Burnaby tree rules for developers and project managers
The detail behind the project tree check: what the City requires at each stage, with the bylaw or guide section for every rule.
How the Burnaby tree bylaw affects demolition and building permits
The moment you make a development application, the protected size drops to 20.3 cm for every tree on the lot. Tree review then runs inside your permit, and it can hold up your demolition or building permit.
| Application | What the City does with trees |
|---|---|
| Building permit for alterations or additions | Staff check whether protected trees are affected. A tree permit may be issued with the building permit. The R1 intake checklists for additions and alterations list no arborist report, but the City may ask for one, with a tree management plan, where the work is close to a protected tree or may reach into its critical root zone (Building Division, 14 October 2026). |
| R1 small-scale multi-unit housing: demolition and new build | A survey showing every protected tree is required. When protected trees are on the site or within 2 m of the property line on neighbouring or City land, the building permit application also needs an arborist report from an ISA Certified Arborist, including a tree management plan. With none, a letter saying so is accepted and staff inspect before deciding (Building Division, 14 October 2026). Staff visit the site and decide which trees are removed, retained and replaced. Demolition and building permits wait for the tree permit, fees and an approved fence. |
| Rezoning, subdivision, preliminary plan approval (PPA), development permit (DP) or initial application (INT) | Tree removal, retention and replacement are resolved in the planning process, with an arborist report and a tree management plan. |
No separate tree permit application
You don't file a tree permit application on its own. The tree permit comes out of your demolition, building or planning file. Burnaby also issues "retention only" tree permits so it can track retained trees through construction.
The tree plan goes in with the application
Every development application needs a tree plan: a BC land surveyor's plan showing each protected tree on the site and within 2 m of the boundary, its type, whether it's kept or removed, replacement trees, the timing of demolition and construction, and any protected tree cut in the previous three months. Protected trees must carry numbered metal or durable plastic tags before approval.
Read the official Tree Bylaw (PDF) Fees bylaw, Schedule E11 (PDF) City of Burnaby trees page
From application to bond refund: the Burnaby tree permit timeline
The stages every development with protected trees goes through. The gold stages are gates: your demolition or building permit can't move until they're done.
- Before you apply
Survey, tag and talk to the City
Commission the tree survey and tag every protected tree. For R1 new builds, commission the arborist report and tree management plan too, once the survey and site plan are ready. For R1 projects the City asks you to email Treeline@burnaby.ca about affected trees before you submit. If work will affect a neighbour's trees, the R1 guide requires a letter of understanding from that owner.
- Application
Submit the tree plan with your application
For R1 new-build permit applications, rezoning, subdivision and development approval, add the arborist report and tree management plan.
- Review
Staff review and site visit
Staff check tree condition and decide which trees must be kept, which can go, and how many replacements are needed. Only trees in good condition and suited to retention are kept.
- Gate
Tree permit issued, fees and security paid
Pay the non-refundable permit fee, plus the replacement security or cash-in-lieu. Security must be in place before the tree permit is issued.
- Gate
Protection fence installed and inspected
R1 sites: before the demolition or building permit is issued. Larger sites: before any work starts.
- Permit
Demolition or building permit issued
Trees approved for removal can come down under the tree permit, which is valid for cutting for six months from issue.
- Construction
Keep fences up and dripline zones untouched
The fenced area stays undisturbed until major construction is done. City staff can enter the site to inspect.
- After occupancy
Plant the replacement trees
Within one year of the occupancy permit, under the bylaw. City staff then inspect the planting.
- One year later
Reinspection and security refund
If the trees are in place and healthy, the security is refunded. If not, it's forfeited to the Civic Tree Reserve Fund.
Burnaby arborist report and tree management plan requirements
Which documents you need depends on the application. This is what the City's current guide and submission checklist ask for.
| Document | When it's needed | What it must show |
|---|---|---|
| Tree plan with survey | Every development application (can be waived if trees are easy to identify) | Protected trees on site and within 2 m of the boundary, type, keep or remove, trees cut in the last 3 months, replacement trees, demolition and construction timing |
| Arborist report | R1 building permit applications for new construction, before the application is accepted (must be prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist). Not listed for additions and alterations. Rezoning, subdivision and development approval (PPA, DP, INT). Form and Character DPs where the site has a tree as defined in the bylaw. | Identification, classification and condition of public and private trees, proposed removals and replacements. On R1 building permits: an assessment of existing trees for retention or removal, including a tree management plan |
| Tree management plan (TMP) | Same applications. Can be its own document or part of the landscape plan. | All protected trees on site, trees on neighbouring lots that may be affected, proposed removals and retentions, replacement trees, fence locations and dimensions |
| Arborist report for a streamside site | Streamside Protection DP on R1 lots | Also covers hazard trees, wildlife trees, and stand stability or windthrow risk where required |
| Independent arborist report | When the City asks for one | Condition of existing trees, suitability for retention, and the measures needed to preserve retained trees |
| Landscape plans | Form and Character DPs and Streamside Protection DPs | Onsite trees and replacement trees; a planting plan with an inventory of existing public or private trees |
| Landscape management plan | R1 building permit applications for new construction | Compliance with zoning landscaping and permeability rules, coordinated with the tree management plan from the arborist report |
Not sure which of these your application needs? Your free project tree check points you to them, and we can prepare the arborist report and tree management plan for a fixed fee.
Tree Bylaw s.2(v), s.11 and s.12(b); Information Guide (with Development) p.6; Complete Application Submission Checklist, effective 1 August 2026 (Development Procedures Bylaw No. 14824), p.3, 8, 15 and 18; Submission Checklists, Residential Zoning R1 (seven new-construction checklists, and three for additions and alterations), revised July 2026; City of Burnaby Building Division, email reply, 14 October 2026.Tree protection fencing in Burnaby
Fences protect roots from construction. The area inside must stay undisturbed until major construction is complete, and the fence can then come down for landscaping.
| R1 small-scale multi-unit sites | Larger development sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Fence | 4 ft high, wood frame covered with plastic snow fencing | 6 ft chain link, or portable metal panels |
| Location | Marked on site by City staff | Shown on the landscape or tree management plans |
| Inspection | Installed by the developer, inspected before the demolition or building permit is issued | Installed by the developer, inspected before work starts on site |
| Bylaw minimum | At least 1.2 m high, on or outside the dripline unless the City directs otherwise, up before any demolition, excavation, construction or blasting, and kept securely in place | |
What counts as damaging a tree on a construction site
Damaging a protected tree without a permit is an offence, and the bylaw's definition covers everyday site activity inside the dripline.
- Compacting soil by parking vehicles or equipment, driving over it, or stockpiling soil, fill or materials
- Adding more than 20 cm of soil or other material inside the dripline or the fenced area
- Removing soil inside the dripline
- Cutting or shattering roots, other than to accepted practice
- Scraping, gouging or denting the trunk, branches or roots, or removing bark
- Dumping anything toxic or harmful
- Topping, or removing branches other than to accepted practice
Failing to install or maintain a protection fence is also a ticketable contravention.
Tree Bylaw s.2(f) and s.3; Information Guide (with Development) p.7.Burnaby tree permit fees for development (2026)
With a development application pending, fees go up. Sites other than single or two-family lots pay a base fee by site area.
| Site | Base fee | Per tree | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single or two-family lot | None | $207 | $1,380 |
| Other site up to 1,000 m² | $827 | $207 | $1,380 |
| Over 1,000 up to 5,000 m² | $1,656 | $207 | $6,900 |
| Over 5,000 up to 10,000 m² | $2,484 | $207 | $6,900 |
| Over 10,000 up to 20,000 m² | $3,313 | $207 | $13,801 |
| Over 20,000 m² | $4,141 | $207 | $13,801 |
Fees are non-refundable. The City can defer them for non-profit non-market housing until the earlier of 24 months after the building permit or the occupancy certificate. Swapping a security already on file (for example, a letter of credit for cash) costs $114 each time.
Consolidated Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 14485, Schedule E11 (in effect 1 January 2026) and Schedule D; Tree Bylaw s.5(1)(a) and s.5(3).Tree securities, bonds and cash-in-lieu
$1,500
minimum replacement security, or 120% of the replacement cost if higher
- Form. A non-interest bearing cash deposit or an irrevocable, unconditional letter of credit from a Canadian chartered bank, renewed as needed.
- Timing. Provided before the tree permit is issued.
- Estimate. The 120% figure uses a replacement cost estimate from a certified arborist or landscape architect you hire, or from the City if you prefer.
- Refund. Held until the permit conditions are met and a year has passed since planting, then refunded after a second inspection.
- Forfeit. Kept if trees aren't planted within the deadline or are too small, poor quality or unhealthy at the one-year check. The City can also use it to fix non-compliance.
- Cash-in-lieu. $1,500 per replacement tree that can't be planted on site. Only allowed when City staff decide the site can't take all the trees.
Replacement trees and planting areas on R1 lots
Burnaby's R1 guide asks designers to put tree protection first when siting buildings, and sets out where replacement trees can go.
| Mature canopy width | Minimum continuous planting area | Mature canopy coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 5 m) | 10 m² | 25 m² |
| Medium (5 to 10 m) | 20 m² | 50 m² |
| Large (over 10 m) | 35 m² | 125 m² |
Where trees can go
At least 1 m from fences and neighbouring properties, 1 m from utilities, driveways and paving, and 2 m from buildings. Planting soil at least 1 m deep with no fill, and a mulch ring kept 15 cm off the trunk.
Typical replacement on 10 to 15 m lots
The guide estimates 5 to 6 trees for one principal unit (40% mature canopy), 4 trees for two (30%), and 3 trees for three or more (25%). These are estimates; Tree Bylaw staff set the final number, including any cash-in-lieu.
R1 zoning: permeable surfaces and the tree credit
Burnaby Zoning Bylaw 2026 took effect on 1 July 2026. On R1 lots it sets a minimum permeable area for every new principal building, and it lets retained and replacement trees count toward it.
| R1 units on the lot | Maximum lot coverage | Minimum permeable surface |
|---|---|---|
| Rowhouse | 55% | 30% |
| 1 to 2 units | 40% (lots under 567 m²), 30% (lots over 567 m²) | 40% |
| 3 to 4 units | 40% | 40% |
| 5 to 6 units (Frequent Transit Network Area only) | 45% | 30% |
Half of it must be planted
At least 50% of the required permeable area must be planted with trees, shrubs, hedges or ground cover, in deep soil. Sod and plants on Metro Vancouver's invasive species list don't count, and on R1 lots soil on a roof doesn't count either.
The tree credit, and its condition
Keep a protected tree with a stem over 20 cm and the tree protection area shown in your tree management plan counts at 1.6 times its area toward the permeable minimum. To claim it, the owner must grant the City a covenant securing that tree's retention and protection in perpetuity. Soil volumes for replacement trees count at 1.3 times their area, with no covenant.
Siting that sets where trees can stay
Setbacks of 4.0 m to the front street (3.0 m flanking, and 3.0 m for rowhouses), 1.5 m to a lane, 3.0 m interior rear for principal buildings and 1.2 m interior side, with 6.0 m between front and rear principal buildings.
Lane driveways
On a lot with a rear lot line longer than 15 m, a lane driveway needs a permeable landscaped strip along the rear lot line at least 2 m deep and at least 13% of the rear lot line wide.
Keeping trees and your development density
The tree bylaw can't stop you developing a lot to the density the Zoning Bylaw allows, but it still applies.
A protected tree can be approved for removal when it's in the way of a driveway, required parking, utilities or services, or when keeping it would prevent the permitted use or density. Fees, permits and replacement trees still apply.
The City can ask you to change your design to keep a tree, as long as the change doesn't restrict the development of the site.
Other laws protect nesting birds and some wildlife species. The City raises those obligations during development review.
Tree Bylaw s.6(1)(b)–(c); FAQ Q23 and Q44; Information Guide (with Development) p.4.What holds Burnaby tree approvals up
These all come straight from the City's rules, and each one can stop a demolition or building permit.
A survey that misses trees
The tree plan must show protected trees within 2 m of your boundary, and anything cut in the last three months.
Missing tags
Every protected tree or cluster needs a numbered metal or plastic tag before the application is granted.
No fence inspection
On R1 sites the fence must be installed and approved before the demolition or building permit is issued.
Unpaid fees or security
The tree permit, and so the demolition or building permit, waits until fees and security are paid.
Neighbours' trees
Adjacent trees that may be affected belong in the TMP, and R1 works affecting them need the neighbour's letter of understanding.
No arborist report
R1 new-build permit applications, rezoning, subdivision and development approval need an arborist report and TMP, and the City can ask for an independent one.
See what this means for your project
Answer a few quick questions and see whether Burnaby will want an arborist report and tree management plan. If you'd like help, send your site plan and we'll quote a fixed fee for your arborist report, tree management plan or monitoring.
Start the project tree check