/643%20MTI%20Bylaw%20No.%20643,%202007%20-%20May%202026.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Official Community Plan Bylaw 1180, 2026 (PDF)](https://www.viewroyal.ca/assets/Town~Hall/Bylaws/1180%20Official%20Community%20Plan%20Bylaw%20No.%201180,%202026.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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Town of View Royal. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/tree-removal/_