Camden Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Camden 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 Camden Council?
Trees about 3m tall or 10cm trunk (diameter at 1m above natural ground surface) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Trees protected if 3m tall, 300mm circumference at 1m height (not 10cm diameter), or 3m branch span; removal requires assessment under circumference/height thresholds with exemptions for routine pruning, confirmed dead trees, fruit fly hosts, invasive species, survey work, and minor pruning under 50mm diameter.
When you may not need approval
- routine hedge pruning
- dead trees confirmed by arborist without hollow habitat
- fruit fly trees
- noxious weeds (privet, African olive, honey locust, cocos palm, Chinese celtis)
- survey work within 0.5m of property boundary
- minor pruning of branches ≤50mm diameter
How to apply
Apply for tree removal permit through NSW Planning Portal; Council assesses within 28 days after payment.
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 Camden Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.