Shellharbour City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Shellharbour 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 Shellharbour City Council?
Trees about 5m tall or 30cm trunk (diameter at natural ground level) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Shellharbour requires council consent for trees meeting any one of: 5m+ height, 30cm+ trunk diameter (at ground level), or hollow-bearing cavities; exemptions include exempt species (Section 21.1 DCP) but replacement planting and AS 4373-2007 maintenance standards are not confirmed on the official tree page and should be verified against the DCP directly.
When you may not need approval
- dead branches or dead material only
- trees under 5m height and under 30cm trunk diameter
- exempt species (Table 21.1; max 5 per year removable)
- routine maintenance pruning per AS 4373-2007
- emergency pruning for storm damage (with council reporting)
How to apply
Submit Vegetation Removal Application form with site plan, photos, and tree markers. Council targets 30 working days for decision. Approval valid 2 years; work must commence within that period.
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 Shellharbour City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.