Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — New Westminster, British Columbia

In the City of New Westminster, British Columbia, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: DBH 20cm+ (any species except hedge); any size on City land; hedge 5m+; replacement required: 2 replacement trees for each 1 protected tree (1:1 for hazardous/diseased); cash-in-lieu if lot cannot accommodate. Source: Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016, verified 2026-08-28.

Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7799, 2016 adopted bylaw

permit required	True	s. 5.1
applies to private property	True	s. 3.1; s. 2.1(jj)(ii)
protected threshold	DBH 20cm+ (any species except hedge); any size on City land; hedge 5m+	s. 2.1(jj)
replacement required	2 replacement trees for each 1 protected tree (1:1 for hazardous/diseased); cash-in-lieu if lot cannot accommodate	s. 7.1; s. 7.2; s. 7.5
boulevard trees	Trees on highways (public streets) protected any size; no person shall cut, remove, prune or damage	s. 4.6; s. 2.1(bb)
fine range	not less than $1,000 and not more than $10,000	s. 11.3

scout note

Regulates and prohibits cutting, removal and damage of trees; requires permits, fees, and replacement trees with security for their maintenance.