{"title":"White Rock tree removal rules and permits","question":"Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property?","slug":"tree-removal","place":{"path":"ca/bc/white-rock","name":"White Rock","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":"City of White Rock","url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca"},"short_answer":"Usually yes. In the City of White Rock you need a Tree Management Permit to cut or remove a protected tree on any private land: a trunk 20 cm or more across (measured 1.4 m above ground), or any Arbutus, Garry Oak or Pacific Dogwood of any size. A tree permit is also needed with any building or demolition permit.","aliases":["tree permit white rock","tree bylaw white rock","cut down tree white rock","tree cutting permit white rock","neighbour tree white rock"],"cost":"Type 1 (dead or high-risk tree): no fee. Type 2 (unwanted tree): $558. Type 3 (with a building or demolition permit): $1,163. You also pay for the survey, arborist report and plans, and replacement tree security is separate.","how_long":null,"where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Planning and Development Services, City Hall","value":"15322 Buena Vista Avenue, White Rock, BC V4B 1Y6","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"phone","label":"Tree Preservation Official","value":"604-541-2143"},{"type":"email","label":"Tree Preservation Official","value":"treebylaw@whiterockcity.ca"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Tree Management Permits","url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1273/Tree-Management-Permits"},{"title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF)","url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit","title":"White Rock building permits: when you need one and how to apply","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/building-permit/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/surrey","name":"Surrey","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/langley","name":"Langley City","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/langley-township","name":"Township of Langley","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley-township/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/delta","name":"Delta","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/delta/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-westminster","name":"New Westminster","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/tree-removal/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burnaby","name":"Burnaby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/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 Management Permit is needed to cut or remove a protected tree on any private land in the City. Protected means a trunk 20 cm or more across (measured 1.4 m above ground), any Arbutus, Garry Oak or Pacific Dogwood of any size, a replacement tree planted under a permit, or a tree with raptor or listed-bird nests. Also needed with any building or demolition permit.","short":"Yes, for trees 20 cm or more across","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 1, “protected tree”","quotes":["a tree with a DBH of 20cm or greater;","an Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii), Garry Oak (Quercus garryana), or Pacific Dogwood"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1273/Tree-Management-Permits","title":"Tree Management Permits, City of White Rock","section":"When You Need a Permit","quotes":["A Tree Management Permit is required to cut or remove protected tree(s) on private property if:","You are applying for a demolition or building permit."]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/324/Private-Trees","title":"Trees on private property, City of White Rock","section":"Cutting & Removing Trees","quotes":["This bylaw applies to all private land in the City"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"exemptions":{"label":"Exemptions","value":"No permit is needed to prune a protected tree following sound arboricultural practice (no topping, no removal of over 25% of the crown in a season, no crown-raising below 65% live crown, no structural root pruning). A tree in imminent danger of falling from natural causes may be cut, but report it the next business day and leave it on site until the City inspects. No permit if City staff confirm no protected trees are on the lot.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 5 s. 5","quotes":["A Tree Management Permit is not required for the pruning of a protected tree provided that the"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 3 s. 3","quotes":["shall not remove the tree from the property until the City has visited the property"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 5 s. 1","quotes":["A Tree Management Permit is not required if it"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 2 s. 2","quotes":["This Bylaw does not apply to protected trees that are cut, removed or damaged, pursuant to the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Type 1 (dead or high-risk tree): no fee. Type 2 (unwanted tree): $558. Type 3 (with a demolition or building permit): $1,163. The applicant also pays for the survey, arborist report and plans.","short":"$558 (unwanted tree); no fee for dead or high-risk","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 7 s. 1","quotes":["There are no fees for a Type 1 Tree Management Permit."]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/12092/Bylaw-2554---2026-Fees-and-Charges-Bylaw","title":"2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw 2554 (PDF), City of White Rock","section":"Sch. A, Permit Application Fees","quotes":["Tree Management Permit – Type 3 $1,163.00","Tree Management Permit – Type 2 $558.00"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/324/Private-Trees","title":"Trees on private property, City of White Rock","section":"Cost","quotes":["The costs of all survey work, arborist's reports and coordinated site development plans will be borne by the applicants."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"replacement":{"label":"Replacement trees","value":"Type 1 permits need no replacement trees. For Type 2 and 3: two replacement trees for a tree under 50 cm across, rising to six for one over 85 cm. Security is $1,500 per replacement tree. Deciduous replacements need a 6 cm caliper, conifers 3 m height.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 6, Type 1","quotes":["No replacement tree requirements"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 7 s. 8","quotes":["Less than 50 cm DBH protected tree removed – Two (2) replacement trees","Greater than 85 cm DBH protected tree – Six (6) replacement trees"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 7 s. 9","quotes":["shall be $1,500 per"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 8 s. 5","quotes":["Deciduous replacement trees must have a minimum caliper of 6 centimeters and coniferous"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"city_trees":{"label":"City trees","value":"Protected trees include any tree, hedge or shrub of any size on City-owned property. Residents must get separate approval from Engineering and Municipal Operations (604-541-2181, operations@whiterockcity.ca) to trim, prune or remove one.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 1, “protected tree”","quotes":["a tree, hedge, or shrub of any size on City-Owned Properties;"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 2 s. 4","quotes":["Requests by residents for the trimming, pruning or removal of protected trees on City-Owned"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1010/Trees-on-Neighbouring-Properties","title":"Trees on Neighbouring Properties, City of White Rock","section":"Inquiries","quotes":["Engineering and Municipal Operations at 604-541-2181, or email operations@whiterockcity.ca."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"$500 for a first offence and $1,000 for a second or later offence for cutting, removing or damaging a protected tree without a permit (ticket under the Ticketing for Bylaw Offences Bylaw). Court fine up to $10,000 or six months in jail.","short":"Ticket $500 first offence, $1,000 later","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2072/Consolidated---Ticketing-for-Bylaw-Offences-2011-No-1929-PDF","title":"Ticketing for Bylaw Offences Bylaw 1929 (PDF, consolidated November 2024), City of White Rock","section":"Schedule B11","quotes":["Cutting, removing or damaging a protected","$500 for 1st offense;","$1,000 for 2nd or"]},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Part 11 s. 3","quotes":["shall be liable to a fine of not more than Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"White Rock Tree Protection Bylaw, 2021, No. 2407","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","section":"Title","quotes":["CONSOLIDATED Version - White Rock Tree Protection Bylaw, 2021, No. 2407"]}],"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\nThe [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407) protects trees on all private land in White Rock. Protected means a trunk 20 cm or more across (measured 1.4 m above ground), any Arbutus, Garry Oak or Pacific Dogwood of any size, a replacement tree planted under a permit, or a tree with raptor or listed-bird nests. Cutting roots in the critical root zone of a protected tree also needs a permit.\n\nPermit types: Type 1 for a dead or high-risk tree; Type 2 for an unwanted tree (roots destroying property or completely obstructing views); Type 3 for tree removal tied to a building or demolition permit.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Decide which type applies (see above). Staff can confirm no protected trees are on your lot, in which case no permit is needed.\n2. Apply through Planning and Development Services, using the application on the City's Tree Management Permits page.\n3. Do not cut until the permit is issued.\n4. For Types 2 and 3, plant the replacement trees on time: within one year for Type 2 and three years for Type 3, or the security is forfeited.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Replacement: Type 1 needs none. For Types 2 and 3, two replacement trees for a tree under 50 cm across, rising to six for one over 85 cm. Security is $1,500 per replacement tree. Retained trees also need security deposits of $3,000, $4,500 or $10,000 per tree by size. Cash-in-lieu is possible where planting is impractical.\n- No permit is needed to prune a protected tree following sound arboricultural practice: no topping, no removing over 25% of the crown in a season, no raising the crown below 65% live crown, no structural root pruning.\n- A tree in imminent danger of falling from natural causes may be cut, but report it the next business day and leave it on site until the City inspects.\n- Bird-nest surveys may be required from March 1 to August 31. Pileated woodpecker nest trees must be kept 36 months.\n- Fines: a ticket is $500 for a first offence and $1,000 for a second or later one for cutting, removing or damaging a protected tree without a permit. A court fine can be up to $10,000 or six months in jail. Each tree and each day is a separate offence.\n- Any tree, hedge or shrub on City-owned property is protected. Get separate approval from Engineering and Municipal Operations, 604-541-2181, operations@whiterockcity.ca.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1273/Tree-Management-Permits","title":"Tree Management Permits, City of White Rock","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/324/Private-Trees","title":"Trees on private property, City of White Rock","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1010/Trees-on-Neighbouring-Properties","title":"Trees on Neighbouring Properties, City of White Rock","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407","title":"Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/12092/Bylaw-2554---2026-Fees-and-Charges-Bylaw","title":"2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw 2554 (PDF), City of White Rock","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2072/Consolidated---Ticketing-for-Bylaw-Offences-2011-No-1929-PDF","title":"Ticketing for Bylaw Offences Bylaw 1929 (PDF, consolidated November 2024), City of White Rock","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/white-rock/tree-removal/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/tree-removal.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/tree-removal.json"}}