City of Sydney tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the City of Sydney 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 Sydney?
In City of Sydney, removing or significantly pruning a protected tree generally needs council approval unless an exemption applies (see below).
City of Sydney exempts dead/dangerous trees (Level 3 arborist certified), listed invasive species, and five height-exempt species (camphor laurel, two celtis species, coral tree, liquidambar) under 10m; pruning limited to 5% canopy removal per Australian Standard; heritage and significant tree register entries require consent—specific DCP permit thresholds not confirmed in the official accessible guide.
When you may not need approval
- Dead, dying, or dangerous trees (certified by Level 3 arborist)
- Certain invasive species (bamboo, tree-of-heaven, fig)
- Five species under 10m height (camphor laurel, nettle tree, coral tree, liquidambar, celtis)
- Pruning under 5% canopy removal with branch limits per AS 4373-2007
How to apply
Residents must lodge a tree removal/pruning application with $98 fee; City assesses within 28 days and may require a qualified arborist report; all tree work must be completed by Level 3 arborist minimum.
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 Sydney?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in City of Sydney
- Alexandria
- Annandale
- Barangaroo
- Beaconsfield
- Camperdown
- Centennial Park
- Chippendale
- Darlinghurst
- Darlington
- Dawes Point
- Elizabeth Bay
- Erskineville
- Eveleigh
- Forest Lodge
- Glebe
- Haymarket
- Millers Point
- Moore Park
- Newtown
- Paddington
- Potts Point
- Pyrmont
- Redfern
- Rosebery
- Rushcutters Bay
- St Peters
- Surry Hills
- Sydney
- The Rocks
- Ultimo
- Waterloo
- Woolloomooloo
- Zetland