Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Port Moody, British Columbia: City of Port Moody Tree Protection Bylaw, 2026, No. 3531

In the City of Port Moody, British Columbia, trees & tree removal rules are set by City of Port Moody Tree Protection Bylaw, 2026, No. 3531, verified 2026-09-24. Fines: Minimum $500, not to exceed $50,000 per offence; minimum $1,000 for DBH <50cm; minimum $3,000 for DBH ≥50cm; minimum $10,000 for Landmark/Legacy Tree removal. A permit is required. Boulevard trees: City Trees on boulevards and road rights-of-way may only be pruned by City employees or authorized agents with written City approval.

City of Port Moody Tree Protection Bylaw, 2026, No. 3531 adopted bylaw

permit required	yes	s. 10.1
applies to private property	yes	s. 5.1
protected threshold	Any tree DBH ≥30cm; specified species (Arbutus, Cascara, Pacific dogwood, Pacific yew, Shore pine, Western white pine) DBH ≥10cm; any tree DBH ≥10cm in Riparian Management Zone, Environmentally Sensitive Area, or on lot subject to Development Approval; Landmark/Legacy Trees; City Trees; Replacement Trees	s. 3.1 "Protected Tree"
replacement required	1–4 replacement trees per removed tree depending on size and species; cash-in-lieu per Fees Bylaw if lot cannot accommodate replacements; City Tree removal requires compensation per Schedule "B"	s. 13.1, s. 13.2, s. 13.8, s. 13.4(c)
boulevard trees	City Trees on boulevards and road rights-of-way may only be pruned by City employees or authorized agents with written City approval.	s. 6.2
fine range	Minimum $500, not to exceed $50,000 per offence; minimum $1,000 for DBH <50cm; minimum $3,000 for DBH ≥50cm; minimum $10,000 for Landmark/Legacy Tree removal	s. 17.3(a)–(d)

scout note

Regulates cutting, removal and damage of trees, permit issuance and fees, and requires replacement trees with security; Protected Tree threshold is DBH ≥30cm (lower for certain species/locations).