Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Oak Bay, British Columbia: Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4742

In the District Municipality of Oak Bay, British Columbia, trees & tree removal rules are set by Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4742, verified 2026-08-28. Fines: Minimum $3,000 per offence (Schedule B); maximum penalties pursuant to Offence Act (s. 16.1). A permit is required. Replacement required: 1 or 2 replacement trees per removed tree; $500 per tree cash-in-lieu if not accommodated on parcel.

Tree Protection Bylaw No. 4742 adopted bylaw

permit required	yes	s. 3.1
applies to private property	yes	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.