Metro Vancouver tree permit questions

Under Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958, a private tree 20 cm or more in diameter at 1.4 m above ground needs a permit (s.2.2). The permit costs $113 for the first tree in a 12-month period and $324 for each additional tree in that period.

Section 3.2 of By-law 9958 says the certificate must be dated no more than 30 days before the permit application. Order the report close to the date you apply.

Section 3.1 of By-law 9958 says the person who issues a certificate must hold a certification, accreditation or membership referred to in the By-law, and a licence under the City's License By-law that is current when the certifier signs. Confirm the certifier rule with the City of Vancouver before you order a report.

Belcarra and Lions Bay have tree bylaws that cover municipal land only. Bowen Island has no tree removal bylaw for private property. Other rules can still apply to a development, so confirm with the municipality before work starts.

Surrey, New Westminster and White Rock require the report author to hold the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification as well as arborist certification. New Westminster also requires a City or intermunicipal business licence. Ask us before you order a report in those cities.

We do not offer emergency service.

No. We do not supervise construction. In Vancouver, By-law 9958 s.7.2(e) requires the arborist who certifies the development or building permit report, together with the owner, to give the City an undertaking that the arborist will perform or supervise pre-construction pruning, regular on-site inspections and a post-construction inspection. We do not give that undertaking. Construction and development reports are by request and confirmed per project.

The municipality decides. We do not promise an approval.

The current offer is $200 for a tree removal report that covers up to three trees. The regular price is $250. Municipal permit fees are separate.

We confirm availability for your address before we quote. Send the property address, the municipality and a photo of each tree through the form or by email. We reply by email with the report scope and a price, or we tell you that we cannot take the file.