Trees and vegetation on the Northern Beaches, even those on private land, are protected under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 Chapter 2 Vegetation in non-rural areas. The SEPP regulates proposed tree and vegetation removal that is not associated with a development application but still requires a permit from Council. However, there’s quite a lot you can do legally if you want to carry out tree work on your own property. 

What you can do without a Council permit

You can remove trees without a permit in the following circumstances. The tree is:

• Under 5 metres in height
• On the Exempt Tree Species List
• In an area in which the Council has authorised their removal as part of a hazard reduction program, where that removal is necessary in order to manage risk
• Required to be removed under other legislation (including the NSW Rural Fires Act 1997 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979)
• Can be removed under the 10/50 Legislation. Some clearing of vegetation is allowed if your property is mapped in the 10/50 entitlement area. Development Application Approval conditions in some circumstances prevent the use of the RFS 10/50 entitlement area from being used.
• Removed by Rural Fire Services because they pose or will pose a significant threat to access along required fire trails or to human life, buildings or other property during a bush fire
• Located within two metres of an existing approved building (not including decks, pergolas, sheds, patios or the like, even if they are attached to a building). The measurement is made from the building to the base of the tree trunk.   
• Is considered a high risk/imminent danger certified by a Level 5 qualified arborist. These trees can be removed without Council consent by the owner of the tree subject to the owner obtaining written confirmation from the arborist that clearly states:

a)    The arborist qualifications: AQF Level 5 Arborist or equivalent

b)    That the tree(s) is declared an imminent danger and high risk to life and property

c)    That immediate removal of the tree(s) is recommended

d)    A copy of the report must be sent to Council for record keeping purpose

• Any tree listed as a priority weed under the Bio Security Act 2015 and identified in the Greater Sydney Regional Weed Management Plan.
• Dead, and not required as the habitat of native animals - photographic evidence recommended
• Has fallen or partially fallen as a result of a storm and still present a danger (photos required)
• Part of the pruning or removal of hedges (unless hedge is conditioned to be retained in a development consent). “Hedge” means groups of two or more trees that:

(a)  are planted (whether in the ground or otherwise) so as to form a hedge, and
(b)  rise to a height of at least 2.5 metres (above existing ground level).

Pruning and clearing

You can prune trees or clear vegetation in the following circumstances:

• Reasonable pruning of up to 10% of a tree's canopy within 12 calendar months. Pruning must be in accordance with Australian Standards AS 4373 – 2007
• The removal of deadwood from a tree
• Removal of any species of parasite mistletoe or parasitic plant from any part of a tree
• It meets the criteria of other legislation e.g. under 10/50 Legislation some clearing of vegetation is allowed if your property is mapped in the 10/50 entitlement area. 

Note: Trees, native vegetation and bushland are protected under Council's Development Control Plan and requires consent to remove or clear understorey vegetation.

What you can do if you have Council permit

Tree removal

Council may permit to the removal of trees in the following circumstances:

• A qualified arborist report is delivered with all applications to remove significant trees
• Removing hazardous trees
• Removing trees demonstrated to be in conflict with built structures after engineering alternatives have been considered

Pruning

Council may permit to:

• Pruning that is not detrimental to the trees health and in accordance with Australian Standards
• Maintenance pruning to remove dead, diseased or dying branches
• Selective pruning to remove branches causing conflict, like building encroachment
• Root pruning to reduce damage to built and natural structures
• Pruning for service lines, vehicle sight line and Roads and Maritime Services requirements.

A permit is required for the following:

• Native Vegetation clearing where the vegetation to be cleared is declared in any manner Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP)
• Any tree or native vegetation which is a threatened species, threatened species habitat or is part of an Endangered Ecological Community as defined under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 or Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
• Any tree which is a heritage item or that is within a heritage conservation area as defined by searching the Planning Rules for your address
• Any tree specifically identified to be retained as a condition of development consent for building or works or subdivisions

The current Development Control Plans (DCPs) can be viewed on Councils planning page

Your Tree Permit

• Must be displayed at front of property while the approved tree works are being undertaken
• The Permit will expire 12 months after the date of issue
• Replanting is to be carried out in accordance with the Tree Permit Conditions 2 (e)
• Suitable replacement species 

What do I do if my property is located on the Biodiversity Values Map?

Many properties within the Northern Beaches Local Government Area are now included on the NSW Biodiversity Values Map, which identifies areas of high biodiversity value (such as Pittwater Spotted Gum Forest endangered ecological community) under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.  Tree removal on properties within the Biodiversity Values Map may require a permit from the Native Vegetation Panel rather than Council.

A permit from the Native Vegetation Panel is likely to be required if:

• Your property falls within the Biodiversity Values Map area; AND
• The tree/s proposed for removal are native to NSW; AND
• The tree/s proposed for removal are not considered to be dying, dead, or a risk to human life or property; AND
• The tree/s are not required as the habitat for native animals; AND
• Tree removal is not proposed to be undertaken in association with development (i.e. not part of a DA).

Further information about the requirements for obtaining a permit from the Native Vegetation Panel can be found on the DPI website.

What Council will not permit

Tree removal

Council will not approve:

• Tree removal for Complying Development Certificates
• Tree work without signature of owner or their agent on application
• Removing healthy, stable trees or trees for views
• Removing trees for solar access, leaf, fruit or sap drop, bird or bat droppings, or damage to sewer pipes or built structures
• Removing trees for allergies unless they can be medically proven, and linked by a certified allergist specialist registered with Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
• Removing trees for allergies unless they can be medically proven linked by a specialist doctor
• Removal of trees for fences, footpaths, or driveways
• Removal of trees in bushland or understorey vegetation without a permit
• Removal of trees where they do not meet the criteria of the permit

Pruning, clearing and alteration

• Pruning of trees contrary to Australian Standards 4373
• Pruning beyond what a particular species will tolerate, e.g. figs pruned by more than 10% are predisposed to sunburn
• Requests for lopping or topping of trees
• Alteration of soil levels within a tree’s rootzone
• Tree work for emotive reasons

How do I get a permit for tree removal, vegetation clearing or pruning

If you would like to prune or remove a tree, first check the exemptions. If the tree is not exempt, you need to complete an application and have the property owners consent.  If you wish to be at the property when the Council officer attends a fee will apply. Review Councils fees and charges

If you would like to clear vegetation, first check the exemptions. If the vegetation is not exempt, in the first instance you need to contact Councils Biodiversity & Planning team to discuss the works proposed and permit process. Based on this you will be advised if the proposed works are permissible under the Veg SEPP and relevant Council DCP. If the works are permissible you will be provided with a Vegetation Clearing Application Form. If you wish for a Council officer to attend your property an inspection fee may apply.

As part of the online application you will need to upload a completed Site Plan, with details and owner's consent. Download the PDF template.

Note: changes should only be made to the document once it's been saved or printed.  Once this document has been completed please complete the Permit Application.

What if I have concerns about a neighbour's tree or other plants?

Council does not have the authority to act in disputes between neighbours. It is always best to talk to your neighbours first about any issues regarding trees and hedges including bamboo. If your neighbour does not agree to remove or prune a tree or hedge, you can contact the Community Justice Centre (CJC) for mediation assistance.

If your neighbour's tree or hedge is damaging your property and the mediation process proves unsuccessful, you may need to seek  intervention of the court through the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006, which is administrated by the Land and Environment Court of NSW.  This is the only authority that can resolve tree disputes between neighbours. Please refer to the following link for more information Click Here.

Compliant development 

Council does not inspect trees for compliant development, you must meet the criteria for compliant development prior to any works being carried out. Instances where a permit or approval is not required are outlined at the top of this page.

Council does not remove public trees for Compliant development this needs to be considered before moving ahead with any application.

Illegal tree and native vegetation works

Don’t risk being fined for illegal tree works or native vegetation clearing. You could still be charged, even if you’re on your own property. You may simply need a Tree Removal and Tree Pruning Permit. If in any doubt, phone our Tree Management Team on 1300 434 434. For native vegetation clearing matters phone our Biodiversity and Planning team on 1300 434 434.