Tree Bylaws by City

Protected: 30cm+ DBH on any property

Under the 2026 Tree Protection Bylaw (No. 3531), a permit is required for trees 30cm+ DBH on any property, and for trees 10cm+ DBH in an ESA/riparian zone, of a protected native species, or on a development site. Fee $75 + $370 deposit per tree on ordinary lots ($740 on development sites); no fee for confirmed hazardous trees, which dead trees generally are (permit still required).

Protected: 20cm+ DBH (measured at 1.4m)

A protected tree is 20cm or more in diameter measured 1.4m from the ground. Up to two protected trees may be removed per calendar year without a permit; beyond that a permit is required. A permit is always required, from the first tree, if the property has a riparian area or SPEA, a steep slope, a covenant on title, or is on Burian Drive or Latimer Avenue. Replacement planting may be a condition.

Protected: 15cm+ DBH or 5m+ height

Protected trees are 15cm+ diameter or 5m+ tall. Permits cost $100, waived for dead or hazardous trees. Cutting without a permit draws a $500 bylaw-notice fine per tree, three replacement trees per tree cut, and possible court prosecution; significant trees (45cm+) face the same fine with extra scrutiny.

Protected: 20cm+ DBH (every tree, any size, in riparian and wetland areas)

Anmore's Tree Management Bylaw 587-2018 requires a permit for any tree 20cm+ DBH (measured at 1.4m) -- and for EVERY tree, regardless of size, in riparian or wetland areas. Up to two trees a year can come down under an annual allowance permit. Dangerous trees still need a permit with a Certified Tree Risk Assessor's report, but the fee is waived. Unlawful cutting is fined at $2,000 per tree minimum, $5,000+ per tree on a repeat offence.

Protected: Trees 5m+ tall, within designated Tree Cutting Permit Areas

Belcarra's Tree Cutting Bylaw 110 applies to trees 5m or taller inside designated Tree Cutting Permit Areas (flood, erosion and landslip zones on the bylaw's map). There, removal needs a $200 permit that goes to Council for approval, sometimes with a professional report and a security deposit. Dead, diseased or storm-damaged trees are exempt, and the bylaw sets no replacement requirement on private property.

Protected: 20cm+ DBH (Interim Bylaw 3035, 2026)

Since the Interim Tree Management Bylaw No. 3035 (2026), a permit IS required to remove any tree over 20cm DBH on private property, unless an exemption applies. All tree removal in the ALR is exempt, as are active agricultural practices under a valid Farm Plan. Replacement planting, or cash in lieu, is required. An interim bylaw by design - a permanent one is being consulted on, so confirm before quoting.

Protected: 20cm+ DBH

Under the new Tree Protection and Management Bylaw 8045-2026 (May 2026), permits are required for trees 20cm+ DBH. Significant trees are 60cm+ DBH with extra protection and fines up to $5,000 each. An arborist report is required for every application except a single non-significant, non-hazard tree. Permits are valid 6 months.

Protected: 20cm+ DBH

Protected trees are 20cm+ diameter (including two stems combining to 20cm). Permits required for removal, with TWO replacement trees per tree removed (one for dead or hazardous trees) and a security deposit held until they are established. Violations may result in legal action.

Protected: 30.5cm+ conifers, 45.7cm+ broadleaf (20.3cm+ on development sites)

Burnaby protects conifers 30.5cm+ and broadleaf trees 45.7cm+ on ordinary lots -- and ANY tree 20.3cm+ once a development application is in, plus streamside and covenanted trees at any size. Permits carry a replacement security of $1,500 minimum per tree (or 120% of replacement cost, adjusted yearly). Cutting a protected tree without a permit draws a $500 ticket, and prosecution runs $2,000 to $10,000 per violation.

Protected: 30cm+ DBH

Protected trees are 30cm+ diameter, and six species (arbutus, Garry oak, the redwoods, maidenhair tree) are protected at ANY size. Permits required for removal; valid reasons include dead or hazardous, or within 2m of a foundation. Replacement is typically 2 trees per removed, with a $550 per-tree deposit. Fines up to $20,000.

Protected: Most trees (see exemption below)

Bylaw 7969 protects trees 20cm+ at 1.4m. One tree under 60cm can come down per 24 months without replacement, but a $100 permit is still required, and the allowance fails on steep slopes, streamside areas, and in Sunshine Hills (where the large-tree threshold tightens to 50cm under the current pilot). Hedges with 20cm+ trunks need permits too. Penalties reach $50,000 per offence on conviction, each tree a separate contravention.

Protected: Township: 20cm+ DBH. City: 75cm+ DBH outside development, 20cm+ during development

Township: trees 20cm+ DBH protected, $150 application fee (waived for dead, dying or hazardous trees), fines up to $10,500 per tree plus per-tree administrative charges for unpermitted removal. City of Langley: a NEW bylaw (No. 3321, adopted January 2026) protects significant trees of 75cm+ DBH outside development, and 20cm+ only on lots under a development application; fines start at $3,000 per tree.