Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Northern Beaches Council area?

Yes, usually — Northern Beaches 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 Northern Beaches Council?

Trees under 5 metres height Listed exempt tree species Dead or imminent danger (Level 5 arborist certified) Within 2 metres of existing approved buildings Reasonable pruning up to 10% per AS 4373-2007 Hazard reduction programs 10/50 vegetation clearing in designated areas Priority weeds (Biosecurity Act 2015) Fallen or storm-damaged trees Mistletoe/parasitic plant removal Hedge pruning (2+ trees, 2.5m+)

Northern Beaches Council tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Northern Beaches 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 Official council page ↗

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 2026-06-27official source ↗

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

Which trees are protected in Northern Beaches Council?

Trees about 5m tall or larger are generally protected and need approval.

Trees under 5 metres in height can be removed without a permit; trunk diameter and canopy spread thresholds are not specified by Northern Beaches Council and should not be relied upon for compliance.

When you may not need approval

Trees under 5 metres height
Listed exempt tree species
Dead or imminent danger (Level 5 arborist certified)
Within 2 metres of existing approved buildings
Reasonable pruning up to 10% per AS 4373-2007
Hazard reduction programs
10/50 vegetation clearing in designated areas
Priority weeds (Biosecurity Act 2015)
Fallen or storm-damaged trees
Mistletoe/parasitic plant removal
Hedge pruning (2+ trees, 2.5m+)

How to apply

Contact Northern Beaches Council (1300 434 434), complete and submit online or paper Tree Removal and Pruning Application (Form 4000) with Tree Removal Site Plan template and property owner consent; attach arborist report for significant trees (applies at council discretion).

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.

Northern Beaches Council tree removal rules

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Which trees are protected in Northern Beaches Council?

When you may not need approval

How to apply

Other rules that can override the above

Do I need a permit in Northern Beaches Council?

Suburbs in Northern Beaches Council