Do You Need a Tree Removal Permit in Port Moody?

Port Moody adopted a new Tree Protection Bylaw in March 2026, and it now covers far more trees than before. If you’re planning to take a tree down, the chances are high you’ll need a permit. This guide explains what triggers one, which permit applies to your situation, and when you’ll need an arborist report. If you live on the North Shore, see our guide to tree removal permits in North Vancouver instead.

What Triggers a Permit in Port Moody?

Under the City of Port Moody’s tree management permit rules, you need a permit to remove a tree on private property if it is:

• 30 cm or more in diameter at breast height, on any lot
• 10 cm or more and inside an Environmentally Sensitive Area or Riparian Management Zone
• 10 cm or more and one of these protected native species: arbutus, cascara, Pacific dogwood, Pacific yew, shore pine or western white pine
• 10 cm or more on a property being developed
• A replacement tree, a retained tree, or protected by a covenant, whatever its size

Diameter is measured 4.5 feet (about 1.4 metres) above the ground. To work it out, wrap a tape around the trunk at that height and divide the circumference by 3.14. The City’s interactive map shows whether your property falls inside a sensitive area or riparian zone.

Removing a tree without a permit can lead to fines, doubled fees, forfeited securities and extra replacement planting.

When You Don’t Need a Permit

You don’t need a permit if you are:

• Pruning your own tree in line with good arboricultural practice
• Removing an invasive species listed by the Province or the Invasive Species Council of BC
• Removing a tree under the authority of BC Hydro or a provincial or federal agency
• Dealing with a documented emergency, such as a tree about to fail. You must then apply for a permit the next business day and provide evidence.

Pruning is the one people most often ask about. You don’t need a permit, but the City expects pruning to follow good practice so it doesn’t damage the tree. Hiring an ISA certified arborist is the safest way to stay on the right side of the bylaw.

Which Permit Do You Need?

Port Moody has five types of tree management permit, each with its own document list.

Most applications also need a site plan, a tree replacement plan, and, if you’re applying for someone else, a signed letter of authorization from the owner. Strata properties use the City’s strata authorization form.

The site disturbance permit catches many homeowners out. A renovation, new driveway or addition near a protected tree, including a City boulevard tree, needs this permit before work starts. Tree protection fencing must be in place, an arborist must supervise any digging inside the tree protection zone, and the arborist confirms afterwards that the tree wasn’t damaged.

How the Application Process Works

Applications are made online, and the process runs in this order:

1. Prepare your documents for the permit type that applies.
2. Submit the application online.
3. Staff review and decide, which typically takes two to four weeks.
4. Pay the permit fee and replacement security. Staff send payment instructions once the application is complete. Fees are set out in the City’s Fees Bylaw.
5. Post the permit on site, visible from the street, before work begins.
6. Plant the replacement trees. These are required in nearly all cases, and the species, spacing and soil volume must meet City standards.
7. Get your security back. Half is returned after planting and half after two years, as long as the new trees are healthy.

Bird Nesting Season

Removals between March 1 and August 31 may need a bird nesting survey from a qualified environmental professional before the City will issue a permit. Planning removals for the fall and winter avoids this step. Our guide on when to prune trees in Vancouver explains how nesting season affects tree work across the region.

When You Need an Arborist Report

In Port Moody, you’ll need an arborist report for:

• Any non development removal of a protected tree
• Any removal on a development site
• Construction or excavation near a protected tree
• A hazardous tree, where the report must come from an ISA certified arborist with TRAQ and include a tree risk assessment

Dead trees are the main exception. Photos and a letter of intent are usually enough, although the City can still ask for a report.

The City publishes its own terms of reference for arborist reports, and applications are only reviewed once they’re complete. We prepare the arborist report each permit type requires, including the tree risk assessment for hazardous trees. You can also read more about our tree services in Port Moody.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal Permits in Port Moody

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Port Moody?
In most cases, yes. You need one for any tree 30 cm or more in diameter on private property, and for trees 10 cm or more in sensitive areas, on developing properties, or of a protected native species such as arbutus or Pacific yew.

Do I need a permit to prune a tree in Port Moody?
No. Pruning your own tree doesn’t need a permit, as long as it follows good arboricultural practice and doesn’t damage the tree.

What if my tree is dead or hazardous?
You still need a permit. A hazardous tree needs an arborist report and tree risk assessment from an ISA certified arborist with TRAQ. A dead tree usually only needs photos and a letter of intent, though the City may ask for a report.

How long does a Port Moody tree permit take?
City staff typically review applications in two to four weeks once they’re complete. Removals between March 1 and August 31 may also need a bird nesting survey, so allow extra time.

Do I have to plant replacement trees?
In nearly all cases, yes. You also pay a refundable security, with half returned after planting and the rest after two years if the new trees are healthy.