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2005 News and Information

Richmond Tree Protection Bylaw in Force

20 December 2005

City Council approved an interim Tree Protection Bylaw to safeguard trees on private and City land from being unnecessarily removed, killed or substantially cut or damaged. The bylaw, which is immediately in effect, also provides for the planting and maintenance of replacement trees.

The bylaw requires land owners to have a permit to remove any tree that is not explicitly exempt from the bylaw. It also prohibits damaging of trees.

Exemptions on specific lands are stated in the bylaw and include lands that are used for the production or cutting of trees under an existing, valid license for a tree farm, nursery or Christmas tree farm, and golf courses.

In addition, a permit is not required to cut or remove a tree on private and City property under several scenarios outlined in the bylaw, and include:

  • Trees with a trunk diameter measuring less than 10 centimetres (3.94 inches) at 1.4 metres above the natural grade (referred to as diameter breast height) that are not located within an environmentally sensitive area or on City land
  • Trees that must be cut or removed on an emergency basis because they have been severely damaged by natural causes and pose an imminent danger of falling or injuring persons or property
  • Trees growing within a building envelope
  • Trees needing to be cut or removed for the installation of roads or services shown in an engineering drawing approved by the City in respect of a building permit or subdivision approval or if carried out by the City or its agents on public property
  • Lands where a development permit or subdivision plan has been approved that identifies areas for tree removal or protection.

Permit applications can relate to one tree or an entire property. The application must be in writing and be accompanied by a $50 non-refundable fee. If issued, the permit is valid for 12 months, at which time it may be extended, renewed or modified as per the bylaw provisions.

Individuals convicted under this bylaw face fines of up to $10,000 per tree and a requirement to replant. Each tree is considered a separate offence and each day an offence is continued shall constitute a separate offence.

In November, City Council voted in favour of a comprehensive tree bylaw, however; considering the nature of the detail required, it will take until early 2006 to complete. Since a tree protection bylaw affects all land-owners, stakeholder and public consultation will be an important part of the development of this comprehensive bylaw.

Tree Protection Bylaw 8014 is being adopted as an interim measure to protect trees until the comprehensive bylaw is complete.

To review this or any bylaw in its entirety, you may obtain a copy  from the Bylaws section of the City’s website, http://www.richmond.ca/cityhall/bylaws/chapter.htm or a copy can be obtained at City Hall. 

    If you have any inquiries about the bylaw or policy, please contact the Manager, Building Approvals at 604-276-4140. If you have questions about applying for a tree removal permit or specific questions about trees, please contact the Tree Preservation Official at 604-247-4684. 

    During the holiday closure dates of December 24, 2005 through January 2, 2006 please call the Public Works Service Centre at 604-244-1262 for any urgent inquiries.