Vancouver Tree Removal & Planting Rules - City Bylaws

This guide explains how Vancouver, Washington regulates tree removal and planting on private property and in the public right-of-way. It summarizes when property owners need a permit, who enforces the rules, typical application steps, and how appeals and compliance inspections work. Use this to prepare applications, avoid common violations, and find the official code and permit pages cited here for authoritative details and forms. See the city code and urban forestry permit information linked below for full legal text and the official application process. Vancouver municipal code (trees)^[1]

Overview

Vancouver manages tree removal and planting through municipal ordinances and administrative permit programs. The rules typically differentiate trees on private property, trees in the public right-of-way (street trees), and trees protected by development or environmental regulations. Property owners should check whether planned removals require a permit before work begins and whether replacement planting or mitigation is required.

What Requires a Permit

• Removal of trees above a specified diameter at breast height (DBH) on private property may require a permit or mitigation.
• Removal or pruning of street trees or trees in the public right-of-way generally requires city approval.
• Tree removal within development sites, critical areas, or during permitted construction is regulated by development conditions and may need separate approvals.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by city departments responsible for urban forestry, planning, and code enforcement. The exact civil penalties, daily fines, and escalation rules are set in the municipal code and administrative rules; if the code page does not list specific dollar amounts, this guide notes that fact and points to the authoritative page.^[1]

• Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences and any per-day calculations are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: city may issue stop-work or restoration orders, require replanting or mitigation, and pursue civil enforcement; court action is available for unresolved violations.
• Enforcer and inspections: urban forestry or public works staff and code enforcement inspectors perform site inspections and issue notices; complaints are routed through the city permit or code enforcement contact.
• Appeal/review: administrative appeal routes exist through planning or hearing examiner procedures; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permit applications and instructions via its permit center and planning pages. For tree permits and street-tree work, use the city permit page to find the current application, submittal checklist, fee schedule, and online filing instructions. City of Vancouver permits & applications^[2]

• Permit name: Tree Removal/Street Tree Permit (exact form name may vary by program).
• Fees: see the permit page for the current fee schedule; fees are not specified on the cited page.
• Submission: online or in-person via the city permit center, per the permit page.
• Deadlines: follow application deadlines listed on the permit or project permit notice.

Tree Planting Standards

Planting requirements include species selection, planting location relative to utilities and sidewalks, and spacing standards. Replacement ratios and mitigation planting requirements for removed protected trees are set in ordinance or administrative rule—consult the municipal code and the urban forestry guidance for exact dimensions, species lists, and planting specifications.^[1]

Action Steps for Property Owners

• Stop: Before any removal, confirm whether the tree is protected or in the right-of-way.
• Apply: Complete the tree or street-tree permit and submit required plans and photos per the permit center instructions.^[2]
• Inspect: Allow city inspections during and after work; follow any restoration or mitigation orders.
• Appeal: If you receive a notice, follow the administrative appeal steps listed on the notice or municipal code.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?

It depends on tree size, species, location, and whether the tree is protected under development conditions; check the municipal code and apply if required.

How do I apply for a street-tree permit?

Use the city permit center page to find and submit the street-tree permit application and required attachments.

What happens if I cut down a protected tree without a permit?

The city may issue stop-work orders, require mitigation or replanting, and seek civil penalties or court remedies; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.

How-To

1. Identify the tree: record species, DBH, and location (private yard or right-of-way).
2. Check triggers: consult the municipal code and urban forestry guidance to confirm whether a permit is required.^[1]
3. Prepare application: gather site plan, photos, and any arborist reports required by the permit form.
4. Submit: file via the city permit center and pay applicable fees.^[2]
5. Comply with inspections: schedule or allow inspections and complete any required mitigation or replanting.

Key Takeaways

• Check permits before removing trees to avoid enforcement and restoration orders.
• Use the city permit center and urban forestry contacts for official forms and instructions.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Vancouver Permit Center
• City of Vancouver Public Works - Urban Forestry
• Vancouver Municipal Code (official)

1. [1] Vancouver municipal code (trees)
2. [2] City of Vancouver permits & applications