Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Oak Bay, British Columbia

In the District Municipality of Oak Bay, British Columbia, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: Species (Garry oak, etc.) >4cm basal diameter or >1m height; any tree >30cm DBH; significant, replacement, retained, canopy, covenant, nesting, scientific value, or municipal trees.; replacement required: 1 or 2 replacement trees per removed tree; $500 per tree cash-in-lieu if not accommodated on parcel.. Source: Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4742, verified 2026-08-28.

Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4742 adopted bylaw

permit required	True	s. 3.1
applies to private property	True	s. 2.1
protected threshold	Species (Garry oak, etc.) >4cm basal diameter or >1m height; any tree >30cm DBH; significant, replacement, retained, canopy, covenant, nesting, scientific value, or municipal trees.	s. 1 Protected Tree
replacement required	1 or 2 replacement trees per removed tree; $500 per tree cash-in-lieu if not accommodated on parcel.	s. 10.1, 10.2, 10.3; Schedule A
boulevard trees	Boulevard trees are Municipal Trees and Protected Trees requiring a permit for cutting or damage.	s. 1 Boulevard Tree, Municipal Tree, Protected Tree (10)
fine range	Minimum $3,000 per offence (Schedule B); maximum penalties pursuant to Offence Act (s. 16.1).	s. 16.1; Schedule B

scout note

Requires a permit to remove a protected or significant tree (thresholds by basal diameter/DBH class); Schedule D designates specific significant trees; regulates protection during construction.