Tree Removal Permit Guide for Delta, BC

When Delta requires a permit

Delta Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7969, 2021 defines a tree three ways. Any one of them brings the tree under the bylaw:

• a diameter of 20 cm or more at 1.4 m above the base;
• a combined diameter of 20 cm or more across the 3 largest stems;
• for a tree shorter than 1.4 m, a diameter of 30.5 cm or more at the base.

A second size class matters for replacement. A large-diameter tree is 60 cm or more across the city.

Trees owned by the City, in parks, on highways and on other public land, are entirely outside this bylaw (s.3.2(e)). Ask the City of Delta about those trees directly.

Sunshine Hills has stricter rules

Council passed Amendment Bylaw 8575 on June 15, 2026. It set up the Sunshine Hills Neighbourhood Tree Protection Program, and it changes three things for lots in Sunshine Hills.

The large-diameter line drops from 60 cm to 50 cm, so more trees land in the higher replacement tier.

A significant tree class applies in Sunshine Hills. It covers trees of 70 cm or more of five species: Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Himalayan Cedar, Norway Spruce and Giant Redwood.

Fees and replacement counts for significant trees are higher (see the next two sections). If you are unsure whether a lot falls inside the program area, confirm with the City of Delta before you apply.

What the permit costs

For most applications the fee is $100 flat plus $50 per tree. Significant trees in Sunshine Hills follow their own scale:

• 1 to 4 significant trees: $200 plus $100 per tree.
• 5 or more significant trees: $300 plus $150 per tree.

A replacement plan carries its own fee of $50 per tree.

Replacement trees and cash in lieu

Schedule B sets how many replacement trees each removal needs. Each tier gives two numbers: trees planted on site, or a larger count paid as cash in lieu.

Tree removed	On site	Cash in lieu
20 cm to 59 cm, outside Sunshine Hills	2	3
60 cm or more, outside Sunshine Hills	3	4
20 cm to under 50 cm, Sunshine Hills	2	3
50 cm or more, Sunshine Hills	3	4
Significant tree of 70 cm or more	4	6
5 or more significant trees	6	9

Alder, cottonwood and poplar need 2 replacement trees, and a hedge needs 2 for every 5 m. One large-diameter tree removed under the 24-month exemption needs just 1.

Schedule B’s cash values are $1,050, $933 and $875 per tree, with $2,100 flat for the tier of 5 or more significant trees. Security and flat cash-in-lieu are $700 per replacement tree.

Replacement conifers must be at least 3.0 m tall. Deciduous trees must be at least 7.0 cm caliper at 1.4 m. Each new tree goes at least 3.0 m from another tree.

How to apply

Delta takes applications online through its eApply portal. The Engineering Department handles tree permits. Confirm the current review time with the City of Delta.

What the arborist report covers

A Delta report sets out the size class of each tree, because the class drives both the fee and the replacement count. It measures diameter at 1.4 m, or the 3 largest stems, or the base for a short tree.

For retained trees, Schedule C sets the protective barrier at the drip line or six times the tree diameter, whichever is greater, measured at 1.4 m. The barrier is a 2x4 lumber frame with snow-fence infill. Digging next to the barrier is by hand only. Inside it, the ground gets 10 cm of mulch plus watering. Branch or root cutting needs approval first.

What we do and do not do

For Delta properties, including lots in Sunshine Hills, we prepare tree removal permit reports.

• We confirm availability for your address before we quote.
• 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 do not offer emergency service.
• Our work ends at the report. We do not supervise construction or the barrier on site.