Bathurst Regional Council tree removal rules

When you may not need approval

• ✓Exempt tree species list: Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint, Wattles, Leylandii Pines, Willow, Privet, Robinia, Locust, Poplars (in heritage conservation areas only)
• ✓Dead or dying vegetation not required as native animal habitat
• ✓Risk to human life or property
• ✓Clearing by Bathurst Regional Council
• ✓Clearing within 3m of lawful dwelling
• ✓Pruning not exceeding 10% of canopy every 3 years per Australian Standard 4373
• ✓Clearing authorised under Electricity Supply Act 1995, Rural Fires Act 1997, Local Land Services Act 2013
• ✓Clearing of priority weeds under Biosecurity Act 2015

How to apply

Development consent required for heritage items/conservation areas with trees ≥9m tall or circumference ≥1m; Clearing permit required from Council for specified vegetation in certain zones (E2, E4, SP2, SP3, RE1, R5, RU5, W2)

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.