Waverley Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Waverley 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 Waverley Council?
Trees about 3m tall or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Waverley Council requires a permit for trees 3+ metres in height or canopy spread, with enforcement for unauthorised work; additional protections apply in Heritage Conservation Areas, but specific penalties and replacement obligations require direct council verification.
When you may not need approval
- Exempt vegetation species (Tree of Heaven, Hackberry, Citrus, Privet, Oleander, Willows, Cocos Palms, Rhus tree)
- Pruning of trees under 5 metres height
- Pruning hedges by no more than 20% height/width annually
- Removal of dead branches, palm fronds, or palm fruit
- Emergency removal due to severe storm damage
How to apply
Submit Tree Permit Application form to treemgt@waverley.nsw.gov.au; Council's qualified arborist inspects and assesses tree health and location; adjacent residents notified for 14 days if removal proposed; decision issued (approved, refused, or with conditions); all approved work must be performed by AQF Level 3 arborist minimum.
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 Waverley Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.