Tree Removal Marrickville Council Regulations

Updated: 12 April 2020

Can I remove a tree in Marrickville Council without a council permit?

Yes, but under certain conditions

Under what conditions?

The tree can be removed without council approval if;

1. Any tree with a height equal to or smaller than 5 metres above ground level;
2. Any tree that is under 5 metres in height above ground level that has a trunk diameter of more than 300mm at ground level;
3. Any tree with a crown spread equal to or smaller than 3 metres;
4. Any palm tree with a stem length equal to or smaller than 4 metres above ground level;

Pruning is treated the same way as removal since it falls under the tree works category.

You have to follow the guidelines listed above even if it is pruning.

There are trees that can be removed no matter what their size or condition as they are considered a pest by your local council. The above-listed conditions do not apply.

See table below

Does my council have an exempt tree list?

Yes, see the table below

It is also referred to as the Tree Development Control Plan policy which is meant to make it easy to deal with inappropriate or dangerous trees by replacing them.

Here are some new guidelines as per Tree DCP.

• Any trees growing within a distance of 2 metres to a garage or any primary dwelling can be replaced. That is by obtaining a permit that comes with a requirement for the replacement and tree to be planted.

• Allows movement of the majority of the tree applications from any Development Application into a less expensive and simpler permit system.

• Introduction of a review mechanism that will give residents a chance other than appealing decisions through Land and Environment Court. It will be headed by the CEO of the Council’s determinations.

When you are doing development, you are required to obtain a permit if you are to remove trees following under the following categories.

1. In case the trees fall under the heritage trees list. Here is a link to the list.
2. If the trees are within an Aboriginal object or place.

http://marrickville.nsw.gov.au/Templates/Advanced/Bridge/TrimDownload.aspx?TrimDocNum=15218.00

Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.

Phone: 0293925000
Mailing Address: PO Box 14, Petersham NSW 2049
Website: http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au

The above is a summary of your local Councils tree preservation order. Please follow the link for the full document.

http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/en/environment/in-your-community/tree-management/