British Columbia
Vancouver Arborist Reports for Tree Removal Permits, BC
Vancouver requires a permit for a private tree 20 cm or wider at 1.4 m. Ask us about a report written to Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958.
We confirm availability for your address before we quote. We do not offer emergency service.
The Vancouver permit, step by step
Vancouver builds its tree permit around a signed certificate, and the date on that certificate matters. These steps follow Protection of Trees By-law No. 9958 as the City publishes it.
Measure against the 20 cm line
The permit covers a private tree 20 cm or more in diameter at 1.4 m above the ground. For a multi-stem tree, the City adds up the diameters of the two or three largest stems.
Time the certificate
Under s.3.2, the certificate must be dated no more than 30 days before the permit application. Order it once the rest of the application is ready. Where a second certificate is required, s.3.3 says it must come from a certifier at arm's length from the first.
Apply online at plposweb
Vancouver takes tree permit applications through its online portal at plposweb.vancouver.ca. The Development and Building Services Centre handles tree permits.
Budget for replacement trees
Each removed tree needs one replacement tree from Schedule D Part 1 or two from Part 2. Count the trees the site keeps against Schedule C before you plan on cash-in-lieu.
Vancouver permit fees and replanting
- Municipal permit fee
- $113 for the first tree in a 12-month period and $324 for each additional tree in that period.
- Processing time
- Confirm with the City of Vancouver.
- Penalties
- $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).
- Replanting
- For each tree removed, plant one replacement tree from Schedule D Part 1 or two from Part 2 (1:1 or 2:1). Cash-in-lieu of $1,000 per tree (s.6.2) is an owner election. It applies only if the site still has at least the Schedule C number of trees after the removal. Security is $500 per replacement tree, or $750 where the replacement tree is 8 cm caliper or more (s.4.10(c)).
How a BC report works
Send the address and the trees
Use the form or email us. Tell us the property address, which trees are involved and what the report is for.
We check the bylaw and confirm availability
We confirm which municipality's rules apply and whether we can take your file.
Site measurements and photos
We arrange the measurements and photos the report needs and tell you who attends when we confirm availability.
Your report
Sergiy Litvinov, ISA Certified Arborist, prepares and signs the report. The municipality makes the permit decision.
Current offer
Tree removal report: $250 $200 for up to 3 trees
Larger files get a custom quote.
Vancouver tree permit questions
Who may sign a Vancouver tree certificate?
Section 3.1 of By-law No. 9958 says the person who issues a certificate must hold a certification, accreditation or membership referred to in the bylaw, and a licence under the License By-law. Both must be current on the day the certifier signs.
How old can the certificate be when I apply?
No more than 30 days old. The certificate must be dated within 30 days before the permit application (s.3.2), so a certificate from last season will not do.
Does this permit cover street trees in Vancouver?
Street trees follow a different law, Street Trees Bylaw No. 5985. Confirm the process for a street tree with the City of Vancouver.
Can you take my Vancouver file?
It depends on the address and the work. We confirm availability for your address before we quote.
My tree may be hazardous. Can you help?
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.
Do you offer emergency service?
We do not offer emergency service.
Another question? Use the form below or email info@arboristgroup.com.
More about Vancouver
Vancouver tree bylaw rules
What the bylaw protects and what it expects from a report.
Vancouver permit guide
Fees, replacement trees and how to apply, in one guide.
Tree removal reports in Metro Vancouver
What the report covers and where we take files.
Tree removal report pages for other municipalities:
Get a quote
Tell us about your property and an ISA Certified Arborist will follow up with next steps and a firm quote.
- Free consultation, response within 24 hours.
- We confirm availability for your address before we quote.
- Independent assessment. No tree-removal sales, no conflict of interest.
Serving Metro Vancouver, British Columbia.
ISA Certified Arborist · ISA Member · ASCA Member