Are you in the City or the District? The City of North Vancouver (CNV) and the District of North Vancouver (DNV) are separate municipalities with very different tree permit rules. If your property is in the District, see our DNV Permit Guide instead.
City of North Vancouver — Tree Bylaw No. 8888

City of North Vancouver Permit Requirements

Rules in the City of North Vancouver depend on your property's zoning. Check your zone on CNV CityMap before proceeding.

Low Density Residential Properties

Properties zoned GO, RS-1, RS-2, RS-4B, RT-1, or RT-2 are not required to get a tree removal permit with the following exceptions:

Streamside Areas

If your property is in a streamside area, you must apply for a Streamside Development Permit before removing any trees or landscaping. Contact planning@cnv.org if unsure.

CD Zones

Some CD (Comprehensive Development) zones require a permit. Email TreeBylaw@cnv.org to confirm before doing any work.

Trees on Property Lines

If the trunk is partially outside your property, you must obtain written permission from your neighbour before cutting — including trees partially on City property.

All Other Properties

Multi-family residential, commercial, civic, industrial, and mixed employment zones require a permit to remove or extensively prune any protected tree.

Size Threshold

A permit is required for any tree with a diameter of 20cm or greater, measured at 1.4m above the ground.

Permitted Reasons for Removal

A permit will only be issued if the tree is (see our tree removal guide for more on when removal is appropriate):

  • Dead, dying, or hazardous
  • Directly interfering with utility wires
  • Directly blocking or interfering with sewer or drainage systems
  • Related to an approved development application

For the full list of conditions, refer to section 6 of CNV Tree Bylaw No. 8888.

Streamside Areas

A Streamside Development Permit is required before removing any trees or landscaping in streamside areas, regardless of zone.

Pruning Rules (All CNV Properties)

A permit is generally not required for basic pruning when following sound arboriculture practices. However, the following are not permitted under any circumstances:

Prohibited Pruning Practices in the CNV

  • Topping a tree
  • Removing more than 25% of the crown in one season
  • Raising the crown to less than 50% of the total tree height
  • Pruning or removing a structural root within the critical root zone
Bird Protection: All tree work must comply with federal and provincial legislation protecting birds. Take extra care during spring and summer nesting season.
Official Resource: Visit the CNV Private Trees page or email TreeBylaw@cnv.org with questions.

Looking for District of North Vancouver permit rules instead?

View DNV Permit Guide →