CLOSELangford’s Tree Protection Bylaw preserves and enhances our urban forest by regulating tree removal. The Bylaw provides policies for tree cutting permitting and requirements for replacement planting, as well as protectionary measures for trees within or adjacent to construction.
For more information on the City of Langford’s Tree Protection Bylaw (Bylaw No. 2269), please review the Frequent Asked Questions document.
Private property
The City of Langford controls the cutting of trees through Tree Protection Bylaw No.2269 as well as the removal of trees and vegetation in designated environmentally sensitive and hazardous Development Permit areas contained within Langford’s Official Community Plan. These Development Permit Areas include, for example, areas of steep slopes, sensitive ecosystems, areas around lakes and streams, and areas of high or extreme interface fire hazard. Bylaw No. 2206 protects trees in all areas of Langford.
Prior to removing any tree or natural vegetation, property owners are strongly encouraged to contact the Parks Department to determine whether any portion of their property has been designated as a Development Permit Area, and how the general Tree Protection Bylaw may apply. Parks staff is also available for in person, one-on-one consultation at City Hall.
If a property owner wishes to remove a protected tree on their property not related to a proposed development, please visit the
If a property owner wishes to remove a tree or vegetation as part of a proposed development, then he or she must first obtain a Development Permit [PDF – 319 KB] the City of Langford.
The City of Langford does offer some exemptions from one or more requirements within the Tree Protection Bylaw. In most cases the City will require a report from a certified arborist before issuing a Tree Cutting Permit. However, if a property owner can provide sufficient information showing the tree is dying, dead, or otherwise hazardous, the City may waive the requirement for an arborist report. In addition, the City may require a report prepared by a Registered Professional Biologist before issuing a Tree Cutting Permit or Development Permit in areas of environmental sensitivity (e.g.: areas around lakes and streams, identified sensitive ecosystems, and areas of potential wildlife habitat and biodiversity).
Replacement trees are required to help sustain Langford’s urban forest. If you remove a protected tree, you will be required to replace it. You will be required to provide a refundable deposit of $400 for each replacement tree required. Fifty percent of the deposit will be returned once the tree is planted and the full deposit will be returned a year after planting if the tree is still in good health.
Residents concerned about trees interfering with utility wires/powerlines should contact BC Hydro for assistance in evaluating potential problems by calling 1-888-769-3766. For more information regarding vegetation and powerlines, consult BC Hydro’s Safety Page.
Municipal property
The City of Langford’s Parks Department is responsible for authorizing the removal of any tree on public property. This includes trees in any public space whether it is a park or boulevard. If a property owner wishes to remove a tree fronting his or her property and is unsure whether or not it is within their property line, the owner should contact the Parks Department for consultation.
In addition, if the public has a concern about the condition of trees in public spaces or boulevards, please contact the Parks Department. It is within the Department’s mandate to check on the health and sustainability of City trees.