Canterbury-Bankstown Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Canterbury-Bankstown 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 Canterbury-Bankstown Council?
Trees about 5m tall or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Canterbury-Bankstown protects non-exempt trees over 5m in height; exemptions include a large list of species and trees near primary dwellings.
When you may not need approval
- Trees less than 5m in height
- Trees within 3m of trunk centre to primary dwelling wall (measured at 1.4m above ground)
- Species on exempt list (40+ species listed, including wattles, privet, liquidambar, poplars, willows, etc.)
How to apply
Application for Tree Management Order Permit required for non-exempt trees over 5m; arborist (AQF Level 3) must perform work; 3:1 replacement planting required within 28 days
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 Canterbury-Bankstown Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Canterbury-Bankstown Council
- Ashbury
- Bankstown
- Bankstown Aerodrome
- Bass Hill
- Belfield
- Belmore
- Beverly Hills
- Birrong
- Campsie
- Canterbury
- Chester Hill
- Chullora
- Clemton Park
- Condell Park
- Croydon Park
- Earlwood
- East Hills
- Georges Hall
- Greenacre
- Hurlstone Park
- Kingsgrove
- Lakemba
- Lansdowne
- Milperra
- Mount Lewis
- Narwee
- Padstow
- Padstow Heights
- Panania
- Picnic Point
- Potts Hill
- Punchbowl
- Regents Park
- Revesby
- Revesby Heights
- Riverwood
- Roselands
- Sefton
- Villawood
- Wiley Park
- Yagoona