It can be confusing trying to navigate the rules regarding tree removal. The best practice is to ask one of our staff. In the meantime, we have prepared some guidelines to help you assess your situation.

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Where do you live?

• Within a municipality?

• In the RDN or CVRD, outside the limits of a municipality?

If your property is within a municipality, then you are subject to the tree removal bylaws of the municipality and may be required to apply for a permit. In most cases, this will be the City of Nanaimo.

Within the Regional District of Nanaimo, your property may be subject to specific covenants on your title or subject to an Environmental Development Protection Area. You can find more information here.

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Is it near a lake, river, or stream?

If yes, you will need to contact a certified arborist. Although riparian setbacks may vary depending on your property, typically all trees within 15 m of the water's edge are protected by provincial regulation and will require a formal tree risk assessment report as a first step and a permit if removal is recommended. Keep in mind that permits will only be issued if all other mitigation methods are insufficient.

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How many trees do you want to remove?

• More than 4

• Up to 4 in a calendar year

The City of Nanaimo's tree protection bylaw allows for the removal of up to 4 trees per calendar year, provided that the trees are not considered "landmark trees" due to their size or specially designated "heritage trees."

 

What species is the tree and how big is it?

• Is it a native species?

The City of Nanaimo's tree protection bylaw only protects native species of trees. Non-native species are not subject to permitting requirements.

If it is a native species, measure the circumference at chest height, and divide by pi 𝝿 to get the diameter of the trunk. Check your number against the table provided by the City of Nanaimo, which can be found below. If the diameter is less than the minimum for the species, you do not need a permit. If the diameter is greater than the minimum for the species, you will need to apply for a permit.

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