Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Snowy Monaro Regional Council area?

Yes, usually — Snowy Monaro Regional 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 Snowy Monaro Regional Council?

dying/dead trees less than 6m height risk to human life or property fuel-free zones dead branches greater than 50mm diameter pruning to less than 2.5m height formative pruning power line clearance trees within 2 metres of buildings authorized council works

Snowy Monaro Regional Council tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Snowy Monaro Regional 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 Snowy Monaro Regional Council?

Trees about 4m tall or 32cm trunk (council states ~100cm trunk circumference) or larger are generally protected and need approval.

Rule from DCP Chapter 7.1 applies ONLY to native trees in non-rural zones (zones excluding RU1-RU4). Rural zones governed by Local Land Services Act. Eucalypt species have lower threshold: 60cm diameter vs 1m for other species. Protected trees: height greater than 4m OR diameter equal to or exceeding 1m at 1.3m (single-trunk) OR circumference equal to or exceeding 1m at 1m height (multi-trunk). Also includes hollow-bearing trees, heritage trees, all public land trees, and trees in E2/E3/E4 environmental zones. Applies to private land in non-rural zones.

When you may not need approval

dying/dead trees less than 6m height
risk to human life or property
fuel-free zones
dead branches greater than 50mm diameter
pruning to less than 2.5m height
formative pruning
power line clearance
trees within 2 metres of buildings
authorized council works

How to apply

Council permit required for tree works on native trees meeting size thresholds in non-rural zones

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 Snowy Monaro Regional Council?

Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.