Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Coffs Harbour City Council area?

Yes, usually — Coffs Harbour City Council requires approval to remove or significantly prune a protected tree under its Development Control Plan, unless an exemption (such as a dead or dangerous tree) applies. Check the details on this page and confirm with the council.

What trees are exempt in Coffs Harbour City Council?

Dead, dying or dangerous trees that are an imminent risk to people or property (most councils require a qualified arborist's report — keep photos and the report). Minor pruning within Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 (often up to ~10% of the canopy in a year) — council-dependent. Certain listed weed or exempt species, and trees under the council's size threshold. Trees within a set distance of an approved dwelling — but the distance varies by council and many councils have no such exemption.

Coffs Harbour City Council tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Coffs Harbour 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.

Check my tree

Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).

… Being confirmed

We're still confirming this council's exact rules — any figures shown are a general guide only. Confirm with the council.

Which trees are protected in Coffs Harbour City Council?

We're still confirming Coffs Harbour City Council's exact size thresholds — see the New South Wales overview below. As a general guide, trees roughly 5m tall or 30cm in trunk and above are commonly protected; confirm with your council.

Current rule (27 Jan 2026) under SEPP (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 requires approval for removal of native trees >5m height or >15cm diameter. Also protects hollow-bearing trees and significant trees on Significant Tree Register regardless of size. Applies to private land except RU2 zones. Compensatory planting required (1:20 ratio for old growth/hollow-bearing trees). Earlier TPO referenced different thresholds (3m height) but DCP is the current operative instrument.

When you may not need approval

Dead, dying or dangerous trees that are an imminent risk to people or property (most councils require a qualified arborist's report — keep photos and the report).
Minor pruning within Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 (often up to ~10% of the canopy in a year) — council-dependent.
Certain listed weed or exempt species, and trees under the council's size threshold.
Trees within a set distance of an approved dwelling — but the distance varies by council and many councils have no such exemption.

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.

Coffs Harbour City Council tree removal rules

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Which trees are protected in Coffs Harbour City Council?

When you may not need approval

Other rules that can override the above

Do I need a permit in Coffs Harbour City Council?

Suburbs in Coffs Harbour City Council