Inner West Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Inner West 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 Inner West Council?
Trees about 4m tall or 15cm trunk (DBH (1.4m)) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Inner West Council's FAQ confirms proximity and pruning exemptions but defers size-based protection criteria (height, DBH, canopy spread) to the Tree Management DCP; size thresholds should be verified against DCP, not the FAQ.
When you may not need approval
- Trees within 1 metre of dwelling
- Exempt species on council list (bamboo, willows, privets, oleander)
- Deadwood removal without fauna habitat
- Canopy lifting to 2.5m
- Branch pruning <100mm diameter to max 10% canopy annually
- Dead/dying trees
How to apply
Download tree works form from council website, register on Inner West online portal, select "Tree Approval" → "Tree Permit Application", attach form and submit. Applications typically finalised within 28 days with complete documentation.
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 Inner West Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.