Griffith City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Griffith 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.
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 Griffith City Council?
Trees about 3m tall or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Griffith City Council protects trees exceeding 3 metres in height via Tree Preservation Order PG-CP-401 and Local Environmental Plan 2014 (Schedule 5 heritage items). Rules apply to private land. PDFs blocked by 403/Cloudflare; information confirmed from council website search results and cross-references. Permit process: development consent required, obtained via Tree Removal and Lopping Application to Griffith City Council.
When you may not need approval
- Heritage-listed trees in Schedule 5 of LEP require consent
- Trees subject to Tree Preservation Order (TPO) require consent
- Minor maintenance may be exempt but specifics not accessible in blocked PDFs
How to apply
Development consent required via council application; Tree Removal and Lopping Application form available
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 Griffith City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.