Tree Removal Pittwater Council Regulations

Updated: 15 December 2021

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

Yes, but under certain conditions

Under what conditions?

Tree maybe be removed without council permit if;

You do not require Council permission to remove trees on your property where the tree is;

1. Under 5 metres in height
2. On the Exempt Tree Species List.
3. In an area in which the Council has authorised their removal as part of a hazard reduction program, where that removal is necessary in order to manage risk
4. Required to be removed under other legislation (including the NSW Rural Fires Act 1997 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979)
5. Under 10/50 Legislation some clearing of vegetation is allowed if your property is mapped in the 10/50 entitlement area.
6. Removed by Rural Fire Services because they pose or will pose a significant threat to access along required fire trails or to human life, buildings or other property during a bushfire
7. The removal of a tree, where the base of the trunk of the tree at ground level, is located within two metres of an existing approved building (not including decks, pergolas, sheds, patios or the like, even if they are attached to a building).
8. The removal of trees which are considered a high risk / imminent danger certified by a Level 5 qualified arborist. These trees can be removed without Council consent by the owner of the tree subject to the owner obtaining written confirmation from the arborist that clearly states:
9. Anything on the Biosecurity species listing
10. Dead trees
11. As a result of a storm have fallen or partially fallen and still present a danger (photos required)
12. The removal of hedges (unless required by conditions of a development consent)

“Hedge” means groups of two or more trees that:

(a) are planted (whether in the ground or otherwise) so as to form a hedge, and
(b) rise to a height of at least 2.5 metres (above existing ground level).

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.

The council allows you to prune trees or clear vegetation under the following conditions.

• Pruning within the Australian Standards AS 4373 – 2007. And if you will prune up to 10% of the tree’s canopy and within a 12-month calendar.
• In case you are removing a deadwood part of a tree.
• When removing a parasitic plan or any tree’s part that is parasitic.
• If clearing you are about to do meets other legislation criteria.

Yes. It is an offense to remove or prune trees that require a permit without obtaining one.

Anyone who is found guilty of any tree damaging offence, will be fined by the Land and Environment Court a fine as high as $1.1 million.

In some circumstances, you may also be required to replace trees and take care of them up to maturity.

A reward of $10,000 is also offered by the council for anyone who provides information that may lead to the successful prosecution of a tree damage offender.

Please refer to the PDF here: https://tinyurl.com/y8v4penq for a full list of trees that can be removed without approval.

https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/council/forms

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

Phone: 1300434434
Mailing Address: PO Box 1336 Dee Why NSW 2099
Website: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/

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

https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/planning-development/tree-management/private-land