Randwick City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Randwick 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 Randwick City Council?
Trees about 32cm trunk (council states ~100cm trunk circumference) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Council consent required for trees with trunk circumference ≥ 1m at 1m height; exemptions: dead/dying/dangerous trees and trees within 2m of buildings; heritage areas require consent but specific size rules unclear from available sources.
When you may not need approval
- dead or dying trees
- dangerous trees (risk to life/property)
- within 2m of building
- height < 6m AND canopy < 4m AND circumference < 1m
How to apply
Submit Tree Permit Application form to Randwick City Council; council officer inspects property and assesses; processing takes approximately 4 weeks with possible neighbor notification; written Determination letter issued; consent valid for 12 months.
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 Randwick City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.