Local tree-rule guide
New Westminster: 20 cm at 1.3 m
Private-tree rules are present; check size/location exceptions.
The local rule
New Westminster protects private trees meeting its bylaw definition, including a common 20 cm diameter threshold measured 1.3 m above ground.
The City's protected-tree definition can also capture certain multi-stem trees, hedges and trees required by earlier approvals, so trunk size is not the only test.
Application details
How New Westminster’s tree permit works for homeowners
- New Westminster uses a broad protected-tree definition and then provides a lower-burden resident-applicant stream for certain owner-occupied properties and small projects.
A permit is required to cut or remove a protected tree. The City includes trees at least 20 cm in diameter measured 1.3 m above grade, multi-stem trees whose two largest stems total at least 20 cm, trees with evidence of nesting birds, required replacement/development trees, hedges at least 5 m high, and trees or shrubs on City-owned or occupied land.
For the City’s resident-applicant category, there is no application fee or permit fee for removal of a hazardous tree. This category is intended for an owner who also lives on the lot and is dealing with a hazardous tree or specified minor residential work.
For resident applicants, the City says 40% of replacement-tree security is refunded once required trees are planted and the remaining 60% is returned after the one-year maintenance period.
The City may waive an arborist report where a resident-applicant lot has three or fewer protected trees, no specimen tree over 60 cm DBH, and the proposed work is simple with minimal tree impact.
Where eligible, a resident applicant may ask the City Arborist to inspect tree-protection barriers. The published charge is $75 for the initial inspection plus $10 for each additional barrier, with a $75 fee for a failed-barrier reinspection.
A removal permit is not normally required for sound pruning, but the City excludes practices such as topping, removing more than 25% of the crown in one season, excessive crown raising and pruning/removal of a structural root within the critical root zone.
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 reviewed October 1, 2026. Rules can change; confirm with the local authority before work. How we research