Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Bayside area?

Yes, usually — Bayside requires approval to remove or significantly prune a protected tree under its Development Control Plan, unless an exemption (such as a dead or dangerous tree) applies. Check the details on this page and confirm with the council.

What trees are exempt in Bayside?

Immediate risk to persons/property Work by AQF Level 3+ arborist per Australian Standard 4373 Palms, ferns, non-woody plants Noxious weeds Trees on replacement planting obligations

Bayside tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Bayside 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.

Check my tree Official council page ↗

Legal basis: Planning and Environment Act 1987 + local planning scheme overlays (Vegetation Protection, Significant Landscape, Environmental Significance); VicSmart fast-track permits.

● Researched· last checked 2026-06-29official source ↗

Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.

Which trees are protected in Bayside?

Trees about 49cm trunk (circumference at 1m above ground level) or larger are generally protected and need approval.

Bayside Council Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law 2021 protects trees on private land via two mechanisms: (1) size-based threshold of 155cm+ trunk circumference at 1m height (~49.3cm diameter); (2) register-based protection for trees listed on Significant Tree Register. For multi-trunk trees, sum the 4 largest circumferences. Permits are restrictively granted only in defined circumstances (risk, low retention value, short useful life, structural necessity).

When you may not need approval

Immediate risk to persons/property
Work by AQF Level 3+ arborist per Australian Standard 4373
Palms, ferns, non-woody plants
Noxious weeds
Trees on replacement planting obligations

How to apply

Local Law permit application required. Council assesses: tree risk (intolerable risk grants permit), tree retention value (low retention grants permit), useful life expectancy (less than 3 years grants permit), structural damage risk, building permit necessity, special circumstances (medical/disability/access/hardship)

Other rules that can override the above

Planning scheme overlays (VPO / SLO / ESO).
Bushfire (BMO) clearing entitlements in designated areas.
Federal EPBC Act for nationally listed species/communities.

Do I need a permit in Bayside?

Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.