Lane Cove Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Lane Cove 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 Lane Cove Council?
Trees about 4m tall or 15cm trunk (diameter at 1m) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Lane Cove Council DCP prescribes protected trees as 4+ metres tall OR 150mm diameter at 1m height; exemptions exist for dead/hazardous trees and limited pruning (not blanket minor pruning), but the official rules page is inaccessible (HTTP 403) and the 10/50 bushfire rule applies only to designated bushfire-prone properties.
When you may not need approval
- dead or dead branches
- hazardous or dangerous trees (with documentation)
- minor pruning
How to apply
Submit a Private Tree Works Inspection request to Council; fee-free permits available for certain tree works.
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 Lane Cove Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.