Uralla Shire Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Uralla Shire 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 Uralla Shire Council?
Uralla Shire Council generally does not require council approval to remove trees on private property — its tree controls don't apply to private land. Other laws (native vegetation, heritage, threatened species) may still apply, so confirm with the council.
Rural zones (RU1, RU2) managed by Local Land Services under state Land Management Code — council does not control private rural tree removal. Urban areas have DCP provisions but inaccessible (PDFs blocked). 90cm DBHOB threshold applies to state-regulated agricultural clearing. Measured at 1.3m height from ground.
When you may not need approval
- Dead, dying, or dangerous trees for safety
- Trees cleared as part of approved development
How to apply
Land Management Code notification for rural; SEPP Biodiversity 2021 permit from council for urban non-development
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 Uralla Shire Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.