Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Lismore City Council area?

Yes, usually — Lismore City Council requires approval to remove or significantly prune a protected tree under its Development Control Plan, unless an exemption (such as a dead or dangerous tree) applies. Check the details on this page and confirm with the council.

What trees are exempt in Lismore City Council?

dead branches and dead trees trees grown for edible fruit noxious weeds and environmental weeds trees authorized for removal under Rural Fires Act trees requiring pruning under Electricity Supply Act trees in State Forests or timber plantations trees on Council-owned/managed land (with Council authorization) trees in Road Reserve presenting serious hazard to motorists tree removal already authorized by development consent trees with 4m+ branch spread (partially exempt in some contexts)

Lismore City Council tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Lismore City 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.

Check my tree

Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).

● Researched· last checked 2026-06-28official source ↗

Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.

Which trees are protected in Lismore City Council?

Trees about 5m tall or 5cm trunk (girth (circumference) at 1m above ground) or larger are generally protected and need approval.

Lismore has TWO tree protection regimes: (1) TPO (Tree Preservation Order) Chapter 14 of 2007 DCP applies to urban/village/business/industrial zones on private AND public land; (2) In rural zones (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1f, 1r), consent required from Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority under Native Vegetation Act 2003. The rule uses girth/circumference measured at 1m above ground (500mm minimum), not trunk diameter. Protected trees include all trees meeting the size definition in listed zones PLUS Heritage Conservation Area trees, SEPP 44 Koala habitat trees, Protected Native Plants, and SEPP 14 wetland trees. Replacement planting mandatory (2:1 ratio). A newer DCP Chapter 14 (Vegetation Protection) was drafted to replace this but the official accessible version is the 2007 TPO chapter shown here.

When you may not need approval

dead branches and dead trees
trees grown for edible fruit
noxious weeds and environmental weeds
trees authorized for removal under Rural Fires Act
trees requiring pruning under Electricity Supply Act
trees in State Forests or timber plantations
trees on Council-owned/managed land (with Council authorization)
trees in Road Reserve presenting serious hazard to motorists
tree removal already authorized by development consent
trees with 4m+ branch spread (partially exempt in some contexts)

How to apply

Development application form required; $600 fine for unauthorized removal; 6-month validity period for consent; typically requires replacement planting (2 trees per 1 removed); trees must be identified in DA before consent issued

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.

Lismore City Council tree removal rules

Get free quotes

Which trees are protected in Lismore City Council?

When you may not need approval

How to apply

Other rules that can override the above

Do I need a permit in Lismore City Council?

Suburbs in Lismore City Council