Clarence Valley Council tree removal rules

When you may not need approval

• ✓removal of weed species (e.g., Camphor Laurels)
• ✓dead, diseased, dying, or defective branches
• ✓removal of unsuitable or hazardous trees
• ✓minor maintenance pruning ≤10% per AS 4373
• ✓crown thinning for views and solar access
• ✓selective pruning for building encroachment
• ✓root pruning
• ✓pruning for service/power lines
• ✓crown lifting for access
• ✓pruning for sight lines and RMS requirements
• ✓removal of trees causing building damage
• ✓minimum work to make trees safe
• ✓10/50 scheme clearance within 10m of home in designated bush-fire areas

How to apply

Apply for Native Vegetation Works Permit via Clarence Valley Council with photos, written reasons, and supporting documents (e.g., arborist reports); council reviews application over several weeks; non-refundable application fee applies; conditional approval may require replanting.

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.