Eurobodalla Shire Council tree removal rules

When you may not need approval

• ✓Trees within 3.0 metres of existing dwelling or approved building footprint
• ✓Dead trees (except habitat trees for threatened species)
• ✓Pruning up to 10% canopy per year complying with AS 4373
• ✓Environmental weeds and noxious weeds
• ✓Domestic fruit trees (citrus, stone fruit, mulberry, banana, avocado, mango, loquat)
• ✓Exotic species list (Acacia, Willow, Liquidambar, Pittosporum, etc.)
• ✓Trees on boundary for surveying purposes (max 0.5m clearing each side)
• ✓Trees on boundary for fence erection
• ✓Imminent hazard to person or property (with council notification)
• ✓Bushfire hazard removal (with RFS approval)

How to apply

Tree Removal Application Form required; lodged with scaled Tree Plan showing property boundaries, structures, tree locations, distances from boundaries and structures. Arborist report required for dangerous/declining trees. Assessment criteria: tree in prolonged decline, caused structural damage, no alternative solution, not threatened species habitat. Permit issued only if criteria met.

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.