Tree Protection

Benefits

Trees provide a number of benefits including:

• provide habitat for wildlife by supplying food and shelter,
• absorb pollution, improve our air quality, and regulate microclimates,
• retain stormwater and reduce flooding, and
• enhance the scenic landscape.

Trees and vegetation are particularly important in a riparian zone - the transitional area between aquatic and upland environments along the banks of watercourses. In a riparian zone, trees and vegetation also:

• reduce detrimental sediment, nutrients and water pollution,
• keep water shaded and cool for aquatic life, and
• minimize streambank erosion.

When trees and vegetation are removed, the ability of these areas to provide such benefits is greatly diminished or totally lost. To mitigate our impact on the environment, it is critically important to maintain healthy, mature trees and vegetated areas.

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Policy and Regulations

There are a number of policies regarding trees in the Official Community Plan, which was adopted in 2005, including policies to protect trees and plant new trees when trees are cut.

Additionally, in 2006, Delta adopted a Tree Cutting Regulation Bylaw requiring that permits be obtained to cut or remove trees 20 centimetres (8.0 inches) in diameter or greater when measured 1.4 metres (4.6 feet) above ground, including trees on private property and development sites.

If you want to cut down a tree on your property, but are not developing your property for any purpose, you need to:

• Verify the tree is on your property (not the municipal boulevard or neighbour's property).
• Determine if there are any restrictions regarding tree cutting on your property. For instance, find out if your property is in a Development Permit Area and check the Title of your property for any tree related agreements. Contravention of such an agreement may result in substantial tree replacement costs.
• Obtain a tree cutting permit if the tree is 20 centimetres (8.0 inches) in diameter or greater.

To help maintain the benefits of trees and vegetated areas in Delta, include "naturescaping" in your yard by restoring, preserving and enhancing wildlife habitat through planting (and not removing) native trees and vegetation. If you cut down a tree on your property, plant a new one where possible. If you are removing more than one tree per calendar year, the Delta Tree Cutting Regulation Bylaw requires you to replace the trees at a ratio of at least two-for-one.

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Trees on Development Sites

If you are developing a property (e.g., building permit, development permit, rezoning or subdivision), tree protection is considered at the time of the application and a tree cutting permit will be issued concurrent with other permits if the application is approved. As it relates to trees on development sites, please note the following:

• Trees should not be cut in advance of submitting your development application.
• Trees should not be cut without a tree cutting permit (for trees 20 centimetres (8.0 inches) in diameter or greater). See the Tree Cutting Regulation Bylaw.
• Tree protection is a condition of most development approvals and is the responsibility of the owner/developer.
• Trees to be protected, including trees on adjacent streets and properties, must be identified on all plans and submitted for permits.
• Efforts should be made to retain as many trees as possible on the property. A report about trees on the property, prepared by a certified arborist, is required in most cases.
• Where trees are approved to be cut, the minimum replacement ratio is two new trees for each tree cut, but may be greater depending on the arborist's recommendations.
• Retained trees are to be protected by fencing to Delta standards prior to any building, demolition, servicing works or construction.
• Demolition and building permits will be issued only after a successful inspection of tree protection measures.
• If trees have been damaged during the development process, or cut without a permit, or any other contravention of a development approval occurs, possible implications include stop work orders, delays in construction, replacement tree requirements, or fines.
• In cases where new tree planting is required, security will be taken at the time of permit issuance.
• Tree protection barriers are not to be removed until the Building Inspector gives approval to do so.
• It is the responsibility of the owner to determine if a Tree Protection Covenant is registered on the title of the property. A Tree Protection Covenant is a legal agreement and remains in effect when ownership of the property is transferred to another party. The new owner is responsible for upholding these agreements. Contravention of such agreements may result in substantial tree replacement costs.

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Contact Information

For more information, contact Community Planning and Development at com-pln-dev@corp.delta.bc.ca or (604) 946-3380.

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