Hunter's Hill Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Hunter's Hill 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 Hunter's Hill Council?
Trees about 4m tall or 20cm trunk (diameter at 1.4m) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Prescribed vegetation in Hunter's Hill (4m height or 200mm stem diameter at 1.4m) requires permit except for dead trees, noxious weeds, exempt species, and limited electrical/building access pruning; exemptions for dying/unsafe trees and bushfire/utility works are not documented in accessible sources and may not apply. Verify against official Council DCP 2013 and Exemptions page directly (website currently blocking access).
When you may not need approval
- Dead or dying trees (council-satisfied)
- Trees posing safety risk
- Emergency/SES works
- Utility maintenance
- Bushfire hazard reduction
- Council infrastructure maintenance
- Building clearance pruning (AS 4373-2007)
- Crown lifting for vehicle/pedestrian access
- Declared noxious weeds
- Exempt species (except on heritage properties)
How to apply
Apply via Tree and Vegetation Management Application Form (vegetation-only) or Standard Development Application Form (with building works). Development consent required for heritage-listed tree removal; permit required for other prescribed vegetation management.
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 Hunter's Hill Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.