Albury City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Albury City Council area — which trees are protected, the main exemptions, and how to apply for approval. This is the authoritative summary we keep for this council; always confirm against the official source linked below.
Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).
Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.
Which trees are protected in Albury City Council?
Trees about 3m tall or 30cm trunk (circumference at 1.3m) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Protected trees must meet both height (3m+) and trunk (300mm+ circumference at 1.3m) thresholds; exemptions include dead/dying trees if not habitat, imminent risk, pruning ≤10% per 3 years (AS 4373-2007), exempt species, environmental weeds, and non-native fruit/nut trees; permit process includes mandatory arborist assessment within 28 days.
When you may not need approval
- dead or dying trees (not required as habitat)
- trees under 3m height with trunk circumference under 300mm
- imminent risk to human life or property
- pruning not exceeding 10% canopy per 3 years (AS 4373-2007)
- exempt species
- environmental weeds
- non-native fruit/nut trees
How to apply
Submit Vegetation Removal Permit application with site plan and photos to info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au. Council arborist inspects and provides assessment within 28 days of lodgement.
Other rules that can override the above
- RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing scheme — in a designated bush-fire area you may be able to clear trees within 10m of your home (and underlying vegetation within 50m) without council approval. Check eligibility with the NSW RFS online tool; it does not override threatened-species or federal law.
- Heritage items and heritage conservation areas — trees are usually protected regardless of size and most exemptions fall away.
- Threatened species, endangered ecological communities and Aboriginal places — exemptions generally do not apply.
- Federal EPBC Act — separate Commonwealth approval can be required if removal would significantly impact a nationally listed species or community.
Do I need a permit in Albury City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.