Business, Building & Development

Tree Cutting

Do you need a permit?

In general, a permit is required before cutting, removing or moving a protected tree.

Flow Chart

Here is a general guide to find out if you need a permit, permit fee or replacement tree is required.

1. Is your tree a protected tree?

  • Yes – A permit is required.
  • No – You do not need a permit.

2. Is your tree a hazardous tree?

  • Yes – No permit fee required.
  • No – Permit fees and replacement trees are required

  • Any of the following trees with a *DBH of 20 cm (8 in) or more:
    • Arbutus
    • Pacific Dogwood
    • Pacific Yew
    • Garry Oak
    • Douglas Fir
    • Western Red Cedar
    • Bigleaf Maple
    • Grand Fir
    • Western Hemlock
    • Yellow Cedar
    • Balsam Fir
  • Any Tree having a *DBH of 10 cm (4 in) or more on slope greater than 20%;
  • Any Tree with a *DBH of 30 cm (12 in) or more, regardless of species;
  • Any Tree with evidence of nesting or use that is protected under federal or provincial regulations including the B.C. Wildlife Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, and Species at Risk Act;
  • Any of the following tree seedlings with a height of more than 50cm (1.5 feet) and less than 5m (16.5 feet):
    • Garry Oak
    • Pacific Dogwood
    • Arbutus
  • Any replacement, specimen, heritage or wildlife Tree.

*DBH is diameter of the stem of a Tree measured at breast height, or 1.3 metres above the natural grade on the uphill side of the Tree.

For detailed definitions and protected species list, view the Tree Preservation Bylaw (PDF).

A hazardous tree is a tree that is in imminent danger of falling, as determined by the Director of Infrastructure Services or designate, or where a report prepared by a Certified Arborist has certified that the Tree is dead, diseased, or otherwise constitutes a physical hazard to persons or property.

This deserves its own section because it has a direct financial and practical impact on property owners.

Property type or situation

Replacement requirement

Single-family dwelling lot

Two replacement trees for each protected tree under 30 cm DBH; three for each protected tree 30 cm DBH or greater

Other lots

Two replacement trees for each protected tree removed

Lots in DPA 1 or DPA 2 where a Development Permit addresses tree removal

Three native replacement trees for each protected tree removed

Hazardous tree removal

Replacement trees are not required under the bylaw

DBH means diameter at breast height, measured 1.3 metres above the ground on the uphill side of the tree.

Other things to consider:

  • Replacement trees must meet the bylaw’s species, size and planting requirements.

  • Owners must provide a $300 security deposit for each required replacement tree before the permit is issued.

  • If the Director determines that replacement trees cannot or need not be accommodated on the property, the Town may accept $300 for each tree not planted, paid into the Tree Planting and Replacement Reserve Fund.

  • Replacement trees must be maintained. The security deposit, or any remaining portion, may be released 24 months after planting if the Director is satisfied the trees are healthy.

Click here for a full list of replacement trees and planting requirements and replacement click here.

How to apply for a permit

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.

Online Application

How to start a new Cloudpermit application (PDF)

Related Documents & Resources

Town of Gibsons TREE PRESERVATION BYLAW BYLAW No. 1282, 2020

Birds Protected Under the Migratory Birds Convention Act

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

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.

Need Help?

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