Tree Removal Permits

The City of Port Moody is committed to environmental sustainability, which includes maintaining and improving our tree canopy cover. As a resident, you must consult the City's Tree Protection Bylaw before removing a tree from your property. The Bylaw provides policies for tree removal and determines when you need a tree removal permit.

The information below applies to trees on private property. For questions or concerns about trees on City lands, please contact the Operations Division by email or phone at 604-469-4574.

Do I need a tree removal permit?

We recommend that you first determine if your property is located in an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and/or Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA) as this will affect the policies that affect the trees on your property. Check your property on the interactive map by turning on the 'ESA & Watercourse' layer. 

As outlined in the Tree Protection Bylaw, you are required to get a tree removal permit if:

• you live in a condominium, apartment, townhouse, row house or duplex and would like to remove a tree;
• your property has a covenant registered on the Certificate of Title (from the Land Title Office) that relates to trees and/or landscaping;
• your property is located in an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and/or Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA); or
• you would like to remove trees on a property for commercial, industrial, single family or multi-family redevelopment.

Trimming or pruning trees

You do not need a tree removal permit if you are located in a residential area that is not an ESA or SPEA and want to trim branches that hang over your property from a neighbour's property, or trim or prune trees on your property. 

However, if your property is located in an ESA or SPEA, you will need to get authorization to trim overhanging branches, remove dead trees, or trim and prune trees on your property. Depending on the scope of work, you may need a permit or approval from a certified arborist. Consult with City planning staff by phone or email to determine what authorization is required your situation. 

See Trees on Private Property for more information on trimming overhanging branches and hazardous trees.

Tree removal during nesting season

If you are removing a tree anytime between March 1 and August 31, you may need to have a 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.

Tree Protection Bylaw and Schedules

Please carefully review the Tree Protection Bylaw and the following schedules before removing a tree from your property:

• Schedule A: Tree Protection Standards (PDF, pg.13)
• Schedule B: Tree Protection Bylaw: Process Flow Chart (PDF, pg.16)
• Schedule C: Tree Protection Fence Details: Permanent Fencing (PDF, pg.17)
• Schedule D: Tree Protection Fence Details: Temporary Fencing (PDF, pg.18)
• Schedule E: Environmentally Sensitive Areas (OCP, 2014) (PDF, pg.19)

Apply for a tree removal permit

Make sure you have the following required documents ready to submit with your application:

• Owner authorization: 
  • If you are submitting an application on behalf of the property owner(s), you must provide a Letter of Authorization (PDF) signed by all registered owner(s). 
  • If the property is within a strata, upload a completed Letter of Authorization for Strata Properties (PDF). 
  • If the owner is an incorporated company/society, attach a current corporate/society search or "notice of directors."
• All required attachments as requested in the Tree Protection Bylaw. At a minimum, this includes a Copy of the Certificate of Title and an Arborist Report. If not already included in Arborist Report, you will also need to provide a letter of intent outlining the current situation, proposed changes and justification thereof, and the proposed dates and hours for on-site works and tree removal, and anticipated completion dates for replanting. Note that staff may request additional information to process this application.

  Submit a tree removal permit application online

Planning staff will review your application, then contact you for fee payment and/or additional information as needed. As part of your permit, you may be required to replace each tree that is being removed with two new trees. If so, you will also be required to pay a refundable deposit for each tree that is being planted.

Alternately, if you are unable to complete the online application, you may submit a PDF of the tree removal permit application form and your required documents by emailing planning@portmoody.ca. 

• Tree removal permit application form (PDF).