Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Nanaimo, British Columbia: Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (Consolidated)

In the City of Nanaimo, British Columbia, trees & tree removal rules are set by Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw 2013 No. 7126 (Consolidated), verified 2026-08-28. Fines: "fine of not more than $50,000, plus the costs of prosecution". A permit is required. 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.

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

permit required	yes	s. 5(1)(a)
applies to private property	yes	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.