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

Yes, usually — Shoalhaven 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 Shoalhaven City Council?

Non-native/invasive species (Table 1) - any size Non-native amenity trees (Table 2) - if less than 10m tall only Dying or dead trees Trees that are a risk to human life or property Gordon Timbs 45 Degree Rule (trees closer than own height to buildings) Trees cleared under Section 60O of Local Land Services Act 2013

Shoalhaven City Council tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Shoalhaven 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 Shoalhaven City Council?

Shoalhaven City Council protects effectively all trees on private land — removing or significantly pruning a tree generally needs council approval unless an exemption applies (see below).

Shoalhaven DCP Chapter G4 declares trees as protected based on zone and location, not a simple numeric size threshold. All trees in urban zones (residential excluding R5, employment, mixed use, special use, RU5 Village) are protected and require permit to remove. All trees/native vegetation in C2, C3, C4 zones are protected. In non-urban zones (R5 Large Lot Residential, conservation, recreation, waterway), only specific trees are protected (near waterways, scenic areas, heritage items, Toona australis, hollow-bearing). Only size threshold is 10m height for non-native amenity trees (exemption). Applies to all non-rural land on private and public property. No general diameter/girth/trunk circumference threshold. Very strict in urban residential/commercial areas (all trees protected, no exemptions except listed ones).

When you may not need approval

Non-native/invasive species (Table 1) - any size
Non-native amenity trees (Table 2) - if less than 10m tall only
Dying or dead trees
Trees that are a risk to human life or property
Gordon Timbs 45 Degree Rule (trees closer than own height to buildings)
Trees cleared under Section 60O of Local Land Services Act 2013

How to apply

Permit application to Council; 28 days to determine (stops during any requests for further info); public notification required if 10+ trees; appeal to Land and Environment Court within 3 months of refusal

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.

Shoalhaven City Council tree removal rules

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Which trees are protected in Shoalhaven City Council?

When you may not need approval

How to apply

Other rules that can override the above

Do I need a permit in Shoalhaven City Council?

Suburbs in Shoalhaven City Council