Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Duncan, British Columbia

In the City of Duncan, British Columbia, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: Arbutus/Garry Oak/Dogwood/Yew 2.0m height/7cm diam; Douglas-fir/Grand Fir/Maple/Cedar 20cm DBH; any tree 30cm DBH; replacement/Significant/DPA/nest trees; replacement required: Two (2) replacement trees per protected tree removed; alternative three (3) substitute trees or cash-in-lieu payment. Source: Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3135, 2014 (With Amendments to October 21, 2024), verified 2026-08-28.

Tree Protection Bylaw No. 3135, 2014 (With Amendments to October 21, 2024) adopted bylaw

permit required	True	s. 5.1.1
applies to private property	True	s. 2, s. 5.4.2
protected threshold	Arbutus/Garry Oak/Dogwood/Yew 2.0m height/7cm diam; Douglas-fir/Grand Fir/Maple/Cedar 20cm DBH; any tree 30cm DBH; replacement/Significant/DPA/nest trees	s. 3 'Protected Tree'
replacement required	Two (2) replacement trees per protected tree removed; alternative three (3) substitute trees or cash-in-lieu payment	s. 7.2.1(a), s. 7.2.2(a), s. 7.2.5
boulevard trees	Planting on City lands (includes boulevards) requires Director authorization. City may remove Protected Trees on public property without permit.	s. 5.2, s. 5.3.1(f)
fine range	$10,000 for offences; not less than $1,000 for obstructing Director/Officer	s. 9.1, s. 9.4

scout note

Regulates cutting/removal of trees in the City of Duncan under permit, protecting the urban forest; consolidated with amendments in 2018, 2021 and 2024.