Yass Valley Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Yass Valley 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 Yass Valley Council?
Trees about 4m tall or 30cm trunk (DBH (1.4m)) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Yass Valley requires development consent for trees 4m+ or 300mm+ DBH in non-rural areas; 10/50 bush fire clearing permitted in designated areas; heritage trees in conservation areas also protected.
When you may not need approval
- imminent risk to human life/property
- dead or dying (not habitat for native animals)
- traditional Aboriginal cultural activity (non-commercial)
- tree pruning not exceeding 10% canopy every 3 years (AS 4373-2007)
- non-native fruit/nut trees (except heritage areas)
- mowing/slashing native grass for maintenance (≥10cm height)
- clearing authorized under other legislation (10/50 Rural Fires Act, Land Management Native Vegetation Code, Electricity Supply Act)
How to apply
Development consent required in non-rural areas for trees 4m+ height or 300mm+ DBH or crown >5m (if in Significant Tree Register); also for heritage items, native vegetation on Terrestrial Biodiversity Map, and vegetation within 50m of rivers; exemptions listed above.
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 Yass Valley Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.