Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Colwood, British Columbia

In the City of Colwood, British Columbia, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: Specific species 2.0m height/4.0cm diam; Douglas-fir, Grand Fir, Big Leaf Maple, Western Red Cedar 30cm DBH; Any tree 60cm DBH; replacement required: Required for cut/removed/damaged trees; 1:1 ratio (1-5 trees), 2:1 (>5 trees); cash-in-lieu allowed. Source: Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735, 2018, verified 2026-08-28.

Urban Forest Bylaw No. 1735, 2018 adopted bylaw

permit required	True	s. 4(1)(a)
applies to private property	True	s. 3(1), s. 3(3)
protected threshold	Specific species 2.0m height/4.0cm diam; Douglas-fir, Grand Fir, Big Leaf Maple, Western Red Cedar 30cm DBH; Any tree 60cm DBH	s. 1 "protected tree"
replacement required	Required for cut/removed/damaged trees; 1:1 ratio (1-5 trees), 2:1 (>5 trees); cash-in-lieu allowed	s. 9(1)(a), s. 9(2), s. 9(8)
boulevard trees	Exempt if cut by City; cash-in-lieu revenue used to purchase, plant or maintain trees on City parks and boulevards.	s. 3(3), s. 9(11)
fine range	not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000	s. 13(3)

scout note

Manages and protects Colwood's urban forest: tree management permits, replacement/protection requirements, securities, and enforcement for removal of protected trees.