What trees are exempt from needing a permit on the Northern Beaches?

Exempt trees include: Cocos palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana) — declared a noxious weed; dead trees (though evidence of death must be provided); trees that are imminent safety hazards (emergency only, evidence required after the fact); trees on the Exempt Development list in Northern Beaches DCP; and some exotic ornamental species below the size thresholds. When in doubt, always check with council or a qualified arborist before removing anything.

How do I apply for a tree removal permit on the Northern Beaches?

Applications are made through the Northern Beaches Council online portal. You'll need to submit a Tree Removal and Pruning Application, provide photos of the tree, describe the reasons for removal, and in some cases provide a supporting arborist report. Council typically takes 2–6 weeks to assess an application.

Do I need a permit for tree pruning, not just removal?

Significant pruning work — such as crown reduction removing more than a certain percentage of the canopy, or any work on a tree over the size thresholds — may require council consent. The same DCP Part B13 thresholds apply. Minor maintenance pruning (dead-wooding, small clearance cuts) is generally exempt, but if in doubt, check with council or ask an arborist.

Tree Removal Permit Guide Northern Beaches 2026

Q: What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in NSW?

The penalties for illegal tree removal in NSW can be severe. Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, fines can reach $1.1 million for corporations and $110,000 for individuals. Northern Beaches Council can also require replacement planting at your cost — sometimes multiple trees for every one removed. It is not worth the risk.

Q: Can I remove a dead tree without a permit?

A dead tree may be exempt from permit requirements, but you need to demonstrate that the tree is genuinely dead — not just stressed, dying, or dropped leaves seasonally. Council may request an arborist report confirming the tree's condition before granting an exemption. We recommend getting written confirmation before proceeding.

Quick answer: Yes — most mature trees on the Northern Beaches require council consent before removal. The key thresholds are: 5m+ height, 5m+ canopy spread, or 30cm+ trunk diameter at 1m above ground. Read on for the full picture.

The Northern Beaches has some of the most significant native tree canopy in greater Sydney, and the council takes its protection seriously. Understanding the rules before you remove or prune anything — even on your own property — can save you from substantial fines and costly remediation orders.

The three size thresholds

Under Northern Beaches Council's Development Control Plan (DCP) Part B13, a tree requires development consent for removal or significant pruning if it meets any one of the following:

Measurement

Threshold

Requires consent?

Height

5 metres or more

Yes

Canopy spread

5 metres or more

Yes

Trunk diameter

30cm+ at 1m above ground

Yes

Below all thresholds

—

Generally exempt

If your tree meets any one of those criteria, you need consent before removing it — even if the other two don't apply. A tree that's only 4m tall but has a canopy of 6m still requires a permit.

Trees that are exempt

Some trees and situations are exempt from the permit requirement:

Cocos palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana) — declared a noxious weed on the Northern Beaches. Can be removed without consent at any size.
Dead trees — but you must be able to demonstrate the tree is genuinely dead. Council may require an arborist report confirming this. A tree that dropped leaves over winter is not dead.
Imminent safety hazard — emergency situations where a tree poses an immediate danger. Work must still be documented, and council should be notified as soon as practical. An arborist report may be required after the fact.
Exempt Development trees — certain exotic species listed in the Northern Beaches DCP are exempt. This list changes — check with council or ask us if you're unsure about a specific species.
Trees below the size thresholds — if a tree is genuinely under 5m tall, has a canopy spread under 5m, and a trunk diameter under 30cm, it generally doesn't require consent. When in doubt, measure carefully — council officers do.

How to apply for tree removal consent

Applications are made through the Northern Beaches Council online portal. Here's what's typically involved:

Confirm consent is requiredMeasure the tree against the three thresholds above. If it meets any one, proceed to the application.

Prepare your applicationGather photos of the tree from multiple angles, note its approximate height and location on your property, and prepare a clear description of why removal is sought — root damage, proximity to structures, safety, or poor health are common reasons.

Arborist report (if required)Some applications — particularly for significant trees or where the reason for removal is disputed — require a supporting arborist report from a qualified arborist. Reports must be prepared to Australian Standard AS 4970-2009 by an AQF Level 5 arborist. See our arborist report page for costs and what's included — we prepare these regularly for Northern Beaches Council applications.

Submit and waitCouncil typically takes 2–6 weeks to assess an application. Straightforward applications for clearly justified removals tend to be faster. Complex trees or significant specimens may take longer if a site inspection is required.

Approval and conditionsConsent may come with conditions — the most common is a requirement to plant a replacement tree. You'll need to comply with any conditions as part of the approval. We always review consent conditions before starting work.

What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?

The penalties are serious. Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, fines for illegal tree removal in NSW can reach $1.1 million for corporations and $110,000 for individuals. Northern Beaches Council can also issue a remediation order requiring replacement planting at your cost — sometimes multiple trees for every one removed. Council officers regularly patrol the area and pursue illegal removals. It is not worth the risk. If you're unsure, ask us before doing anything — the advice is free.

What about trees on neighbouring properties?

If a neighbour's tree is overhanging your property, you have limited rights to prune branches back to the boundary — but only up to the boundary line, and only where those branches aren't protected by a council permit requirement. If the tree is significant and council consent would be required for pruning, you can't simply cut it back without going through the proper process. The Neighbourhood Disputes About Trees Act 2023 governs disputes about trees between neighbours in NSW. If you're dealing with a neighbour tree issue, we can assess the situation and advise on the appropriate process.

How we can help

We deal with Northern Beaches Council permit requirements on a regular basis. At every quoting visit, we:

Assess the tree against the DCP Part B13 thresholds
Advise on whether consent is required and what's involved
Help you understand what information to include in the application
Prepare arborist reports to support consent applications where required
Schedule the work once consent is received

Frequently asked questions about tree permits

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on the Northern Beaches?

Yes, in most cases involving mature trees. Northern Beaches Council requires development consent under DCP Part B13 for any tree that is 5m or more in height, has a canopy spread of 5m or more, or has a trunk diameter of 30cm or more at 1m above ground.

What trees are exempt from needing a permit?

Cocos palms (declared noxious weed), genuinely dead trees (with evidence), imminent safety hazards (emergency only), certain exotic species on the DCP exempt list, and trees below all three size thresholds. When in doubt, check before removing anything.

How long does a tree removal permit application take?

Northern Beaches Council typically takes 2–6 weeks to assess an application. Straightforward removals with clear justification tend to be faster. Complex or significant specimens may take longer if a site inspection is required.

What is the fine for removing a tree without a permit in NSW?

Fines can reach $1.1 million for corporations and $110,000 for individuals under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. Council can also require replacement planting at your cost. It is not worth the risk.

Can I remove a dead tree without a permit?

Possibly — but you need to be able to demonstrate the tree is genuinely dead. Council may require an arborist report confirming this. A tree that's stressed, drought-affected, or seasonally bare is not necessarily dead. Get written confirmation before removing anything.

Do Cocos palms need a permit to remove on the Northern Beaches?

No. Cocos palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana) are declared a noxious weed and are exempt from Northern Beaches Council's tree permit requirements. They can be removed at any size without consent.

Do you need a permit to remove a tree on the Northern Beaches?