Penrith City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Penrith 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 Penrith City Council?
Trees about 3.5m tall or 10cm trunk (diameter at 1.4m) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Penrith requires permits to remove or prune trees exceeding 3.5m height OR exceeding 10cm trunk diameter (measured at 1.4m), with exemptions for dangerous/dead trees, trees within 3m of dwellings, and exempt species; note that a tree with exactly 10cm diameter does not trigger the permit threshold.
When you may not need approval
- Trees assessed as imminently dangerous by qualified arborist
- Trees within 3m of dwelling external wall
- Dead trees (if not fauna habitat)
- Deadwood removal from living trees
- Overhanging branches within 3m of roofline (cuts ≤150mm diameter)
- Lower branches on trees >6m tall within 2m of ground (cuts ≤150mm diameter)
- Branches ≤50mm diameter with minimal shape modification
- Exempt tree species
- Trees threatening perimeter fences on rural land
- Vegetation in/on approved dams requiring maintenance
How to apply
Submit online application or download form with site plan showing tree locations. Provide owner consent, supporting evidence (arborist reports, photos, damage documentation). Four-step process: check other approvals, check exemptions, prepare documentation, submit application online via eProperty portal or by post.
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 Penrith City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Penrith City Council
- Agnes Banks
- Badgerys Creek
- Berkshire Park
- Caddens
- Cambridge Gardens
- Cambridge Park
- Castlereagh
- Claremont Meadows
- Colyton
- Cranebrook
- Emu Heights
- Emu Plains
- Erskine Park
- Glenmore Park
- Jamisontown
- Jordan Springs
- Kemps Creek
- Kingswood
- Leonay
- Llandilo
- Londonderry
- Luddenham
- Mount Vernon
- Mulgoa
- North St Marys
- Orchard Hills
- Oxley Park
- Penrith
- Regentville
- South Penrith
- St Clair
- St Marys
- Wallacia
- Werrington
- Werrington County
- Werrington Downs
- Yellow Rock