Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Sidney, British Columbia

In the Town of Sidney, British Columbia, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: Protected Species (height 1.2m+ or Diameter 3cm+) or Diameter >60cm; replacement required: Plant per ratio table or pay $750/tree in lieu if approved. Source: Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 2138, verified 2026-08-28.

Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 2138 adopted bylaw

permit required	True	s. 6.1
applies to private property	True	s. 4.1
protected threshold	Protected Species (height 1.2m+ or Diameter 3cm+) or Diameter >60cm	s. 3
replacement required	Plant per ratio table or pay $750/tree in lieu if approved	s. 10.1, 10.2(b)
boulevard trees	Trees on a highway are Protected Trees; Town removals exempt.	s. 3, s. 4.3
fine range	$1,000 to $50,000	s. 12.4(a)

scout note

Requires a permit to remove protected trees over set diameter thresholds (varies by species, e.g. 3-20cm); sets replacement-tree requirements and fees.