Tree Cutting Permit: Watercourse Protection Area

A Tree Environmental Development Permit is required for any proposed hazard tree work within 15 m of the top of bank of a watercourse, including proposed pruning or removals. If you are proposing any other kind of development within 15 m of the top of bank of a watercourse, please refer to our full Environmental Development Permit webpage.

"Development" means any of the following: 

  • removal, alteration, disruption, or destruction of vegetation
  • disturbance of soils 
  • construction or erection of buildings and structures
  • creation of non-structural impervious or semi-impervious surfaces 
  • flood protection works 
  • construction of roads, trails, docks, wharves and bridges 
  • provision and maintenance of sewer and water services 
  • development of drainage systems
  • development of utility corridors

The proposed hazard tree work must comply with the District's OCP Guidelines NE13 for Watercourse Protection and the District’s Tree Bylaw

Applicants must submit all necessary documentation as outlined in the checklist in the Foreshore or Watercourse Protection Area Tree Cutting Permit application form.

How to Apply

  1. Obtain an arborist report outlining the proposed work and rationale.
  2. Complete the application form.
  3. Email documents in PDF format to [email protected].
  4. Once your application has been received and processed, an application fee slip will be emailed to you. This typically takes up to five days depending on the volume of permits received.

    Fee (non-refundable): A fee applies for pruning or removal of trees. Please refer to staff or consult the District's Fees and Charges Bylaw for the applicable amount.
  5. The review of a completed application usually takes two to three weeks.
  6. If your application is approved, the permit will be sent to you by email. 
    Note: Replacement planting will be a requirement of the Environmental Development Permit to replace any trees removed. A security deposit will be collected to ensure replanting of native coastal species is completed in accordance with the permit conditions.