Tree Removal Regulations Sydney 2025: Council Permits & Guidelines

Sydney Tree Removal Regulations: 2025 Overview

Tree removal in Sydney is governed by a complex web of local, state, and federal regulations designed to protect urban canopy and environmental values. Understanding these requirements is essential before removing any tree from your property.

Understanding the Regulatory Framework

Tree protection in Sydney operates under multiple levels of regulation:

Local Council Controls

Each of Sydney's 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) operates under:

• Development Control Plans (DCPs): Outline specific tree protection requirements
• Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): Protect specific trees or areas
• Local Environmental Plans (LEPs): Set environmental objectives and controls
• Council policies: Additional guidelines for tree management

State Environmental Planning Policies

Overarching NSW regulations that:

• Establish baseline tree protection standards
• Apply to vegetation clearing for bushfire protection
• Regulate environmental zones and heritage areas
• May override local controls in certain circumstances

Tree Removal Permit Thresholds

While specific requirements vary by council, these general thresholds apply across most Sydney LGAs:

Major Council Variations

Sydney councils have significant differences in their approaches to tree regulation:

Eastern Suburbs

Councils like Woollahra, Waverley, and Randwick typically have:

• Stricter thresholds: Often protecting trees from 3m height or 15cm diameter
• Extensive documentation: Detailed arborist reports usually required
• Heritage considerations: Additional restrictions in conservation areas
• Higher penalties: Fines often at the upper end of the scale
• Application fees: $150-$300 for standard applications

North Shore

Councils including North Sydney, Lane Cove, and Ku-ring-gai feature:

• Canopy-focused policies: Strong emphasis on maintaining tree cover
• Significant tree registers: Special protection for notable specimens
• Replacement requirements: Specific replacement planting conditions
• View consideration: Balanced approach to view preservation and tree protection
• Application fees: $110-$250 depending on tree numbers

Inner West

The Inner West Council and Canada Bay typically have:

• Urban renewal balance: Recognition of development pressure vs. green space
• Species-specific exemptions: Lists of exempt species (often weed trees)
• Streamlined processes: Online application systems
• Moderate thresholds: Generally 4m height or 30cm diameter
• Application fees: $80-$200 based on tree numbers

Western Sydney

Councils like Parramatta, Cumberland, and Blacktown feature:

• Growth accommodation: Balancing development needs with canopy targets
• Distance-based exemptions: More flexible rules for trees near structures
• Varying stringency: Significant variation between neighbouring councils
• Application fees: $70-$180 with multi-tree discounts often available

The Permit Application Process

The typical process for obtaining tree removal approval in Sydney includes:

1. Initial Assessment

Before applying, determine:

• Whether your tree exceeds council thresholds
• If the species is exempt from protection
• Whether the tree is on your property boundary (requiring neighbour consent)
• If the tree is dead, dying, or hazardous (may qualify for expedited process)

2. Application Submission

Prepare and submit an application including:

• Completed council application form (online or paper)
• Application fee payment ($70-$300 depending on council and tree number)
• Property and tree location details (site plan often required)
• Photos of the tree and surrounding area
• Reason for removal request

3. Supporting Documentation

Depending on the reason for removal, you may need:

• Arborist report: For health, structural, or risk assessments ($350-$800)
• Engineering report: For structural damage claims ($800-$1,500)
• Plumber's report: For pipe damage claims ($200-$500)
• Medical evidence: For allergy or health-related requests

4. Council Assessment

Once submitted, councils typically:

• Conduct a site inspection by a council tree officer
• Assess the application against their DCP and TPO criteria
• May request additional information if needed
• Process applications in 2-8 weeks (varies significantly by council)

5. Decision and Conditions

If approved, permits generally:

• Remain valid for 6-12 months
• May require replacement plantings
• Specify who can perform the removal (often licensed contractors only)
• Include conditions for protection of surrounding vegetation

Common Exemptions from Permit Requirements

Most councils allow for certain exemptions, though these vary significantly:

Species-Based Exemptions

Many councils exempt:

• Recognised invasive species: Camphor Laurel, Privet, Rubber Tree, etc.
• Fruit trees: Specifically grown for fruit production (not ornamental)
• Certain palm species: Particularly Cocos Palm in many councils
• Environmental weeds: As listed in council's weed management plans

Situation-Based Exemptions

Conditional exemptions may apply for:

• Dead trees: Though many councils still require notification
• Emergency hazards: Imminent danger to people or property
• Bushfire protection: Within specified distances of dwellings (10/50 rule)
• Utility clearance: Work conducted by authorised utility providers

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Removing protected trees without approval carries significant penalties:

Penalty Framework

• Local council fines: $3,000-$6,000 per tree for individuals
• Corporate fines: $6,000-$15,000 per tree for businesses
• Land & Environment Court: Up to $1.1 million for significant breaches
• Replacement orders: Mandatory planting of replacement trees
• Remediation orders: Restoration of damaged areas at the offender's expense

Detection Methods

Councils identify illegal removals through:

• Neighbour complaints: The most common reporting mechanism
• Regular inspections: Particularly in heritage or environmental zones
• Aerial/satellite comparisons: Increasingly used to detect canopy changes
• Development site audits: Regular monitoring of construction activity

Special Circumstances

Certain situations involve additional considerations:

Boundary Trees

For trees located on property boundaries:

• Written consent required from all affected property owners
• Disputes may require mediation or legal resolution
• Removal costs typically shared between owners
• Council permits still required regardless of owner agreement

Trees on Development Sites

When removing trees as part of development:

• Tree removal must be addressed in the Development Application (DA)
• Arboricultural Impact Assessment usually required
• Tree Protection Plans needed for retained trees
• Compensatory planting generally mandated

Specially Protected Trees

Some trees have additional protection layers:

• Heritage listings: State or local heritage significance
• Significant tree registers: Exceptional specimens worthy of special protection
• Environmental protection zones: Trees in sensitive ecological areas
• Aboriginal cultural significance: Trees with indigenous heritage value

Tips for Successful Applications

Increase your chances of approval with these strategies:

Provide Strong Justification

The most successful applications demonstrate:

• Safety concerns: Documented structural defects or hazard assessments
• Property damage: Evidence of damage to structures, services, or paving
• Tree health issues: Professional assessment of disease, decline, or pest infestation
• Genuine building requirements: Clear necessity for proposed development

Invest in Professional Reports

Quality supporting documentation significantly improves success rates:

• Qualified arborist reports: AQF Level 3 or higher certification
• Independent assessments: Unbiased evaluation by recognised professionals
• Photographic evidence: Clear documentation of claimed issues
• Detailed proposals: Comprehensive replacement planting plans

Engage Early with Council

Pre-application consultation can:

• Clarify specific requirements for your council
• Identify potential issues before formal submission
• Establish whether alternative solutions might be acceptable
• Demonstrate good faith effort to comply with regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree?

Most councils still require notification or permits for dead tree removal, even if the tree meets exemption criteria. Dead trees can still have ecological value and safety implications for removal.

Can I remove a tree that's damaging my house?

Property damage may justify removal, but you typically need professional evidence (engineering or building reports) and must still apply for council approval. Emergency removal may be permitted for immediate safety threats.

What happens if my neighbour objects to my tree removal application?

Council will consider all submissions as part of their assessment. Neighbour objections don't automatically result in refusal, but you may need stronger justification or alternative solutions.

How long does the approval process take?

Processing times vary from 2-8 weeks depending on council workload, application complexity, and whether additional information is required. Check with your specific council for current timeframes.

Can I appeal a refusal decision?

Yes, most councils have review processes for refused applications. You may also have rights of appeal to the NSW Land and Environment Court, though this involves significant costs and legal complexity.