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

# White Rock tree removal rules and permits

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

**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.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of White Rock, https://www.whiterockcity.ca)  
**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.  
**Where:**
- In person: Planning and Development Services, City Hall, 15322 Buena Vista Avenue, White Rock, BC V4B 1Y6 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Phone: Tree Preservation Official, 604-541-2143
- Email: Tree Preservation Official, treebylaw@whiterockcity.ca

## Key facts

- **When a permit is needed:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 1, “protected tree”](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "a tree with a DBH of 20cm or greater;" … "an Arbutus (Arbutus menziesii), Garry Oak (Quercus garryana), or Pacific Dogwood"
  - Source: [Tree Management Permits, When You Need a Permit](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1273/Tree-Management-Permits)
  - Official wording: "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."
  - Source: [Trees on private property, Cutting & Removing Trees](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/324/Private-Trees)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw applies to all private land in the City"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Exemptions:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 5 s. 5](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "A Tree Management Permit is not required for the pruning of a protected tree provided that the"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 3 s. 3](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "shall not remove the tree from the property until the City has visited the property"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 5 s. 1](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "A Tree Management Permit is not required if it"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 2 s. 2](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw does not apply to protected trees that are cut, removed or damaged, pursuant to the"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 7 s. 1](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "There are no fees for a Type 1 Tree Management Permit."
  - Source: [2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw 2554, Sch. A, Permit Application Fees](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/12092/Bylaw-2554---2026-Fees-and-Charges-Bylaw)
  - Official wording: "Tree Management Permit – Type 3 $1,163.00" … "Tree Management Permit – Type 2 $558.00"
  - Source: [Trees on private property, Cost](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/324/Private-Trees)
  - Official wording: "The costs of all survey work, arborist's reports and coordinated site development plans will be borne by the applicants."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Replacement trees:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 6, Type 1](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "No replacement tree requirements"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 7 s. 8](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "Less than 50 cm DBH protected tree removed – Two (2) replacement trees" … "Greater than 85 cm DBH protected tree – Six (6) replacement trees"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 7 s. 9](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "shall be $1,500 per"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 8 s. 5](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "Deciduous replacement trees must have a minimum caliper of 6 centimeters and coniferous"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **City trees:** 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.
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 1, “protected tree”](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "a tree, hedge, or shrub of any size on City-Owned Properties;"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 2 s. 4](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "Requests by residents for the trimming, pruning or removal of protected trees on City-Owned"
  - Source: [Trees on Neighbouring Properties, Inquiries](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1010/Trees-on-Neighbouring-Properties)
  - Official wording: "Engineering and Municipal Operations at 604-541-2181, or email operations@whiterockcity.ca."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** $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.
  - Source: [Ticketing for Bylaw Offences Bylaw 1929 (PDF, consolidated November 2024), Schedule B11](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2072/Consolidated---Ticketing-for-Bylaw-Offences-2011-No-1929-PDF)
  - Official wording: "Cutting, removing or damaging a protected" … "$500 for 1st offense;" … "$1,000 for 2nd or"
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Part 11 s. 3](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "shall be liable to a fine of not more than Ten Thousand ($10,000.00) Dollars"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** White Rock Tree Protection Bylaw, 2021, No. 2407
  - Source: [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), Title](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)
  - Official wording: "CONSOLIDATED Version - White Rock Tree Protection Bylaw, 2021, No. 2407"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The [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.

Permit 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.

## Steps

1. Decide which type applies (see above). Staff can confirm no protected trees are on your lot, in which case no permit is needed.
2. Apply through Planning and Development Services, using the application on the City's Tree Management Permits page.
3. Do not cut until the permit is issued.
4. 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.

## Good to know

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bird-nest surveys may be required from March 1 to August 31. Pileated woodpecker nest trees must be kept 36 months.
- 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.
- 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.

## Official forms and pages

- [Tree Management Permits](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1273/Tree-Management-Permits)
- [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF)](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407)

## Related questions

- [White Rock building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/building-permit.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/tree-removal.md)
- [Surrey](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/tree-removal.md)
- [Langley City](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley/tree-removal.md)
- [Township of Langley](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley-township/tree-removal.md)
- [Delta](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/delta/tree-removal.md)
- [New Westminster](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/tree-removal.md)
- [Burnaby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/tree-removal.md)

## Sources

- [Tree Management Permits, City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1273/Tree-Management-Permits) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Trees on private property, City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/324/Private-Trees) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Trees on Neighbouring Properties, City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1010/Trees-on-Neighbouring-Properties) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Tree Protection Bylaw 2407 (PDF, consolidated October 2025), City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/7219/Bylaw-2407---White-Rock-Tree-Protection-Bylaw-2021-No-2407) (read 2026-11-05)
- [2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw 2554 (PDF), City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/12092/Bylaw-2554---2026-Fees-and-Charges-Bylaw) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Ticketing for Bylaw Offences Bylaw 1929 (PDF, consolidated November 2024), City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/2072/Consolidated---Ticketing-for-Bylaw-Offences-2011-No-1929-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 City of White Rock. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/tree-removal/_