City of Mission Tree Management Bylaw
The City of Mission Tree Management Bylaw is intended to protect trees in the Silverdale area of Mission. Additional tree protection measures are required for development permit, rezoning, and subdivision applications throughout the entire city.
Key Takeaways:
A tree cutting permit is required for tree removal in the Silverdale Special Planning Area. Throughout the entire city, a tree survey plan and tree replacement plan is required to accompany subdivision and rezoning applications.
When is a Tree Cutting Permit Required?
A tree cutting permit is required to remove trees with a diameter of 20 cm or more in the Silverdale Special Planning Area, as shown in the map below.
As long as the tree is not within 30 metres of the top of bank of a stream or on a slope greater than 3:1, tree removal is exempted from the Tree Management Bylaw if:
- no more than 5 trees/year are removed for every 4000 m2 on a parcel, to a maximum of 50 trees/year
- a rezoning application or subdivision plan that addresses tree removal/retention has been approved
- the trees are cut for a purpose that conforms with a provision of the zoning bylaw, including agricultural use
- the owner has a valid building permit, and the cutting of the tree is necessary to accommodate the placement of buildings, driveways, private sewage disposal systems, or water systems
- the tree is within 30 metres of a residential dwelling
Other exemptions are listed in Section 4 of the bylaw.
Tree Cutting Permit Application Requirements
An application for a tree cutting permit must include:
- the reason for cutting the tree
- a site plan showing the location of each tree to be cut and retained
- a proposed tree replacement plan (one replacement tree for every tree cut, using a species outlined in Schedule B of the bylaw)
- a geotechnical report for tree cutting on a slope greater than 3:1
Tree Management for Land Development
According to the Development and Subdivision Control Bylaw, all rezoning, development permit, and subdivision applications must be accompanied with a Site Assessment Plan, prepared by a BC Land Surveyor. The plan will show all significant trees (>20 cm) and significant tree/vegetation clusters on the parcel.
Subdivision and Rezoning Tree Requirements
The Tree Retention/Replanting Policy describes tree management requirements for all rezoning and subdivision applications in the City of Mission. As a supplement to the Site Assessment Plan described above, rezoning and subdivision applications must also include a Tree Survey Plan showing:
- the location and species of all significant trees on the property, identifying if they are proposed to be removed or retained, and
- the location of all proposed lots and associated building envelopes
Large tree stands that will not be disturbed by development activity on larger properties may be extrapolated on the Site Assessment Plan and tree survey plan. After a tree survey plan has been accepted, the City will require a replanting plan for significant trees slated for removal. This plan will include the proposed location and species of all replacement trees.
One replacement tree is required for all significant tree removals, unless they meet the following criteria:
- located within proposed municipal infrastructure necessary to complete development
- removed to support all on-site necessities in rural and rural-residential designated areas to a maximum of 2750 m2, including:
- defined building envelopes to a maximum of 2000 m2
- driveways, including panhandle areas
- defined septic fields
- wells
Additionally, a minimum of two trees must be planted on each lot created by a subdivision.
Retained trees on parcels within the urban area must be protected with snow fencing installed around the dripline during construction.
The Mission Approving Officer is authorized to approve tree retention/replanting proposals for development involving the creation of 10 or fewer lots. All other proposals will be approved by council.
Considerations for Breeding Birds
All tree and vegetation removal in BC should be scheduled to avoid the bird nesting season, which stretches from the beginning of March to the end of August. If work is to be completed during the nesting season, a qualified professional should be hired to complete a breeding bird survey to identify nests that are protected under the provincial Wildlife Act and the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act. Contact Forte Urban Forestry to hire an experienced environmental consultant to conduct a breeding bird survey for your project.
Disclaimer: Environmental regulations change frequently. Our goal is to keep the content of this page up-to-date and accurate. If you notice inaccurate information, please contact us so we can make corrections.
Last Updated in July 2025
