City of Canada Bay Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the City of Canada Bay 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 City of Canada Bay Council?
Trees about 4m tall or 50cm trunk (girth at any point) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Council requires permits for tree pruning/removal generally; exemptions detailed in DCP clause C5.1 (not accessible on public web page); heritage protection applies per LEP Schedule 5; specific thresholds and detailed exemptions not publicly stated on main web page—residents must contact council directly or consult referenced manuals.
When you may not need approval
- Dead trees or removal of dead branches
- Trees posing imminent safety risk (contact council for inspection)
- Exempt species: Syzygium spp (Lilly Pilly) and Elaeocarpus spp (Blueberry Ash) if not heritage listed
- Trees declared noxious weeds
- Minor pruning to 500mm from domestic service leads (qualified arborist, per Australian Standards)
How to apply
Download the Tree Pruning and Removal Permit form from Council's website or collect from 1A Marlborough Street, Drummoyne. Complete the form and submit to Council with the appropriate fee.
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 City of Canada Bay Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.