Proposed Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw Changes

Delta Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7415, 2015 (“the tree bylaw”) prohibits the cutting or damaging of trees without a permit, regulates the tree cutting permit process, and sets out requirements for the replacement of cut trees. This bylaw was most recently amended in 2016.

At the May 11, 2020 Regular Meeting, an Urban Forest Strategy and action plan was adopted by Delta Council, together with the following resolution:

THAT staff report back on options to amend Delta’s Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw No. 7415 to increase the level of protection for significant trees within the City and ensure the appropriate amount of compensation is provided when tree removal is necessary.

We are updating the tree bylaw to respond to this direction from Mayor & Council. To ensure that proposed updates to the tree bylaw are in line with current and progressive practices, staff recently undertook a review of tree bylaws of municipalities in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. Based on this review, as well as recent comments from the public and Mayor & Council, staff recommend amendments to the tree bylaw as described below.

Proposed Changes

1. Tree cutting permit fees
   • We are proposing to increase the fees
2. New tree categories: Large Diameter Tree and Significant Tree
   • We are proposing extra protection for trees with a trunk diameter of 50 cm or more and for trees designated as 'significant'
3. Single tree cutting allowance
   • We are proposing to require tree cutting permit fees and replacement trees for all trees cut, unless they pose a safety risk
4. Permits for pruning
   • We are proposing special requirements for pruning of large (50+ cm) trees and significant trees
5. Penalties
   • We are proposing higher penalties for illegal tree cutting
6. Tree replacement
   • We are proposing more and larger replacement trees when larger trees are cut
7. Tree security/cash-in-lieu
   • We are proposing a higher amount for tree security and cash-in-lieu of tree replacement

Delta’s tree bylaw is a complex document. To help people understand the bylaw, we are going to prepare a simplified interpretation guide, possibly in the form of bulletins or Frequently Asked Questions, to be posted on the City’s website with the revised tree bylaw.

Want to learn more about the proposed changes to Delta's Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw? Visit delta.ca/treebylawchanges.