Willoughby City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Willoughby 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 Willoughby City Council?
Trees about 4m tall or 60cm trunk (circumference at 1.2m above ground) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Rule protects trees if ANY criterion met (height >4m OR circumference >600mm at 1.2m above ground OR crown spread >3m). Applies to private land. All threatened/vulnerable species protected regardless of size. All native bushland on private property protected. Replacement trees mandatory; 3:1 ratio common. Penalties up to 10,000 penalty units. Heritage items and conservation areas have stricter protections. Crown spread measurement also triggers protection at >3 metres.
When you may not need approval
- Dead trees with immediate hazard to life or property
- Selective pruning up to 33% crown over 5 years on R2 zoned properties (excludes heritage items, conservation areas, threatened species)
- Noxious plants under Noxious Weeds Act 1993
- Fruit trees grown for fruit production
- Statutory works under Telecommunications Act 1997, Roads Act 1993, Rural Fires Act 1997, Local Government Act 1993, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989, Electricity Supply Act 1995
- Undesirable species list (with height restrictions for Camphor Laurel <10m, Robinia <7m trunk height)
How to apply
Application on council form with fee required; Development consent issued by council; Permit valid 12 months; Arborist report required per council specifications; Works require permit copy on site; Mandatory replacement planting within 28 days or as specified (typically 3:1 ratio)
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 Willoughby City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.