Blue Mountains City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Blue Mountains City 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 Blue Mountains City Council?
Trees about 4m tall or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Blue Mountains protected trees require 4m+ height OR crown spread; mallee Eucalyptus protected regardless of size; permits via NSW Planning Portal; confirmed exemptions: RFS 10/50 scheme (eligible areas), approved development consent, dangerous trees, trees under 4m—but dead/dying tree exemption status unconfirmed in accessible official sources.
When you may not need approval
- dead or dying trees (not likely habitat trees)
- dangerous trees (imminent danger)
- trees under 4m height and 4m crown spread
- minor pruning (first per year, ≤10% canopy, AS 4373-2007)
- RFS 10/50 scheme (10m from home in eligible areas)
- vegetation on approved development consent
- listed weeds/non-prescribed species
How to apply
Complete tree removal application form and submit online via NSW Planning Portal; council assesses and may request arborist report or replacement planting schedule; permits valid 12 months.
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 Blue Mountains City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Blue Mountains City Council
- Bell
- Berambing
- Bilpin
- Birrabang
- Blackheath
- Blaxland
- Blue Labyrinth
- Brereton
- Bullaburra
- Burramoko
- Carmarthen
- Faulconbridge
- Glenbrook
- Govetts
- Hawkesbury Heights
- Hazelbrook
- Ingar
- Jamison Valley
- Kariwoga
- Katoomba
- Kedumba
- Lapstone
- Lawson
- Leura
- Linden
- Massif Ridge
- Medlow Bath
- Megalong Valley
- Mount Irvine
- Mount Portal
- Mount Riverview
- Mount Tomah
- Mount Victoria
- Mount Wilson
- Narrow Neck
- Rocklily Ridge
- Springwood
- Sun Valley
- Tesselate Hill
- Valley Heights
- Warrimoo
- Wentworth Falls
- Winmalee
- Woodford
- Yellow Rock