Metro Vancouver
Tree bylaw and arborist report rules in Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, BC tree permit rules: 20 cm at 1.4 m, $113 for the first tree, and a certificate dated no more than 30 days before you apply.
- Application fee
- Varies by case
Tree bylaws in Vancouver
Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958 requires the certificate filed with a tree permit application to be dated no more than 30 days before the application.
The permit trigger is a private tree 20 cm or wider at 1.4 m above grade. Several stems count together: the City adds up the two or three largest. Street trees sit under a different law, Street Trees Bylaw No. 5985.
The first tree in a 12-month period costs $113, each additional tree in that period costs $324, and applications are filed online.
Vancouver tree permit rules
20 cm
Permit Fee
$113 for the first tree in a 12-month period; $324 for each additional tree in that period
Processing Time
Confirm with the City of Vancouver
Penalty
$500 to $10,000 per offence (s.11.8). A continuing offence carries a fine of up to $10,000 for each day it continues (s.11.9).
Special Zones
Street trees are regulated separately under Street Trees Bylaw No. 5985.
Sizes and fees by case in Vancouver
| Amount | Applies to |
|---|---|
| $324 | each additional tree in the same 12 months |
| $113 | first tree per 12 months |
| Amount | Applies to |
|---|---|
| $750 | per replacement tree of 8 cm caliper or more |
| $500 | per replacement tree under 8 cm caliper |
Before starting tree work in Vancouver
Who can sign the report
Under By-law No. 9958 s.3.1, a person who issues a certificate must hold a certification, accreditation or membership "referred to in this By-law" and a licence under the License By-law, both current when the certifier signs. Under s.3.2, the certificate must be dated no more than 30 days before the permit application.
Ask us before you order.
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 Vancouver properties
Vancouver 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.
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