Bellingen Shire Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Bellingen 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 Bellingen Shire Council?
Trees about 3m tall or 30cm trunk (girth (circumference at 1m above natural ground)) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Permits required for native vegetation below Biodiversity Offset Threshold or non-native vegetation; small vegetation (less than 3m height AND 300mm girth combined) and specified weeds are exempt, but native trees within 50m of waterway always require permit regardless of size.
When you may not need approval
- vegetation less than 3m height AND less than 300mm girth AND less than 3m branch spread
- weeds (biosecurity or Council-determined)
- within 4m of existing or proposed residential building
- essential for authorized construction
- pruning up to 10% canopy for tree health
- dead/dying vegetation
- risk to human life or property
- native trees within 50m of waterway are NOT exempt
How to apply
Submit application with justification; Council assesses and may require professional arborist or flora/fauna reports; can approve, allow selective pruning, or refuse; preference given to mitigation over removal
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 Bellingen Shire Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.