As mentioned in previous updates, on June 23rd, Council adopted the proposed amendments to Surrey’s Tree Protection Bylaw to improve processing timelines and issuance of tree cutting permits while providing increased opportunities and clarity on tree barrier protection requirements. 

Additional information can be found in the  full report by City staff.  

June 24, 2025

At their meeting on June 9th, Council gave three readings to the proposed amendments to Surrey’s Tree Protection Bylaw to improve processing timelines and issuance of tree cutting permits while providing increased opportunities and clarity on tree barrier protection requirements.

Early Tree Cutting Permits 

It is proposed that the Tree Protection Bylaw be amended to enable earlier issuance of tree cutting permits to facilitate advanced work commencing onsite. To ensure appropriate compensation for the removal of protected trees earlier in a project, aligning with existing provisions in the Tree Protection Bylaw, securities will be collected for replacement trees at a ratio of 2:1. 

Modernized Tree Protection Barrier Requirements 

Staff are proposing an amendment to require the tree protection barrier installation only when the proposed work may have a direct impact upon a protected tree. This approach will result in less tree protection barrier reviews, increasing staff capacity and reducing approval timelines for building permit approvals. The amendment will also provide residents, builders, and developers with cost savings of not having to install tree barrier protection when their work is not impacting protected trees. The existing tree protection barrier installation requirements are prescriptive and limit builders, developers, and residents from utilizing different types of materials and installation methods. Currently, the only allowable installation consists of “2x4” lumber and plastic snow fencing, which typically can’t be reused. Staff are proposing to update the tree protection barrier requirements to an objective based approach that enables the use of different materials and methods, such as post and cable systems, to achieve the same protective outcome. To support the objective-based approach for tree barriers, staff will develop guides to provide clarity for residents, builders, and developers. Modernizing the tree protection barrier requirements is anticipated to provide builders, developers, and residents with more environmentally friendly and cost-effective options. 

Additional information can be found in the  full report by City staff.