Tree Management Permits

A permit is required if the tree meets any of the following:

• ≥30 cm DBH on any lot
• ≥10 cm DBH in a Riparian or Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) - Use City mapping tool to check if tree is in Riparian Area or ESA
• ≥10 cm DBH and a protected native species (e.g., arbutus, pacific dogwood, yew)

Required documents

• Site plan showing tree location(s) relative to buildings and lot lines
• Arborist Report (required for hazardous trees, infrastructure conflicts, or when the tree’s condition is unclear. For dead trees, clear photos are usually sufficient. In some cases, an arborist report may still be requested to confirm the condition.)
• Letter of Authorization (if not applying as the property owner)
• Photos of the tree (if not submitting an arborist report)
• Nesting bird surveys prepared by a Qualified Environmental Professional may be required for tree removal between March–August.

Apply for a non-development tree removal permit.

For lots subject to a development approval (e.g., zoning amendment, subdivision, development permit, variance permit, temporary use permit, demolition permit, or building permit), you must:

You need a permit if removing any protected tree on a site with:

• a valid building, development, or demolition permit
• approved servicing, rezoning, or subdivision

Required documents

• Letter of intent
• Letter of authorization (if not the owner)
• Bond release form
• Arborist report
• Tree management plan
• Letter of assurance
• Tree replacement plan
• Post construction impact report (if applicable)
• Stand stability assessment (if applicable)
• Nesting bird survey (if tree removal is proposed between March and August)

Permit conditions

Confirmation of tree protection fencing installation is required before the permit is issued. Learn more in the Tree Protection Barriers fact sheet.

Once issued, the permit must be posted visibly on site.

Work must comply with the approved Tree Permit and construction plans.

Post-construction arborist memo must be submitted, with supervision records if applicable.

Apply for a development-related tree removal permit for a single family dwelling or for all other uses. 

This permit is for trees posing imminent risk, confirmed by a TRAQ-certified arborist.

Confirm eligibility

An arborist must confirm high or extreme TRAQ risk rating and recommend removal as the only feasible mitigation option

Gather required documents

Documents required for this permit include:

• Letter of authorization (if not the owner)
• Arborist report
• Tree replacement plan
• Nesting bird survey (if removal is proposed between March and August)

Apply for a hazardous tree removal permit.

Trees confirmed dead or with >50% crown dieback

Confirm eligibility

The City recommends obtaining an arborist report to support dead/dying tree assessment. We reserve the right to request further evidence if necessary.

Required documents

• Letter of Authorization (if necessary)
• Photographs of tree condition
• Nesting bird surveys prepared by a Qualified Environmental Professional may be required for tree removal between March–August.

Note: An Arborist report is typically not required for requests to remove dead trees. The City may request one in certain circumstances.

Apply for a dead tree removal permit.

This permit applies to any construction, excavation, or site activity within 10m of a Protected Tree trunk or Tree Protection Zone (TPZ), even if tree removal is not proposed, including:

• City boulevard trees
• Protected trees on or adjacent to the construction zone

Required documents

• Letter of Authorization (if necessary)
• Bond Release Form
• Letter of Intent
• Arborist Report
• Tree Protection Plan
• Letter of Assurance (if working inside TPZ)
• Site plan showing TPZ, work areas, and fencing

 Permit conditions

• Confirmation of tree protection fencing installation is required prior to permit issuance.
• Post permit visibly on-site
• Arborist supervision required for excavation or work inside TPZ.

After work completion

• Arborist must submit post-construction memo confirming:
• Compliance with protection measures
• No damage to retained trees

Apply for tree protection during site disturbance.

You must still apply for a permit.

• For hazardous trees, an arborist report is required (ISA-certified with TRAQ).
• For dead or declining trees (more than 50% crown dieback), an arborist report may be requested. Permits are generally granted for these scenarios.

Yes. Replacement planting is required in nearly all cases. Standard requirements are listed in section 13 of the Tree Protection Bylaw.

View the replacement tree species list.

You must pay a refundable security to ensure trees are planted and maintained. These are returned in two parts:

• 50% after planting
• 50% after two years if the tree is healthy

Securities may also apply for retained trees on development sites to protect them during construction.

See the Fees Bylaw for costs by permit type.

DBH is a standard method of measuring the diameter of a tree's trunk at 4.5 feet above the ground. To measure DBH, wrap a measuring tape around the tree trunk at this height to find the circumference. Then, divide the circumference by 3.14 to calculate the diameter. 

You do not need a tree management permit if you wish to prune trees on your own property. Consult the best management practices of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to ensure the pruning will not damage the tree or that you are not contravening the bylaw.  To ensure proper pruning methods, hire an ISA certified arborist to ensure you are following best practices and the tree is not being damaged.

If you are removing a tree anytime between March 1 and August 31, you may need to have a bird nesting survey done by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) in order to get a tree removal permit. The QEP will survey the tree and surrounding area for any active nests. This is to ensure the protection of wildlife within Port Moody. Learn more on the Environmental Protection and Requirements page.

For emergency tree removals contact planning@portmoody.ca.