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Tree Preservation Bylaw

Town of Sidney Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 2138 regulates the cutting, pruning, and removal of trees and sets requirements for replacing protected trees.

Tree Preservation Bylaw Amendment

During the December 14, 2020 Council meeting, Council adopted amendments to Town of Sidney Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 2138.

Key amendments include:

  • Adding the following native tree species to the Bylaw as Protected Species: Bigleaf Maple, Grand Fir, Western Redcedar, Western Yew, Shore Pine, Cascara, and Seaside Juniper.

  • Reducing the minimum size of a protected species to be considered protected under the Bylaw as follows:
    • Reducing the minimum size for smaller and harder to establish tree species from a 15 cm diameter down to a 3 cm diameter.
    • Reducing the minimum size for larger tree species from a 30 cm diameter to 1.2 metres in height.
  • Reducing the minimum diameter of a non-protected species of tree to be protected under the Bylaw from 75 cm to 60 cm.

Updated Tree Preservation Bylaw

Protected Trees

Trees are protected for many reasons, from the tree type to its size or location. Protected trees include:

  • Protected species (see chart below)
  • Replacement trees
  • Trees required to be planted or retained under a Development Permit
  • Trees within an area designated in the Town’s Official Community Plan as a development permit area for the protection of the natural environment, its ecosystems and biological diversity
  • Trees on a highway, park or other Town owned or occupied lands
  • Any tree having a diameter greater than 60 cm

Definitions of protected trees and required replacements

Protected Tree
Size of Tree to be Removed
 Required Number of Replacement Trees
Garry Oak, Arbutus, Pacific Dogwood, Western Yew, Seaside Juniper, Cascara, Shore Pine
  < 3 cm diameter
  0
 3 cm - 20 cm diameter
  1
 20 cm - 40 cm diameter
  2
 40 cm diameter
  3
Douglas-fir, Grand Fir, Western Redcedar, Bigleaf Maple
  < 1.2 m tall
  0
 1.2 m - 6 m tall
  1
 6 m - 12 m tall
  2
 > 12 m tall
  3
All other protected trees
  2

 

Please refer to Tree Preservation Bylaw No. 2138 for more detailed information.


Tree Removal Permits

To remove, extensively prune, or top an existing tree located on private property, you may require a Tree Removal Permit. Visit our Tree Permit Application page for more information.