Trees & tree removal — Powell River, British Columbia

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

In the City of Powell River, British Columbia, trees & tree removal rules are set by Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2174, 2008, verified 2026-09-24. Fines: not more than $10,000 and not less than $500. A permit is required. Protected threshold: DBH at least 20 cm (8 in) on parcels >= 1 hectare; any significant or wildlife tree; trees in Development Permit Areas or Riparian Areas.

Consolidated Tree Protection Bylaw No. 2174, 2008 adopted bylaw
permit required yes s. 3.1
applies to private property yes s. 2.2.1
protected threshold DBH at least 20 cm (8 in) on parcels >= 1 hectare; any significant or wildlife tree; trees in Development Permit Areas or Riparian Areas s. 2.2.1, s. 2.2.2
replacement required Required per Schedule E Table 1; security $200/tree (first 10), $25/additional s. 6.3.1, s. 6.3.5, Schedule E Table 1
boulevard trees City may cut/remove in dedicated highway without permit; significant trees protected regardless of location s. 4.1(e)
fine range not more than $10,000 and not less than $500 s. 8.1
scout note

Requires a permit to cut/remove a tree with diameter-breast-height ≥20cm located in a Development Permit Area or otherwise identified for protection (e.g. subdivision/development/building permit conditions).

Machine-readable: trees.json · Official website: https://powellriver.ca/ · Last verified 2026-09-24 · Trees & tree removal across British Columbia · Trees & tree removal in other municipalities