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Protected tree cutting permits and replacement rules in Kelowna
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Kelowna protects trees in specified hillside, watercourse and covenant areas.
Key information
Kelowna protects trees in specified hillside, watercourse and covenant areas. Its rules differ from a citywide diameter-only permit system, so check the property's protected area and title before cutting.
On this page
At a glance
| Task | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Where are private trees protected? | The City focuses on Natural Environment areas near waterbodies, steep slopes and covenanted areas. |
| What evidence accompanies a tree cutting application? | Include a tree assessment and replacement plan prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist. |
| Can an immediate danger be removed before approval? | Emergency removal can happen first when the tree poses an imminent threat. |
Sources: kelowna.ca official source · Kelowna protected trees
Protected areas and permit scope
Where are private trees protected?
The City focuses on Natural Environment areas near waterbodies, steep slopes and covenanted areas. The permit page generally describes trees over 100 millimetres in diameter within riparian management areas or hillsides of at least 30% slope. Confirm the actual mapped area and title conditions.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
How close to water can protection apply?
The permit page describes riparian management areas usually extending five to 30 metres from a creek, pond, lake or wetland. Another City explainer says 15 to 30 metres. Treat those as general descriptions and ask Planning to identify the site's actual boundary.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
Do ordinary urban private trees all need permits?
The City says this bylaw does not regulate private trees outside the protected areas in the same way. Tree farms, nurseries and agricultural business operations also have stated exceptions. Check ownership and covenants before deciding an exemption applies.
Source: Kelowna protected trees
Sources: kelowna.ca official source · Kelowna protected trees
Arborist evidence and replacement planting
What evidence accompanies a tree cutting application?
Include a tree assessment and replacement plan prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist. The arborist should recommend at least one replacement of a similar coniferous or deciduous type. The City explainer says permits are considered for trees deemed hazardous by a certified arborist.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
How many replacements are required?
The permit page lists two replacements for a tree up to 151 millimetres diameter, three for 152-304, four for 305-456, six for 457-609 and eight from 610 millimetres. Use the metric bands because the page's imperial labels are inconsistent.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
When must replacement planting occur?
Trees removed under the bylaw must be replaced within one growing season and/or secured by a performance bond. Confirm the permit's actual conditions and approved replacement plan. Payment for cutting work does not satisfy the separate replacement obligation.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
Sources: kelowna.ca official source
Emergency work, exceptions and municipal trees
Can an immediate danger be removed before approval?
Emergency removal can happen first when the tree poses an imminent threat. Notify Planning at 250-469-8626 and submit the application as soon as possible afterward. Replacement trees are still required. A non-emergency unpermitted removal can also attract fines.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
Does light pruning need a permit?
The permit page says pruning or removal of dead, diseased or damaged branches under 30% of canopy typically does not. It also lists invasive Siberian elm, Russian olive and tree-of-heaven as typical removal exceptions. Ask staff when protected-area or covenant conditions are uncertain.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
May I prune a street or park tree?
No. The City treats these as public infrastructure, with pruning or removal handled by City staff for health or serious safety reasons. Confirm that a tree near the property edge is private before authorizing work. Private title does not extend to a street tree.
Source: Kelowna protected trees
Who handles questions and reports?
Call Planning at 250-469-8626 for protected-tree questions or reports and Development Services at 250-469-8960 for application help. For park or boulevard tree care, call Kelowna Parks at 250-717-2757. Describe the location and whether the tree is on public or private land.
Source: Kelowna protected trees
Sources: kelowna.ca official source · Kelowna protected trees