City of Parramatta Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the City of Parramatta 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 City of Parramatta Council?
Trees about 3m tall or 30cm trunk (DBH at 1.4m) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Parramatta requires council approval for trees 3 metres or taller OR with trunks exceeding 300mm at 1.4m height; exemptions include dead/dying trees (if not providing habitat), minor AS 4373 pruning, exempt species, and emergency trees (Level 5 arborist report); 10/50 zones allow tree removal within 10m of dwellings under RFS rules (state-wide, not Parramatta-specific).
When you may not need approval
- Dead or dying trees not providing habitat
- Minor pruning per AS 4373-2007
- Trees listed on Parramatta Exempt Species list
- Emergency/dangerous trees (with Level 5 arborist report)
- Trees within 10m of dwelling in RFS 10/50 zones
How to apply
Apply via Tree Permit Application (TA) or Development Application (DA) through the NSW Planning Portal; Development Applications required for heritage properties. No longer accepts applications in other formats.
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 City of Parramatta Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in City of Parramatta Council
- Auburn
- Baulkham Hills
- Beecroft
- Camellia
- Carlingford
- Cheltenham
- Clyde
- Constitution Hill
- Dundas
- Dundas Valley
- Eastwood
- Epping
- Ermington
- Granville
- Harris Park
- Holroyd
- Lidcombe
- Mays Hill
- Melrose Park
- Merrylands
- Newington
- North Parramatta
- North Rocks
- Northmead
- Oatlands
- Old Toongabbie
- Parramatta
- Pendle Hill
- Rosehill
- Rydalmere
- Seven Hills
- Silverwater
- Sydney Olympic Park
- Telopea
- Toongabbie
- Wentworth Point
- Wentworthville
- West Pennant Hills
- Westmead
- Winston Hills