Updated July 2026
Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Nanaimo?
In the City of Nanaimo, a property owner may remove up to four non-significant trees per calendar year without a permit under Management and Protection of Trees Bylaw No. 7126; removing more than four, where any tree is 6 cm or greater in diameter, requires a City tree removal permit. Permits are also required for significant or heritage trees and for any tree in a riparian area or Development Permit Area, regardless of the four-tree allowance. Rural properties in the Regional District of Nanaimo fall under Development Permit Areas in Bylaw No. 500 covering steep slopes and watercourses. Hazardous trees and routine pruning are treated differently, as set out below.
Updated July 2026
A licensed crew handles the permit check as part of tree removal.
| Situation | Permit needed? |
|---|---|
| Removing 4 or fewer non-significant trees in a calendar year | No |
| Removing more than 4 trees in a calendar year | Yes |
| Significant or heritage tree (by species & size) | Yes |
| Any tree in a riparian area (near a watercourse) | Yes |
| Any tree in a Development Permit Area | Yes |
| Trees on an active development / building site | Yes (tree management plan) |
| Routine pruning within reason | No |
| Where the property is | Authority / rule |
|---|---|
| City of Nanaimo | Bylaw No. 7126 (Management & Protection of Trees) |
| Rural / electoral areas | Regional District of Nanaimo — Development Permit Areas, Bylaw No. 500 |
| Trees on or near power lines | BC Hydro (utility vegetation) |
| Trees with nesting birds | Federal Migratory Birds Convention Act (timing restrictions) |
How the four-tree allowance works
Within the City of Nanaimo, up to four non-significant trees can be removed per calendar year without a permit. The allowance does not apply to significant trees, or to any tree in a riparian area, Development Permit Area, or on an active development site — those need City approval first. Permitted removals may carry replacement-tree or fee-in-lieu conditions; current amounts are confirmed by the City at application.
Significant, heritage, and riparian trees
Significant trees are defined by species and size for their habitat, landmark, or heritage value, and riparian setbacks protect trees near watercourses. Both require City of Nanaimo review even when the four-tree allowance would otherwise apply.
Rural and acreage properties
Outside city limits, Development Permit Areas in Regional District of Nanaimo Bylaw No. 500 regulate tree clearing on steep slopes and near watercourses, and a Development Permit may be required before removal. Rural owners confirm with the RDN before clearing.
Hazard trees and emergencies
Genuinely hazardous or storm-failed trees are handled differently from planned removals; documenting the hazard with photos or an arborist report and checking with the City is the safe path. A tree contacting a power line is an emergency — stay back 10 metres, call 911, and report the line to BC Hydro at 1-800-224-9376.
How to apply
Tree removal permits and, on development sites, tree management plans are handled by the City of Nanaimo's Urban Forestry group. An arborist assessment on the quote helps confirm whether a permit is needed before any work begins.
For pricing, see the tree removal cost guide. Explore the full service area.
Not sure if your tree needs a permit? Get a free assessment and quote.