West Vancouver’s tree bylaw: what a buyer needs to know
Checked 4 October 2026 · next review January 2027In West Vancouver you need a District permit to cut down, top or heavily prune any protected tree, and that includes pruning for a view. A tree is protected if it is 75 cm across or more, if it is near a creek or the ocean, if it is one of six listed species, or, since the bylaw changed in December 2025, if it is 20 cm or more on a lot being developed. There is no general right to a view, and the District will not prune its own trees to create one.
The tree bylaw was amended in December 2025 and fees change each year. Everything below is subject to change. Call the District Arborist with the address before you count on removing or pruning a tree.
| West Vancouver District Arborist | 604-925-7192 · districttrees@westvancouver.ca |
| West Vancouver permits and inspections | 604-925-7040 · permits@westvancouver.ca |
| District of West Vancouver | 604-925-7000 · 750 17th Street |
Which trees are protected
| Protected tree | Rule |
|---|---|
| Large trees | 75 cm or more across, measured 1.4 m above the ground. Multi-stem trees count all stems together |
| Lots being developed or subdivided | 20 cm or more across |
| Near water | Any tree within 15 m of the top of a creek bank (5 m for a seasonal creek) or 15 m of the ocean |
| Listed species | Arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific yew, Pacific dogwood, yellow cedar and shore pine over 20 cm |
| Others | Replacement trees, retained trees, heritage trees, trees with active nests of protected birds, and District trees, including boulevard trees |
What the permit covers
| Rule | |
|---|---|
| What needs a permit | Removing, topping or re-topping a protected tree, or cutting a limb that needs someone to leave the ground |
| Pruning for a view | Allowed only if the District permits it. It is not exempt |
| Fee | $330 for the first tree, $120 for each additional tree. Non-refundable |
| How long a permit lasts | One year |
| Replacement | One new tree for each tree removed, at least 5 cm thick (deciduous) or 3 m tall (conifer) |
| Security | $1,000 for each replacement tree, up to $10,000, held until the trees are planted |
| Cutting without a permit | Fines up to $10,000. Each tree, and each day, can be a separate offence |
Fees are the District’s published 2026 fees (Fees and Charges Bylaw 5383); confirm the current fee when you apply. Applications go through the District’s online document upload; email applications are not accepted.
Views
- The District says it removes District trees and limbs only when they are hazardous, and does not prune or remove them for view creation.
- A neighbour’s tree or hedge growing into your view is generally a private matter between owners, and a protected tree still needs a permit.
- Most single-family zones cap building height at 7.62 m. Some homes have covenants on title that say more about height, trees or views, so read the title before you buy.
Before you make an offer
Ask for
A survey or site plan showing large trees and any creek or shoreline, and the permit history for tree work on the lot.
Check
The title for covenants and building schemes, and with the District Arborist whether a tree you would want to remove or prune is protected.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Call the West Vancouver District Arborist on 604-925-7192 with the address before you rely on removing or pruning a tree, and have your lawyer read the title for covenants.
- District of West Vancouver, Tree Bylaw No. 4892, 2016, consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 5373, 2025. Checked 4 October 2026.
- District of West Vancouver, Tree bylaw. Checked 4 October 2026.
- District of West Vancouver, Tree cutting permit, private property. Checked 4 October 2026.
- District of West Vancouver, Tree cutting: what to know, January 2026. Checked 4 October 2026.
- District of West Vancouver, Tree Bylaw amendments, Council report, August 2025. Checked 4 October 2026.
- District of West Vancouver, Private property concerns. Checked 4 October 2026.
- District of West Vancouver, Summary of regulations, single family and duplex zones. Checked 4 October 2026.
- District of West Vancouver, Contact us. Checked 4 October 2026.