Proposed bylaw updates by property type

The bylaw categorizes properties by type, with slightly different application depending on the property.

Properties undergoing development

The current Tree Protection Bylaw applies to all properties subject to development approval.

What stays the same – properties undergoing development still need to:

- obtain a permit to remove trees 10 centimetres (cm) in diameter or greater;

- modify proposed buildings and structures when possible to retain a tree, with emphasis on protecting large diameter trees (50 cm in diameter or greater), environmentally sensitive areas, rare/slow-growing native species (Pacific dogwood, Arbutus, Pacific yew, cascara, shore pine, and Western white pine), and heritage/landmark trees;

- replace every tree removed with two replacement trees (or pay cash-in-lieu if there is insufficient space to replant on the property; the City will plant the tree elsewhere);

- pay a refundable security deposit of $740 for every replacement tree to guarantee planting; and

- comply with applicable regulations such as the provincial Wildlife Act, federal Fisheries Act, federal Species at Risk Act, and federal Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Proposed changes – if the bylaw updates are approved, properties undergoing development will need to:

- adjust the replacement requirements based on canopy cover potential at maturity, meaning that permit holders will need to plant more replacement trees if they choose replacement tree species that will be small at maturity; and

- pay a refundable tree protection security deposit for trees retained on construction sites (this will be refunded after construction if the tree(s) were protected adequately).

Properties within an environmentally sensitive area (ESA)

The current Tree Protection Bylaw applies to all properties within an environmentally sensitive area (ESA).

What stays the same – developed/existing properties within environmentally sensitive areas need to:

- obtain a permit to remove trees 10 centimetres (cm) in diameter or greater; and

- comply with applicable regulations such as the provincial Wildlife Act, federal Fisheries Act, federal Species at Risk Act, and federal Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Proposed changes – if the bylaw updates are approved, developed/existing properties within environmentally sensitive areas will need to:

- pay lower permit fees or refundable security deposits than properties undergoing development:

a $75 permit fee (no permit fee for removing hazardous trees); and
a refundable security deposit (or cash-in-lieu if replacement trees cannot be planted on the property) of $370 per tree (reduction from current $740 per tree).

All other properties

Outside of properties undergoing development or properties located within an Environmentally Sensitive Area, the current Tree Protection Bylaw applies to existing strata properties.

What stays the same – all existing strata properties need to:

- obtain a permit to remove trees 30 cm in diameter or greater.

Proposed changes – if the bylaw updates are approved, all other developed/existing properties, including strata and single detached properties, will need to:

- obtain a permit to remove trees 30 cm in diameter or greater:

strata properties will no longer need a permit to remove trees 10-29 cm in diameter except within environmentally sensitive areas or for smaller native species.

- Adjust the replacement requirements based on canopy cover potential at maturity, meaning that permit holders will need to plant more replacement trees if they choose replacement tree species that will be small at maturity; and

-pay lower permit fees or refundable security deposits than developing properties:

a $75 permit fee (no permit fee for removing hazardous trees); and
a refundable security deposit (or cash-in-lieu if replacement trees cannot be planted on the property) of $370 per tree (reduction from current $740 per tree).