Do You Need Council Approval to Remove a Tree on the Northern Beaches?

Sometimes, but not always. Trees on the Northern Beaches are protected, even on your own land, so approval is the starting point. Many trees are exempt, though, and you can do a fair amount of pruning without a permit. This guide sets out the rules under Northern Beaches Council, so you can work out where your tree sits before you spend any money.

Last checked [Oct/2026]. Rules can change, so confirm with Northern Beaches Council before you start work. This is general information, not legal advice.

The short answer

Check the exemptions first. If your tree isn't exempt, you need a permit (or consent as part of a development application) before removing it or doing major pruning. Doing the work without approval can lead to penalties, even on your own property.

When you don't need a permit to remove a tree

Council allows removal without a permit if the tree is:

• Under 5 metres tall
• On the Exempt Tree Species List (check the council's current list for your species)
• Within 2 metres of an existing approved building, measured from the building to the base of the trunk. Decks, pergolas, sheds and patios don't count as the building.
• Dead, and not needed as habitat for native animals (take photos before removal)
• Fallen or partly fallen in a storm and still dangerous (take photos)
• Part of a hedge: two or more trees planted to form a hedge, at least 2.5 metres tall, unless the hedge has to be kept under a development consent
• A listed priority weed
• Covered by the 10/50 rules (if your property is in the Rural Fire Service 10/50 entitlement area) or required to be removed under other legislation

Some of these have conditions, so confirm before you start. Heritage areas are a particular trap: a tree in a heritage conservation area may still need a permit even when it fits one of the exemptions above.

Pruning: the 10% rule

You can prune up to 10% of a tree's canopy within any 12 calendar months without a permit, as long as the work follows the Australian Standard for pruning of amenity trees (AS 4373). You can also remove deadwood and parasitic plants such as mistletoe.

Anything heavier needs a permit. Council won't approve topping or lopping, or pruning beyond what the species can tolerate. Cutting a fig back by more than 10% can leave it prone to sunburn, for example.

When a permit is definitely required

You need approval for:

• Trees that are threatened species, habitat for threatened species, or part of an endangered ecological community
• Heritage items, and trees in a heritage conservation area
• Trees that must be kept under a development consent
• Native vegetation clearing covered by the council's planning controls

You can check your address on the council's planning rules search.

What council won't approve

Council generally won't approve removing a healthy, stable tree for:

• Views, or solar access
• Leaf, fruit or sap drop, or bird or bat droppings
• Fences, footpaths or driveways
• Allergies, unless they can be medically proven and linked to the tree by a specialist
• Sewer or stormwater pipe damage on its own. Council expects engineering alternatives to be considered first.

Dead, dangerous and storm-damaged trees

If a tree is an imminent danger, you can remove it without council consent, but you need written confirmation from an AQF Level 5 arborist (or equivalent) that the tree is an imminent danger and high risk to life or property and that immediate removal is recommended. A copy of that report goes to council. For dead and storm-fallen trees, photos are your best protection.

If a storm has brought a tree down on your property, call us on 0404 304 005.

Is your property on the Biodiversity Values Map?

Many Northern Beaches properties are. If yours is, and the tree is native, not dead or dying, and not a risk to life or property, you may need a permit from the NSW Native Vegetation Panel instead of the council. You can check your address on the NSW Biodiversity Values Map.

How to apply

1. Check the exemptions above and on the council's page.
2. Get the owner's consent. The property owner (or their agent) must sign the application.
3. Prepare a site plan showing and numbering each tree, using the council's template.
4. Apply online (or lodge a paper form at a customer service centre). A fee applies, so check the current fees and charges.
5. Arborist report if required. Removing a significant tree needs an independent report from a Level 5 qualified arborist.
6. Wait for assessment. Council's application form says the initial assessment happens within 28 business days of submission.

If you already have a development application lodged for the property, tree removal may be assessed under that DA instead.

If you get a permit, it expires 12 months after issue, must be displayed at the front of the property while the work is done, and often requires you to plant a replacement tree.

What happens if you remove a tree without approval

Council can fine or prosecute for illegal tree work, even on your own land. If you're unsure, call council's Tree Management Team on 1300 434 434 before touching the tree. And never prune or remove a tree on council land, such as a street tree or nature strip tree. Penalties apply.

What about a neighbour's tree?

Council can't step into neighbour disputes. Talk to your neighbour first. If that fails and the tree is damaging your property, the Land and Environment Court deals with these disputes under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006.

How Canopy Care Tree Service can help

I'm a Dee Why arborist with 15 years' experience on the Northern Beaches. I can come out, look at your tree and tell you honestly whether it's likely to need a permit, a lighter prune or nothing at all. [I work alongside a Level 5 consulting arborist.] Where a tree does need to come down, I handle the removal safely and clean up afterwards.

Call 0404 304 005 or text AND fill out the Free Quote Request.