Peppermint Grove tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Peppermint Grove 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: Local Planning Schemes and local laws; Environmental Protection Act 1986 (native vegetation clearing).
Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.
Which trees are protected in Peppermint Grove?
Trees about 8m tall or 48cm trunk (circumference at 1.4m above ground (1.5m minimum)) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Local Planning Policy 7 (adopted 17 Dec 2024) protects regulated trees on private residential land. A regulated tree must be living, not on weed register, and satisfy 2+ qualifiers: 8m+ height, 6m+ canopy diameter, or 1.5m+ trunk circumference (measured 1.4m above ground). Tree damaging activity without development approval can result in written enforcement direction and prosecution under Planning and Development Act 2005 s.214. Council bases assessment on health, maturity, species, ecological value, streetscape contribution, and heritage significance.
When you may not need approval
- Tree does not meet regulated tree definition (living, not on weed register, satisfying 2+ qualifiers)
- Public safety or emergency works
- Bushfire management plans
- Maintenance pruning
- Declared weeds or harmful plants
- Local government and public works
How to apply
Development approval required for any tree damaging activity to a regulated tree on private land in the Residential Zone
Other rules that can override the above
- Council significant tree registers / planning scheme provisions.
- State native vegetation clearing permits.
- Federal EPBC Act.
Do I need a permit in Peppermint Grove?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.