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Some trees on private property and public land are protected by planning overlays or local laws.

Check if you need a Tree Protection Local Law Permit or a Planning Permit to remove, prune or do works near a tree.

You need a Tree Protection Local Law Permit for a:

  • canopy tree — to remove or do works less than 2 metres from its trunk
  • significant tree to prune, remove or do works within its Tree Protection Zone.

Examples of works near a tree are:

  • building
  • demolition
  • digging or trenching
  • storage of materials or equipment
  • mechanical compaction
  • use of machinery.

Permit and planning enquiry tool

You can use myLot, our free Tree Protection Local Law and planning enquiry tool, as a guide to relevant permit requirements. 

It’ll help you:

  • determine if you need a Tree Protection Local Law or planning permit
  • understand why a permit is or isn’t needed (referencing the relevant Tree Protection Local Law and planning rules). 

This tool is intended as a helpful guide and isn’t a final local law or planning decision. 

Use our free Tree Protection Local Law and planning enquiry tool

Protected trees under the local law

Tree Protection Local Law Permit

Planning Permit for trees

Penalties for illegal tree works

If our local law is breached we can:

  • give a formal warning
  • issue a fine of $4070.20 per offence occurring after 27 May 2024 (Tree Protection Local Law 2024)
  • require replacement planting or tree protection measures (in a 'Notice to Comply')
  • take the offence to the Magistrates Court for prosecution and criminal conviction.

More information

For more information about permits and trees on private property call us on (03) 9278 4888 or email us at [email protected]

Find out how to protect trees during construction.

For information about trees on neighbouring properties, visit our Tree issues, pruning and maintenance page


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