Newcastle City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Newcastle 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.
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 Newcastle City Council?
Trees about 3m tall or 15cm trunk (DBH (1.4m)) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Protected trees in Newcastle are 3m+ tall or 15cm DBH at 1.4m (single trunk) or 10cm for multi-trunk; exempt trees include dead/dying (with photos), those within 3m of dwellings/buildings/pools, and those eligible under 10/50 bushfire rules; all non-exempt removals require AQF Level 5 arborist report per DCP 2023 (effective 1 March 2024).
When you may not need approval
- Dead or dying trees with photographic evidence
- Trees within 3 metres of a dwelling, building, or pool
- Broadened exemptions under DCP 2023 (effective 1 March 2024)
- Minor pruning (per AS 4373-2007)
How to apply
Submit Private Tree Removal Application Form to City of Newcastle; arborist report (AQF Level 5 minimum) required if removal does not meet exemption criteria; most applications processed within 30 days, longer if in heritage conservation area.
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 Newcastle City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Newcastle City Council
- Adamstown
- Adamstown Heights
- Bar Beach
- Beresfield
- Birmingham Gardens
- Black Hill
- Broadmeadow
- Callaghan
- Carrington
- Cooks Hill
- Elermore Vale
- Fletcher
- Fullerton Cove
- Georgetown
- Hamilton
- Hamilton East
- Hamilton North
- Hamilton South
- Hexham
- Islington
- Jesmond
- Kooragang
- Kotara
- Lambton
- Lenaghan
- Maryland
- Maryville
- Mayfield
- Mayfield East
- Mayfield North
- Mayfield West
- Merewether
- Merewether Heights
- Minmi
- New Lambton
- New Lambton Heights
- Newcastle
- Newcastle East
- Newcastle West
- North Lambton
- Rankin Park
- Sandgate
- Shortland
- Stockton
- Tarro
- The Hill
- The Junction
- Tighes Hill
- Wallsend
- Warabrook
- Waratah
- Waratah West
- Wickham