Business, Building & Development

Tree Cutting

Online Application

The Town of Gibsons now uses Cloudpermit, an online permitting system, to process permit applications. To apply for a Tree Removal Permit, click the button below to get started.

How to start a new Cloudpermit application (PDF)

View the Tree Preservation Bylaw (PDF)

Need Help?

We are happy to help guide you through this process! Please send your questions to infrastructure@gibsons.ca.

Would you like to remove a tree from your property?

  1. First, please refer to the Tree Removal Flow Chart (below) to determine whether you will require a permit to do so.
  2. If you do require a permit, please complete this Tree Cutting Permit Application and submit to Town Hall with the appropriate permit fee.

The most active bird nesting season starts on March 15 and lasts until August 15 every year.

It is an offense under Section 34 of the Wildlife Act, 1982 to disturb or destroy an active bird nest.

If you need to prune or remove a tree or other vegetation from your property you must ensure that there are no active bird nests in the vegetation.

If you do find an active nest, the vegetation must be left undisturbed until all the birds have left the nest.

Please note that the nests of an eagle, peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, osprey, heron, or burrowing owl are protected under the Wildlife Act, regardless of nest activity (i.e. active or inactive).

You may be in contravention of the Provincial Wildlife Act if you remove trees during the nesting season. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you retain a Registered Professional Biologist to confirm nesting or the lack thereof on your site prior to removals.

For more information, please contact the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 or visit:

Birds Protected Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act

Develop with Care 2014: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development