Local tree-rule guide
Abbotsford tree rules
Protected private trees >20 cm outside ALR plus retention-area trees.
The local rule
Abbotsford's Tree Management Bylaw 3600-2025 took effect in 2026 and regulates removal or significant injury of protected trees.
The City's permit guidance includes trees over 20 cm in diameter and trees in designated retention areas within the bylaw's protection framework.
Abbotsford’s Tree Management Bylaw No. 3600-2025 took effect March 1, 2026 and applies outside the Agricultural Land Reserve when a tree is greater than 20 cm in diameter measured 1.4 m above ground or is in a designated tree-retention area.
A Tree Permit can be required before pruning a significant tree, planting a required replacement tree or doing work that would damage a protected tree.
The City publishes a $59 non-refundable application fee and replacement requirements tied to removed-tree size and property canopy targets.
Shared boundary trees require owner authorization before a permit can be approved.
Application details
Abbotsford’s new March 2026 tree bylaw changed the homeowner calculation
- Abbotsford’s Tree Management Bylaw No. 3600-2025 took effect March 1, 2026.
- It keeps the 20 cm private-tree trigger outside the ALR, but adds a canopy-target approach, shared-tree consent and a published replacement/security system.
The current online Tree Permit has a $59 non-refundable application fee. Properties in the Agricultural Land Reserve are outside this bylaw.
If the trunk straddles a property line, owner authorization is required before the permit can be approved. The other owner is not obligated to consent.
An arborist report may be required depending on the number of trees and type of application. Replacement-tree applications require a replanting plan.
Abbotsford now uses a tree-density target of 40% canopy cover per lot. If the property still meets the target after removal, replanting may not be required; otherwise the replacement requirement works toward the target.
More than 60 cm DBH = 4 replacements; 30–60 cm = 3; 20–30 cm = 2; 10–20 cm = 1; under 10 cm or a verified hazardous tree = none, unless another protected-area rule applies.
$500 per replacement tree for ordinary properties and $750 per replacement tree where the property is undergoing development.
The City uses a high/extreme risk standard supported by a qualified Tree Risk Assessment. Immediate mitigation can occur when needed, but the applicant must preserve photos, measurements, a site plan and professional evidence for City review.
Before work starts
- Ownership: check the property line. Public and boundary trees may follow a different process.
- Site context: review any development approval, covenant or protected-area conditions.
- Work requirements: confirm any permit, exemption or protection requirements that apply to the planned work.
Official sources
Primary municipal source rechecked October 1, 2026. Rules can change; confirm with the local authority before work. How we research