Metro Vancouver
Tree bylaw and arborist report rules in Richmond, BC
Richmond, BC protects a tree once it meets the bylaw's protected size, with the diameter taken at 1.4 m. Permits cost $70 for one tree or $84.25 a tree for more.
- Application fee
- Varies by case
Tree bylaws in Richmond
Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8057 covers a tree once its diameter at 1.4 m reaches the bylaw's size. The protected size on a private lot is 20 cm (tree that could reach 4.5 m in height, outside an environmentally sensitive area in Schedule E); any size (land identified as an environmentally sensitive area in Schedule E). On City land any tree is covered whatever its size.
A permit for one tree on a parcel costs $70 in any 12 months. Two or more trees cost $84.25 each under the Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636, and the City takes applications by email.
Schedule A ties replacement to the kind of removal. A one-family lot with no development replaces 1:1. Rezoning, subdivision and other development files replace 2:1, and a significant tree of 92 cm caliper replaces 3:1.
Richmond tree permit rules
Minimum Diameter
20 cm (tree that could reach 4.5 m in height, outside an environmentally sensitive area in Schedule E); any size (land identified as an environmentally sensitive area in Schedule E)
Permit Fee
$70 for one tree per parcel in any 12 months; $84.25 per tree for two or more trees; $70 to renew, extend or modify a permit
Processing Time
Confirm with the City of Richmond
Penalty
Confirm with the City of Richmond
Special Zones
Any tree of any size on City land or in an Environmentally Sensitive Area listed in Schedule E. The bylaw sets a separate significant tree class at 92 cm caliper, with a higher replacement ratio and a higher security.
Sizes and fees by case in Richmond
| Size | Applies to |
|---|---|
| 20 cm | tree that could reach 4.5 m in height, outside an environmentally sensitive area in Schedule E |
| any size | land identified as an environmentally sensitive area in Schedule E |
| Amount | Applies to |
|---|---|
| $70 | one tree per parcel per 12 months |
| $70 | permit renewal, extension or modification |
| $84.25 | two or more trees, per tree |
| Amount | Applies to |
|---|---|
| $750 | replacement tree, related to subdivision |
| $20,000 | retained significant tree |
| $5,000 | retained tree of 20 to 30 cm caliper, related to subdivision |
| $10,000 | retained tree of 31 to 91 cm caliper, related to subdivision |
Before starting tree work in Richmond
We confirm availability for your address before we quote. We do not offer emergency service.
If the removal ground is a hazardous or high-risk tree, ask us first. Some Metro Vancouver bylaws require a report author who also holds the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
Reports for Richmond properties
Richmond in our Metro Vancouver bylaw references
Richmond tree permit guide
Read the permit guideGet a quote
Tell us about your property. An ISA Certified Arborist will reply with a firm quote.
- Free consultation, response within 24 hours.
- We confirm availability for your address before we quote.
- We do not sell tree removal.
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