You might not need a Tree Permit from Council if your situation meets one of the conditions below.

• You want to prune branches that are less than 10cm in diameter where they meet the trunk. For a neighbour's tree, you can only prune branches (or parts of branches) where they hang over your property line.
• The tree you want to prune or remove is on the list of exempt trees.
• The pruning or removal is part of a proposed development, like building or extending a house, garage, swimming pool, subdivision etc. In these cases, you should include the pruning or removal of the tree/s as part of your Development Application.
• Keeping the tree/s was included as a condition in a previous Development Consent. In this case, you would need to apply to Modify or Amend the DA.
• The tree removal is part of a Complying Development and meets the rules for trees under Complying Development.
• The tree is in a 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area for bush fire protection. Strict rules apply - see the NSW RFS website for details.

If your case doesn't meet any of the above conditions, follow the steps below to apply for a Tree Permit.

Even if you don't need a permit, we strongly recommend you talk to your neighbour to let them know what you're doing before you start any tree work.

We also recommend you get a qualified arborist to do any pruning.

Please note, if your neighbour's property is zoned RU1, RU2, and RU4, you or your neighbour will need to get approval from Local Land Services, rather than Council.

If you're unsure, please call us on (02) 4227 7111 for advice. Penalties can apply if you prune or remove trees without getting the correct approvals.