Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Nanaimo, British Columbia

In the City of Nanaimo, British Columbia, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: "Tree"... "six (6) cm or more"... "4.5 m or greater". "Protected tree": City, Significant (Schedules A, B, C), DPA, covenant, retained, scientific.; replacement required: "replace every tree that is removed contrary to this Bylaw". Schedules D, G, H specify ratios/species. Security deposit per s. 15.. Source: Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (Consolidated), verified 2026-08-28.

Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (Consolidated) adopted bylaw

permit required	True	s. 5(1)(a)
applies to private property	True	s. 3; s. 6(1)(h)
protected threshold	"Tree"... "six (6) cm or more"... "4.5 m or greater". "Protected tree": City, Significant (Schedules A, B, C), DPA, covenant, retained, scientific.	s. 2 "Tree"; s. 2 "Protected tree"
replacement required	"replace every tree that is removed contrary to this Bylaw". Schedules D, G, H specify ratios/species. Security deposit per s. 15.	s. 13(1); s. 14(1); s. 15(1)
boulevard trees	"tree planted on the boulevard beside the sidewalks managed by either the property owner or the City". City Tree. Protected.	s. 2 "Boulevard Tree"; s. 2 "City Tree"
fine range	"fine of not more than $50,000, plus the costs of prosecution"	s. 18.1

scout note

Permit required to cut a City tree, significant tree, or tree in a Development Permit Area or covenant-protected slope area; exemption for up to 4 non-significant trees per parcel per year. Significant trees defined by size, age or heritage value.