Local tree-rule guide
Victoria tree rules
Private-tree rules are present; check size/location exceptions.
The local rule
Victoria's Tree Protection Bylaw protects designated private-property trees based on species, size, replacement status and other categories.
Removing, pruning or working in the root zone of a bylaw-protected tree can require a permit, and replacement/tree-minimum rules can apply.
Application details
Victoria publishes both approval reasons and current tree-permit costs
- Victoria’s Tree Protection Bylaw does not use one simple diameter threshold for every private tree.
- Species, size, replacement status, development context and the reason for removal all matter, and the City publishes the permit fees and securities that can follow.
Removal may be permitted where a protected tree is dead or hazardous and the risk cannot be mitigated, is a regulated invasive plant, sits within the necessary building envelope, or is causing structural/infrastructure damage that cannot reasonably be mitigated.
Victoria currently lists no permit fee for pruning a protected tree, emergency cutting/removal, or cutting/removing a protected tree that is hazardous, dead, more than 50% crown-dead, or an invasive species.
The current fee schedule lists $50 for a lot up to 2,000 m², $100 for a lot between 2,000 and 4,000 m², and $250 per 4,000 m² for a lot of 4,000 m² or more.
Where the City accepts evidence that the property cannot accommodate a required replacement tree, the current cash-in-lieu amount is $2,000 for each replacement tree or seedling that cannot be planted on site.
Current development-related security amounts include $10,000 for a retained specimen tree, $2,500 for another retained protected tree, $2,000 for a large/medium replacement tree and $1,000 for a small replacement tree. Total tree-protection security on one development site is capped at $50,000.
Rezoning, subdivision, development permits, demolition, blasting and many building permits can require tree information and tree permits even where removal is not the only work proposed.
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