Tree Cutting Permit

In most cases, the tree management bylaw allows, private property owners to remove up to two trees of protected size per 12 month period from their property without a permit. A protected tree is any living woody plant greater than 20cm in diameter measured 1.4m from the ground.  

You will require a permit if you wish to remove more than two protected trees per 12 month period.

You will require a Tree Cutting Permit for all tree removals if your property has any of the following:

• Riparian area or Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA)
• Steep Slope area
• Located within an area that has a protective covenant applied to it. To check if a restrictive covenant exists on the property's land title, consult the Land Title Survey Authority or call 604-630-9630
• If your property is located on Burian Drive or Latimer Avenue

In order to apply for a tree cutting permit, you will need to submit the following:

• A completed Application for Approval to Remove Protected Trees (PDF)
  • The application form can be submitted by the homeowner, property manager, or the contractor identified as performing the removal, but must be signed by the property owner prior to submission
  • If trees are shared with a neighbour (i.e. the base straddles the property line), your submission must be accompanied by a signed agreement by both property owners giving consent for removal
  • An application submitted by a strata member must include a signed letter from their management company, identifying the applicant as having permission to act on behalf of the strata
• If the tree is located near a watercourse, on a steep slope, within a vegetation covenant area or your property is located on Burian Drive or Latimer Avenue a tree risk assessment report from an ISA certified arborist must accompany the application.

*Please note that we will return incomplete application forms. The contractor identified as performing the tree work must have an active business licence to operate in Coquitlam or the Tri-City area. 

Completed applications with relevant supporting documents can be submitted by email to trees@coquitlam.ca. If you do not have internet access please contact Urban Forestry staff at 604-927-3482 for other arrangements.

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by Urban Forestry staff. If the application is complete, with no omissions or errors, we will notify you by email or phone that your application has been accepted. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.

Urban Forestry staff will notify you once your permit is ready for fees/securities to be paid. Staff will provide the invoices which must be paid at the Finance counter located on the main floor of Coquitlam City Hall.

Tree Cutting Permit Fee

A Basic Tree Cutting permit application is $60.00. Applications requiring additional documentation (arborist report) or site visits from a City technician are subject to a $302.00 application fee.

Tree Replacement Deposit

Replacement trees are bonded at $300 per replacement tree.  The security is due at the time of permit issuance. The bond will be returned in installments; 90-percent return after tree planting and inspection and the remaining 10-percent one year later. 

Once fees/securities have been paid, staff will provide the approved permit.

The valid permit must be on site during tree removal. You or your contractor may be asked to provide proof of valid permit during tree removal.