Vegetation Clearing Permit

Do not use this form if:

• The subject property is within a rural zone (e.g. RU2) as vegetation in these zones is managed by Local Land Services.
• The subject property is within a Heritage Conservation Area or is a heritage item.
• For clearing patches of native vegetation.

Currently, Council can issue permits for the removal of individual trees (1 or more) but not for clearing patches of native vegetation using the Vegetation Clearing Permit form until amendments to Council's Development Control Plans are endorsed by Council.

Note: The current temporary inability of Council to issue a permit for clearing patches of native vegetation under the Vegetation SEPP is NOT a legal defence to the offence of picking plants under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.  

Vegetation Clearing Permits may include conditions that relate to work methods, site specific requirements or rehabilitation or re-vegetation works to compensate for the loss of vegetation.

Mandatory Supporting documentation required for a Vegetation Clearing Permit includes;

• Statement outlining reasons for proposed works

  All applications must be accompanied by a separate statement outlining the reasons behind requesting the proposed works. Your statement must be clear and outline valid reasons which support your proposed works.

  Factsheet: Arborist Report Requirements(PDF, 241KB)

  • Site plan

  A basic Site Plan must be submitted which shows the following information. The Site Plan can be hand drawn provided it is clear and shows the following. Google map/aerial photos will not be accepted:

  • Site boundaries, street, street name.
  • Main dwelling, sheds and other structures.
  • The subject tree(s) is to be shown as a circle and numbered if more than one.

  Do not write any additional information on the site plan. See example site plans further down page for guidance. 

  • Colour photos

  Please provide two colour photographs with your submission to demonstrate the context of the tree, possible damage and/or disease.

  • Arborist report

  Report from a qualified Arborist confirming species/type and reason for removal and any recommended replacements to be provided. 

   

Depending on the site, complexity and reason for your application, additional information may be required, which may include:

• Flora and Fauna Report

Depending on the biodiversity that is present on the site and the scale of the proposed impact, applicants may be required to engage a suitably qualified ecologist to prepare a Flora and Fauna Assessment Report, which includes the new five-part test to determine the level of impact that the clearing may have on threatened species, populations, ecological communities or their habitats.

This report will be considered as part of Council’s assessment and determination.

• Landscape plan

While not a mandatory submission requirement, a landscape plan may be requested where the approval of proposed works warrant extensive compensatory replanting.

• Bushfire report

While not a mandatory submission requirement, a bushfire report or supporting information is required where the reasons outlined in your statement are related to bushfire management.

• Supporting reports

While not a mandatory submission requirement, supporting reports such as those from a plumber, or structural engineer should be submitted to support your application where the reasons outlined in your statement are related to damage caused by tree roots to sewer, storm water, foundations, etc.