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Tree permits and protection in Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Check before pruning, removing or working in a protected tree’s root zone. Victoria protects large trees, several native
Key information
Check before pruning, removing or working in a protected tree’s root zone. Victoria protects large trees, several native species, replacement and covenanted trees, and trees on steep slopes or near watercourses.
On this page
Recognize protected trees
The page lists trees over 30 cm diameter at breast height, and Garry oak, arbutus, Pacific yew and Pacific dogwood over 50 cm tall. Replacement and city-covenanted trees are protected regardless of the ordinary size rule.
Trees on slopes steeper than 33% over ten metres, and trees within fifteen metres of a watercourse’s natural boundary, are also protected. Hedges have their own stem-size and spacing rules.
Sources: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Measure and ask before work
Measure at 1.4 metres above grade. For multiple stems at that height, add the three largest diameters. For a hedge, use the largest stem. The page’s hedge threshold wording varies between over and at 30 cm, so ask at the boundary.
Contact treepermits@victoria.ca for the correct residential or development route. Use the permit form and, when needed, modification/extension or replacement confirmation forms. A tree being dead or hazardous is a reason a permit may be granted, not an automatic conclusion that no process is needed.
Sources: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Development and replacement
Development applications may require tree information, including rezonings, subdivision and specified building/demolition work. The Tree Minimum adds a required number of trees on developed private property; it is separate from replacing a removed tree.
Permits can require security for protected or replacement trees. If the Director accepts evidence that replacement planting cannot fit, the city requires $2,000 cash in lieu for each replacement tree or seedling not accommodated.
Sources: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Key details at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ordinary protected size | Over 30 cm DBH in the posted definition |
| Named native species | Garry oak, arbutus, Pacific yew, Pacific dogwood over 50 cm tall |
| Measurement height | 1.4 m above grade |
| Watercourse buffer | Within 15 m |
| Cash in lieu if approved | $2,000 per required replacement not accommodated |
Sources: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Steps to follow
- Check protection
Consider species, location and permit history, not size alone.
- Ask and apply
Use the appropriate route before pruning/removal/root work.
- Meet replacement conditions
Provide security or approved cash-in-lieu as required.
Sources: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Useful questions and answers
Does only tree size determine protection?
No. Species, replacement status, covenants, slope and watercourse location also matter.
Source: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Which native species have the 50 cm height rule?
Garry oak, arbutus, Pacific yew and Pacific dogwood.
Source: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Where is diameter measured?
At 1.4 metres above existing grade.
Source: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
How are multi-stemmed trees measured?
Add the diameters of the three largest stems at that height.
Source: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Can a hedge be protected?
Yes. It has a stem-size rule and a defined row/spacing pattern; confirm the threshold edge with staff.
Source: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Does root-zone work need consideration?
Yes. Work in a protected tree’s root zone may require a permit.
Source: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Is a hazardous tree automatically free to remove?
The city lists hazard as a possible permit reason. Confirm the applicable process before work.
Source: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
What is the Tree Minimum?
A minimum tree count on developed private land, additional to replacement obligations.
Source: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Can I choose cash instead of replacement planting?
Only where the Director accepts evidence that planting cannot fit; it is not an automatic preference.
Source: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules
Who handles tree permit questions?
treepermits@victoria.ca.
Source: Protected trees, permit conditions and replacement rules