[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":457},["ShallowReactive",2],{"news-list":3,"article-\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-renovation-tree-bylaw-protection-realdream":263,"article-people-\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-renovation-tree-bylaw-protection-realdream":456},[4,21,36,49,61,74,85,94,106,118,130,141,149,156,168,183,194,206,215,227,238,252],{"path":5,"title":6,"description":7,"date":8,"publishedAt":9,"author":10,"category":11,"tags":12,"image":19,"imageAlt":19,"imageCredit":19,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-renovation-tree-bylaw-protection-realdream","Renovating a West Vancouver home near trees: what the Tree Bylaw asks before and during the work","West Vancouver's Tree Bylaw sets which trees are protected, requires a protection barrier before any construction, an inspection by the District Arborist, and a replacement tree with a $1,000 security for each protected tree cut.","2026-11-13","2026-11-13T20:35:00-07:00","RealDream Contracting","Long read",[13,14,15,16,17,18],"renovation","Tree Bylaw","tree protection","building permit","West Vancouver","housing",null,false,{"path":22,"title":23,"description":24,"date":8,"publishedAt":25,"author":26,"category":11,"tags":27,"image":33,"imageAlt":34,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-typhoon-cempaka-warm-storm-november-2026","West Vancouver broke its November 11 temperature record as Typhoon Cempaka now brings rain and gusts","West Vancouver recorded 17.1°C on Remembrance Day, breaking a 1996 record. On Friday morning the temperature was still 18°C, well above the November norm, while Typhoon Cempaka remnants bring showers, wind and a Red flood alert on the Sea-to-Sky corridor.","2026-11-13T09:30:00-07:00","voche.me editors",[28,29,17,30,31,32],"weather","storm","Highway 99","temperature record","Typhoon Cempaka","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fwest-vancouver-typhoon-cempaka-warm-storm-november-2026.webp","Illustration of a wet residential street in autumn with fallen leaves and puddles under a grey sky.","Illustration made with AI for voche.me",{"path":37,"title":38,"description":39,"date":40,"publishedAt":41,"author":26,"category":11,"tags":42,"image":47,"imageAlt":48,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fcypress-mountain-development-plan-public-feedback-november-2026","BC Parks asks for public feedback on Cypress Mountain's 60-year plan before November 16","BC Parks is reviewing a 60-year development plan for Cypress Mountain that proposes new lifts, a Nordic lodge, summer bike trails and new winter facilities. Residents can submit feedback online until November 16 at 4 p.m.","2026-11-12","2026-11-12T12:30:00-07:00",[43,44,17,45,46],"Cypress Mountain","BC Parks","development plan","public engagement","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fcypress-mountain-development-plan-public-feedback-november-2026.webp","Illustration of an empty ski resort on a forested mountain slope in autumn, with chairlift towers visible.",{"path":50,"title":51,"description":52,"date":40,"publishedAt":53,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":55,"image":59,"imageAlt":60,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fhighway-99-closure-west-vancouver-november-17-18-2026","Highway 99 north of Eagleridge to close November 17 and 18 for tree removal","The District of West Vancouver will close Highway 99 in both directions north of Exit 2\u002FEagleridge Drive on November 17 and 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day while crews remove trees damaged in a 2023 wildfire.","2026-11-12T12:10:00-07:00","Election news",[30,56,17,57,58],"road closure","Horseshoe Bay","tree removal","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fhighway-99-closure-west-vancouver-november-17-18-2026.webp","Illustration of a mountain highway with warning signs in a coastal forest.",{"path":62,"title":63,"description":64,"date":65,"publishedAt":66,"author":26,"category":11,"tags":67,"image":72,"imageAlt":73,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-flood-warning-north-shore-mountains-november-11-2026","Flood warning now in effect for North Shore Mountains and Howe Sound","The BC River Forecast Centre upgraded to a Flood Warning this morning for the North Shore Mountains and Howe Sound. Rivers have exceeded bankfull and flooding of areas next to rivers will result.","2026-11-11","2026-11-11T10:06:00-07:00",[28,68,69,17,70,71],"flooding","safety","BC River Forecast Centre","North Shore Mountains","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fwest-vancouver-flood-warning-north-shore-mountains-november-11-2026.webp","Illustration of a flooded mountain creek spilling over its banks through a coastal forest.",{"path":75,"title":76,"description":77,"date":78,"publishedAt":79,"author":26,"category":11,"tags":80,"image":83,"imageAlt":84,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-rainfall-warning-flood-watch-november-10-2026","Rainfall warning and flood watch now active for West Vancouver","Environment Canada issued a Rainfall Warning for the Metro Vancouver North Shore this morning, and the BC River Forecast Centre has upgraded to a Flood Watch for the South Coast including West Vancouver's mountain creeks and Howe Sound.","2026-11-10","2026-11-10T07:12:00-07:00",[28,29,69,17,81,82],"Environment Canada","flood watch","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fwest-vancouver-rainfall-warning-flood-watch-november-10-2026.webp","Illustration of a fast-moving mountain creek with brown water and wet leaves on the banks.",{"path":86,"title":87,"description":88,"date":89,"publishedAt":90,"author":26,"category":11,"tags":91,"image":92,"imageAlt":93,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-storms-november-10-12-2026","Three storms will hit West Vancouver from Tuesday to Thursday this week","Environment Canada issued a Special Weather Statement at 3:53 AM Monday for the North Shore, warning of significant rainfall and gusty winds from Tuesday through Thursday, with a BC River Forecast Centre advisory already in effect.","2026-11-09","2026-11-09T07:17:00-07:00",[28,29,69,17,81],"\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fwest-vancouver-storms-november-10-12-2026.webp","Illustration of a wet residential street with storm drains and autumn leaves under dark clouds.",{"path":95,"title":96,"description":97,"date":98,"publishedAt":99,"author":26,"category":11,"tags":100,"image":19,"imageAlt":105,"imageCredit":19,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-board-of-education-first-meeting-november-2026","West Vancouver Board of Education holds its first meeting of the new term on November 10","Five newly elected trustees gather for the first public Board of Education meeting of the 2026 term on Tuesday, November 10 at 5:30 pm at the Board Office on 21st Street.","2026-11-08","2026-11-08T08:15:30-07:00",[101,102,103,104],"School Board","West Vancouver Schools","School District 45","trustees","Illustration of a boardroom table set for a public meeting, with binders and name placards.",{"path":107,"title":108,"description":109,"date":110,"publishedAt":111,"author":26,"category":11,"tags":112,"image":116,"imageAlt":117,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-police-iio-investigation-november-2026","Police watchdog opens investigation into death of man on Highway 99 in West Vancouver","BC's civilian police oversight agency is investigating after a man died on November 3 following a West Vancouver Police response on Highway 99 near Strachan Point Road. The IIO is asking witnesses to come forward.","2026-11-07","2026-11-07T07:10:00-07:00",[113,114,30,115],"West Vancouver Police","IIO","police oversight","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fwest-vancouver-police-iio-investigation-november-2026.webp","Illustration of a highway through mountain forest near Howe Sound",{"path":119,"title":120,"description":121,"date":122,"publishedAt":123,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":124,"image":128,"imageAlt":129,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fbowen-theatre-five-women-november-2026","Theatre on the Isle opens Five Women Wearing the Same Dress at Bowen Theatre this weekend","Theatre on the Isle brings Five Women Wearing the Same Dress to the Bowen Theatre on November 6, 7, 13 and 14, with an opening performance tonight at 7:15 pm.","2026-11-06","2026-11-06T08:47:03-07:00",[125,126,127],"Bowen Island","arts","community","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fbowen-theatre-five-women-november-2026.webp","Illustration of a small community theatre stage set with a couch and floral wallpaper",{"path":131,"title":132,"description":133,"date":122,"publishedAt":134,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":135,"image":139,"imageAlt":140,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fcreators-collective-park-royal-indigenous-artists-november-2026","New store in West Vancouver brings together more than 25 Indigenous artists","The Creators Collective opened at Park Royal South in West Vancouver in October 2026, giving Indigenous artists a permanent space to sell their work and teach their crafts.","2026-11-06T08:45:41-07:00",[17,136,137,138],"Park Royal","Indigenous","business","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fcreators-collective-park-royal-indigenous-artists-november-2026.webp","Illustration of handmade Indigenous artwork and jewelry in a small shop",{"path":142,"title":143,"description":144,"date":122,"publishedAt":145,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":146,"image":19,"imageAlt":148,"imageCredit":19,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fhorseshoe-bay-ferry-businesses-november-2026","BC Ferries reservation change cuts sales at Horseshoe Bay businesses","A year after BC Ferries made reservations mandatory for vehicles on the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo route, local restaurants and shops report a drop in customers.","2026-11-06T08:44:15-07:00",[57,147,17,138],"BC Ferries","Illustration of a waterfront restaurant near a ferry terminal on a cloudy day",{"path":150,"title":151,"description":152,"date":122,"publishedAt":153,"author":26,"category":11,"tags":154,"image":19,"imageAlt":155,"imageCredit":19,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-november-storm-rainfall-warning-2026","Heavy rain warning is active for West Vancouver today and into next week","Environment Canada has a yellow rainfall warning in place for West Vancouver this Friday, with 40 to 50 mm expected today and rain continuing through November 11.","2026-11-06T08:40:59-07:00",[28,69,17],"Illustration of rainwater flowing toward a storm drain on a residential street",{"path":157,"title":158,"description":159,"date":160,"publishedAt":161,"author":26,"category":11,"tags":162,"image":165,"imageAlt":166,"imageCredit":167,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fnorth-shore-rescue-winter-hiking-safety-cypress-november-2026","North Shore Rescue warns West Vancouver hikers as winter conditions reach Cypress","After rescuing two hikers stuck on the Baden Powell Trail near Cypress on October 28, North Shore Rescue is reminding everyone heading into the West Vancouver mountains what to bring and what to do if they get lost.","2026-11-05","2026-11-05T06:56:00-07:00",[69,43,163,17,164],"North Shore Rescue","hiking","https:\u002F\u002Fsmartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\u002Fvancouversun\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F11\u002F1104-hiking-safety-4.jpg","North Shore Rescue volunteers on a mountain trail in winter conditions near Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver","North Shore Rescue \u002F Handout via Vancouver Sun",{"path":169,"title":170,"description":171,"date":172,"publishedAt":173,"author":26,"category":11,"tags":174,"image":180,"imageAlt":181,"imageCredit":182,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fkirk-lapointe-west-vancouver-mayor-inauguration-november-2026","Kirk LaPointe sworn in as West Vancouver mayor with promises on taxes and resident input","The new District of West Vancouver Council was inaugurated on November 2. Mayor Kirk LaPointe outlined spending commitments and plans to involve residents earlier in decisions.","2026-11-04","2026-11-04T07:56:00-07:00",[175,176,177,178,179],"Mayor","West Vancouver Council","Inauguration","Taxes and spending","Consultation","https:\u002F\u002Fimages-dh-production-baselayer.dailyhive.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F11\u002Fkirk-lapointe-district-west-vancouver-council-november-2026-f.jpg?format=auto","Kirk LaPointe and the new District of West Vancouver Council at the inauguration ceremony on November 2, 2026","District of West Vancouver \u002F Daily Hive Vancouver",{"path":184,"title":185,"description":186,"date":172,"publishedAt":187,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":188,"image":192,"imageAlt":193,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-remembrance-day-ceremonies-november-2026","West Vancouver Legion holds two Remembrance Day events on November 8 and 11","Royal Canadian Legion West Vancouver Branch 60 is holding a cemetery service on November 8 and a parade and ceremony on November 11.","2026-11-04T07:58:00-07:00",[189,190,191],"Community","Remembrance Day","West Vancouver Legion","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fwest-vancouver-remembrance-day-ceremonies-november-2026.webp","Illustration of red poppies placed at a cenotaph to mark Remembrance Day",{"path":195,"title":196,"description":197,"date":198,"publishedAt":199,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":200,"image":204,"imageAlt":205,"imageCredit":202,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fcedardale-grade-7-student-kurli-ai-hairstylist-chatgpt-november-2026","West Vancouver Grade 7 student builds AI hairstylist Kurli","A Grade 7 student at École Cedardale in West Vancouver built Kurli, an AI hairstylist that picks styles for your face. ChatGPT recommends it as a top AI hairstylist, and hair sites have featured it.","2026-11-01","2026-11-01T08:40:00-08:00",[17,138,201,202,203],"students","Kurli","ChatGPT","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fkurli-cedardale-student-ai-hairstylist.webp","The Kurli logo, the word KURLI with the final I in teal under a teal tile with a curled letter K, and below it the words As seen in, followed by WowFades, GayFitLab, Trendici and Hair Extensions Boca Raton",{"path":207,"title":208,"description":209,"date":210,"publishedAt":211,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":212,"image":213,"imageAlt":214,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fcypress-mountain-north-shore-rescue-october-2026","North Shore Rescue pulls two hikers from icy Baden Powell Trail near Cypress","Two visitors from Alberta were rescued on the Baden Powell Trail near Eagle Bluffs after temperatures dropped and light snow made the steep terrain too slippery to move.","2026-10-31","2026-10-31T07:54:00-07:00",[17,69,163,43,164],"\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fcypress-mountain-north-shore-rescue-october-2026.webp","Illustration of a snow-dusted mountain trail through conifer forest in overcast winter conditions",{"path":216,"title":217,"description":218,"date":219,"publishedAt":220,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":221,"image":225,"imageAlt":226,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-spca-hours-petition-october-2026","Petition calls on West Vancouver to extend SPCA staffing hours","More than 2,700 people have signed a petition asking the District of West Vancouver to require its contracted animal shelter to keep staff on site for at least 12 hours a day.","2026-10-30","2026-10-30T07:54:00-07:00",[17,222,223,224,127],"SPCA","animal shelter","District of West Vancouver","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fwest-vancouver-spca-hours-petition-october-2026.webp","Illustration of an empty animal shelter kennel at night",{"path":228,"title":229,"description":230,"date":231,"publishedAt":232,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":233,"image":236,"imageAlt":237,"imageCredit":35,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-students-carequest-senior-loneliness-program-october-2026","West Vancouver students launch program to connect youth with seniors","Four Mulgrave School students created CareQuest, a program that matches youth volunteers with seniors to reduce social isolation, and have made 10 matches since November 2025.","2026-10-28","2026-10-28T22:30:00-07:00",[127,234,235,17],"seniors","youth","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fai\u002Fwest-vancouver-students-carequest-senior-loneliness-program-october-2026.webp","Illustration of a telephone and notebook on a table by a window, representing phone connections between people.",{"path":239,"title":240,"description":241,"date":242,"publishedAt":243,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":244,"image":249,"imageAlt":250,"imageCredit":251,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Flapointe-west-vancouver-mayor-result-first-statement-october-20","Kirk LaPointe elected West Vancouver mayor, says residents asked for spending discipline and more consultation","Kirk LaPointe won West Vancouver's mayor's race with 5,215 votes in the preliminary count. In his first post as mayor-elect he named four things he says residents asked for.","2026-10-26","2026-10-26T19:42:00-07:00",[175,245,246,247,248],"Councillor","School Trustee","preliminary results","promise tracker","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.vmcdn.ca\u002Ff\u002Ffiles\u002Fnsnews\u002Fimages\u002Fbreaking-news\u002Fkirk-speech.jpg;w=960","Kirk LaPointe in a dark suit and blue tie speaks to supporters on election night, holding a sheet of paper, beside one of his campaign signs","Jane Seyd, North Shore News",{"path":253,"title":254,"description":255,"date":242,"publishedAt":256,"author":26,"category":54,"tags":257,"image":260,"imageAlt":261,"imageCredit":262,"updated":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"pinned":20,"homeBox":20},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-mayor-council-school-board-promises-2026","What West Vancouver's new mayor, council and school board promised","The promises Kirk LaPointe, the six councillors and the five school trustees elected in West Vancouver in 2026 made during the campaign, by topic, each linked to its record.","2026-10-26T19:43:00-07:00",[175,245,246,248,258,18,259],"property tax","schools","\u002Fimages\u002Fbc-west-vancouver-2026\u002Fshoreline-1600.webp","The West Vancouver shoreline seen from the water, with apartment towers along the beach and houses on the forested hills behind","Mark Yasuda, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons",{"id":264,"title":6,"aiMetadata":265,"author":10,"body":279,"candidates":408,"category":11,"date":8,"description":7,"extension":409,"faq":410,"homeBox":20,"image":19,"imageAlt":19,"imageCheckedAt":19,"imageCredit":19,"imageScene":19,"linkedin":19,"linkedinPostUrl":19,"meta":435,"metaDescription":436,"navigation":437,"path":5,"pinned":20,"primarySourceUrl":19,"publishedAt":9,"seo":438,"seoTitle":439,"sourceId":19,"sourceIsPaywalled":20,"sources":440,"stem":453,"storyType":19,"tags":454,"topicKey":19,"updated":19,"__hash__":455},"news\u002Fnews\u002Fwest-vancouver-renovation-tree-bylaw-protection-realdream.md",{"summary":266,"keyTopics":267,"semanticKeywords":273},"A long read by RealDream Contracting, a renovation company working in North and West Vancouver. Under West Vancouver's Tree Bylaw No. 4892, 2016, consolidated to Amendment Bylaw 5373, 2025, a protected tree includes any tree 75 cm in diameter or more measured 1.4 m above the ground, trees within 15 m of a watercourse bank or the ocean, six listed species over 20 cm, and trees on District land. Before any site preparation, demolition, excavation or construction, a tree protection barrier must be installed and inspected by the District Arborist. Each protected tree cut must be replaced, with a $1,000 security per tree up to $10,000.",[268,269,270,271,272],"West Vancouver Tree Bylaw 4892","West Vancouver protected tree definition","tree protection barrier West Vancouver","West Vancouver replacement tree security","West Vancouver renovation building permit trees",[274,275,276,277,278],"Permitted Building Envelope","District Arborist inspection","Watercourse Protection Area","Foreshore Protection Area","hazardous materials inspection renovation WorkSafeBC",{"type":280,"value":281,"toc":398},"minimark",[282,286,289,294,297,325,328,332,335,349,352,355,358,362,365,368,371,375,378,382,385,388,392,395],[283,284,285],"p",{},"West Vancouver protects many trees by bylaw. A renovation that stays inside the house does not touch them. An addition, a new deck, a driveway, a drain line or a crane on the lawn can. West Vancouver's Tree Bylaw sets what has to happen before that work starts and while it goes on.",[283,287,288],{},"We are a renovation company working in North and West Vancouver. This article reads the Tree Bylaw No. 4892, 2016, as consolidated with its amendments up to Bylaw 5373, 2025, which took effect on December 15, 2025, and the District's Building Bylaw No. 5340, 2025.",[290,291,293],"h2",{"id":292},"which-trees-are-protected","Which trees are protected",[283,295,296],{},"The bylaw measures a tree's diameter 1.4 metres above the highest ground next to it. It calls a tree protected when it is any of these:",[298,299,300,304,307,310,313,316,319,322],"ul",{},[301,302,303],"li",{},"75 centimetres or more in diameter, or several stems that add up to 75 centimetres",[301,305,306],{},"a replacement tree planted under the bylaw, or a tree that must be kept under a covenant, a development permit or a building permit",[301,308,309],{},"a heritage tree",[301,311,312],{},"within 15 metres of the top of a watercourse bank, or 5 metres for a stream that runs only part of the year, or within 15 metres of the ocean",[301,314,315],{},"an arbutus, Garry oak, Pacific yew, Pacific dogwood or yellow cedar over 20 centimetres, or a shore pine in the protected shoreline area",[301,317,318],{},"a tree with an active bird nest, or with the nest of an eagle, peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, heron, osprey or burrowing owl, active or not",[301,320,321],{},"habitat of a protected wildlife species",[301,323,324],{},"on land the District owns, including roads and boulevards",[283,326,327],{},"There is one more line for new homes. On a lot being developed with at least one new house or commercial building, or subdivided for a new house, every tree 20 centimetres or more across is protected. A renovation of the house that is already there is held to the other lines, such as the 75 centimetre rule.",[290,329,331],{"id":330},"the-barrier-comes-first","The barrier comes first",[283,333,334],{},"The bylaw forbids any tree cutting, site preparation, demolition, excavation or construction until a tree protection barrier is in place. The barrier must protect:",[298,336,337,340,343,346],{},[301,338,339],{},"protected trees outside the Permitted Building Envelope, the part of the lot where the Zoning Bylaw allows the house",[301,341,342],{},"the part of a neighbour's tree roots that lies on your building site",[301,344,345],{},"trees on a boulevard next to the site",[301,347,348],{},"District trees within 3 metres of the site",[283,350,351],{},"Whoever installs the barrier must have the District Arborist inspect it before work begins, keep the fenced area clear of materials and debris, and keep the barrier in good condition until the District Arborist allows its removal. On a boulevard or in a park, it must come down within 14 days of that approval.",[283,353,354],{},"Work inside the barrier is allowed only while an arborist watches it. When it is done, that arborist sends the District a report with photos of the fencing put back and of the trees.",[283,356,357],{},"The bylaw also lists ways of damaging a tree that are not allowed: cutting its roots, blasting, packing down the soil, or pouring concrete or other hard surfaces under its drip line, which is the ground below the outer edge of its branches. Spilling something toxic there, cutting a ring around the trunk, burning it, or pruning so much that the tree dies also count.",[290,359,361],{"id":360},"cutting-or-pruning-a-protected-tree","Cutting or pruning a protected tree",[283,363,364],{},"Cutting a protected tree needs a tree cutting permit. The District's Director may issue one for pruning that follows good practice and an arborist's advice, for a tree an arborist certifies as hazardous, for a tree damaging pipes, drains or a structure when nothing else will fix it, and for a tree in the way of a driveway up to 4.5 metres wide or a lane garage shown in a building permit. The Director must issue a permit for a tree inside the Permitted Building Envelope that is shown in a building permit.",[283,366,367],{},"Where pruning can deal with the risk, the Director may allow pruning only. A tree that is an immediate danger, as an arborist certifies, can be cut without a permit first, but the cutting must be reported and a permit applied for within one business day, and the wood must stay where it fell until the permit is issued.",[283,369,370],{},"Bird nests can delay a permit. The Director may hold a permit until the end of the nesting season when a tree is near the nest of a protected species. Section 34 of BC's Wildlife Act makes it an offence to injure or destroy a bird, its egg or a nest a bird occupies, and protects the nests of eagles, peregrine falcons, gyrfalcons, ospreys, herons and burrowing owls at all times.",[290,372,374],{"id":373},"replacing-what-is-cut","Replacing what is cut",[283,376,377],{},"For each protected tree removed, the permit holder plants one replacement tree, at least 5 centimetres across for a deciduous tree or 3 metres tall for a conifer, from the bylaw's list or a species the Director approves. The District takes a security of $1,000 for each replacement tree, up to $10,000. It keeps the money if the tree is not planted or dies, and returns it no later than one year after planting. When an arborist, landscape architect or licensed landscape contractor confirms there is no room to plant, the owner pays $1,000 for each tree into the District's Environmental Reserve Fund instead.",[290,379,381],{"id":380},"the-building-permit-and-the-trees","The building permit and the trees",[283,383,384],{},"West Vancouver's Building Bylaw says no construction, alteration or demolition may start without a permit. A permit application includes a site plan that shows the location and species of every tree greater than 10 centimetres across, and the top of bank of any watercourse. For a house, the Building Inspector may waive the site plan in whole or in part when the permit is for the repair or alteration of an existing building.",[283,386,387],{},"For older houses there is one more step before demolition starts inside. WorkSafeBC's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, section 20.112, says that before work begins on the renovation of a building, the employers responsible and the owner must make sure a qualified person inspects it to identify any hazardous materials.",[290,389,391],{"id":390},"before-you-plan","Before you plan",[283,393,394],{},"On a treed lot, measure the trees near the work, find any creek or the ocean's edge within 15 metres, and mark where the Zoning Bylaw lets the house sit. Those three facts tell you whether you need a barrier, a permit or a replacement tree, and whether an addition fits where you want it.",[283,396,397],{},"This article is general information from a renovation contractor. The Tree Bylaw text is a consolidation for convenience, and the District's staff can confirm what applies to your own lot.",{"title":399,"searchDepth":400,"depth":400,"links":401},"",2,[402,403,404,405,406,407],{"id":292,"depth":400,"text":293},{"id":330,"depth":400,"text":331},{"id":360,"depth":400,"text":361},{"id":373,"depth":400,"text":374},{"id":380,"depth":400,"text":381},{"id":390,"depth":400,"text":391},[],"md",[411,414,417,420,423,426,429,432],{"question":412,"answer":413},"What is a protected tree in West Vancouver?","Under the Tree Bylaw, a protected tree includes any tree 75 cm in diameter or more measured 1.4 metres above the ground, replacement and retained trees, heritage trees, trees within a watercourse or foreshore protection area, six listed species over 20 cm, trees with certain bird nests, and trees on District land such as boulevards.",{"question":415,"answer":416},"Does the 20 cm tree rule apply to a renovation in West Vancouver?","The 20 cm rule applies on a parcel being developed with at least one new residential or commercial building, or subdivided to create a parcel for a new home. A renovation of an existing house falls under the other parts of the protected tree definition, such as the 75 cm rule.",{"question":418,"answer":419},"Do I need a tree protection barrier for a renovation in West Vancouver?","Yes, before any site preparation, demolition, excavation or construction work. The barrier protects protected trees outside the area where the Zoning Bylaw allows the house, the part of a neighbour's tree roots on your site, boulevard trees next to the site and District trees within 3 metres of it.",{"question":421,"answer":422},"Who inspects the tree protection barrier in West Vancouver?","The Tree Bylaw says the person who installed the barrier must arrange an inspection by the District Arborist before the work starts, keep the fenced area free of materials and debris, and keep the barrier in place until the District Arborist authorizes its removal.",{"question":424,"answer":425},"Can construction happen inside a tree protection barrier in West Vancouver?","Only while an arborist monitors it. When the work inside the barrier is finished, the arborist who monitored it must send the District a report with photos of the re-installed fencing and the condition of the trees.",{"question":427,"answer":428},"How many replacement trees do I plant if I cut a protected tree in West Vancouver?","One replacement tree for each protected tree removed, at least 5 cm across for a deciduous tree or 3 metres tall for a conifer. The District takes a $1,000 security for each replacement tree, up to $10,000, returned no later than one year after planting if the tree survives.",{"question":430,"answer":431},"Does a West Vancouver building permit application need to show trees?","The Building Bylaw asks for a site plan that shows the location and species of every tree greater than 10 centimetres in diameter. For a house, the Building Inspector may waive the site plan in whole or in part when the permit is for the repair or alteration of an existing building.",{"question":433,"answer":434},"Do I need a hazardous materials survey before renovating an older home in BC?","WorkSafeBC's Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, section 20.112, says that before work begins on the renovation or demolition of a building, the employers responsible and the owner must make sure a qualified person inspects it to identify any hazardous materials.",{},"Which trees West Vancouver protects, the barrier and arborist inspection required before construction, tree cutting permits and replacement tree security.",true,{"title":6,"description":7},"West Vancouver Tree Bylaw: renovation rules, barriers and replacement trees",[441,444,447,450],{"label":442,"url":443},"District of West Vancouver: Tree Bylaw No. 4892, 2016, consolidated up to Amendment Bylaw No. 5373, 2025 (effective December 15, 2025)","https:\u002F\u002Fwestvancouver.ca\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002Fmedia\u002Fdocuments\u002F4892-tree-bylaw-4892-2016-consolidated-up-to-amendment-bylaw-5373-2025_0.pdf",{"label":445,"url":446},"District of West Vancouver: Building Bylaw No. 5340, 2025 (adopted June 23, 2025)","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.westvancouver.ca\u002Fsites\u002Fdefault\u002Ffiles\u002Fmedia\u002Fdocuments\u002F5340%20BUILDING%20BYLAW%205340%202024.pdf",{"label":448,"url":449},"WorkSafeBC: Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 20, section 20.112","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.worksafebc.com\u002Fen\u002Flaw-policy\u002Foccupational-health-safety\u002Fsearchable-ohs-regulation\u002Fohs-regulation\u002Fpart-20-construction-excavation-and-demolition",{"label":451,"url":452},"BC Laws: Wildlife Act, section 34, current to November 10, 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.bclaws.gov.bc.ca\u002Fcivix\u002Fdocument\u002Fid\u002Fcomplete\u002Fstatreg\u002F96488_01","news\u002Fwest-vancouver-renovation-tree-bylaw-protection-realdream",[13,14,15,16,17,18],"qyJJZWsU1sYrlWEIVOfbxB-TfC-Rhmcovve2UnvjVC0",[],1794688844711]