Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?

Trees & tree removal — Richmond, British Columbia: Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8057 (Consolidated)

In the City of Richmond, British Columbia, trees & tree removal rules are set by Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8057 (Consolidated), verified 2026-08-28. Fines: not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and not more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00). A permit is required. Protected threshold: dbh of at least 20 centimetres and height of at least 4.5 metres; or any size in ESA/City land.

Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8057 (Consolidated) adopted bylaw

permit required	yes	s. 3.1.1
applies to private property	yes	s. 1.1(b)
protected threshold	dbh of at least 20 centimetres and height of at least 4.5 metres; or any size in ESA/City land	s. 2.1 TREE
replacement required	one (1) or more replacement trees per Schedule A; cash-in-lieu to Tree Compensation Fund if security deposit drawn	s. 4.3.1; Schedule A; s. 4.4.2
boulevard trees	Applies to City-owned trees; permit required to cut/remove; protection barriers required during adjacent works.	s. 1.1(a); s. 5.2.5
fine range	not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and not more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00)	s. 7.3

scout note

Requires a permit to cut/remove trees of 20cm+ DBH generally; defines a 'significant tree' as 92.0cm DBH (36in) or greater, triggering mandatory replacement-tree planting and penalties for unlawful removal.