Schedule A Sets the Barrier Distance by Trunk Diameter
Schedule A of Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958 is a fixed table. Find the trunk diameter and read the barrier distance across from it.
The permit threshold for a private tree is 20 cm in diameter. Below that you’re exempt, with two exceptions. A replacement tree counts regardless of size. So does a tree that’s part of a hedge (s.2.2).
The Table Runs From 1.2 m to 6.0 m
A 20 cm tree, right at the permit threshold, gets a 1.2 m barrier. Push out to a 100 cm trunk and the required distance climbs to 6.0 m.
| Trunk diameter | Barrier distance |
|---|---|
| 20 cm | 1.2 m |
| 25 cm | 1.5 m |
| 30 cm | 1.8 m |
| 35 cm | 2.1 m |
| 40 cm | 2.4 m |
| 45 cm | 2.7 m |
| 50 cm | 3.0 m |
| 55 cm | 3.3 m |
| 60 cm | 3.6 m |
| 75 cm | 4.5 m |
| 90 cm | 5.0 m |
| 100 cm | 6.0 m |
Measure the Trunk the Way the By-law Measures It
Grab a tape measure and go to 1.4 m above grade. That’s where By-law 9958 has DBH (diameter at breast height) taken, and a reading taken anywhere else can put you on the wrong row of the table.
Multi-stem trees work differently. The by-law combines the two or three largest stems. A clump of thin stems can still reach the 20 cm permit threshold.
A Certificate Must Be Dated Within 30 Days
Under s.3.2, a certificate filed with a permit application can’t be more than 30 days old at the time you file. Check the date on it the week you submit, especially if the application has sat unfiled for a while.
The 2026 Permit Fee
Under By-law No. 14546, effective January 1, 2026, the fee is $113.00 for the first tree and $324.00 for each additional tree removed in the same 12-month period.
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.
We Prepare the Report Behind the Application
The Arborist Group prepares ISA Certified Arborist reports for tree permit applications in Metro Vancouver, and the report states the Schedule A barrier distance for your tree’s diameter. See our construction arborist reports for work near a protected tree. We confirm availability for your address before we quote. Contact us with the address.