Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — West Vancouver, British Columbia

In the District Municipality of West Vancouver, British Columbia, permit required: True; applies to private property: True; protected threshold: Any tree > 75 cm DBH (or combined 75 cm); specific species (Arbutus, Garry Oak, Pacific yew, Pacific dogwood, Yellow cedar, Shore pine) > 20 cm DBH; replacement, retained, heritage trees; trees in Watercourse/Foreshore Protection Areas; trees with active nests or protected wildlife habitat.; replacement required: Replacement tree required (min 5 cm caliper deciduous or 3 m height coniferous); $1,000 per tree security (max $10,000) forfeited if not planted/survives.. Source: Tree Bylaw No. 4892, 2016, verified 2026-08-28.

Tree Bylaw No. 4892, 2016 adopted bylaw

permit required	True	s. 6.1
applies to private property	True	s. 8.5
protected threshold	Any tree > 75 cm DBH (or combined 75 cm); specific species (Arbutus, Garry Oak, Pacific yew, Pacific dogwood, Yellow cedar, Shore pine) > 20 cm DBH; replacement, retained, heritage trees; trees in Watercourse/Foreshore Protection Areas; trees with active nests or protected wildlife habitat.	s. 4.3
replacement required	Replacement tree required (min 5 cm caliper deciduous or 3 m height coniferous); $1,000 per tree security (max $10,000) forfeited if not planted/survives.	s. 7.1.1; s. 7.1.3
boulevard trees	Protection barrier required for boulevard trees abutting building site. Cutting exempt if authorized by Boulevard Bylaw No. 4886, 2016 permit.	s. 5.2.3; s. 3.1.2
fine range	Up to $10,000 on summary conviction; or applicable fine under Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 4368, 2004 or Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 4383, 2004.	s. 10.7

scout note

Requires a Tree Cutting Permit to cut/damage a protected tree (generally >75cm DBH, or select species >20cm DBH); sets replacement requirements and application rules.