Tree permits

The purpose of getting a permit is to regulate activities that may endanger any tree protected by planning and local laws and to protect existing tree canopies on private properties within the municipality thus ensuring they are maintained in accordance with the urban character and local amenity.

Under Clause 36 of the Council’s Local Law No 2, a person must not, except in accordance with a permit:

1. Destroy, damage or remove or allow to be destroyed, damaged or removed on any private property; or 
2. Cut, trim or prune or allow to be cut, trimmed or pruned on any Private Property;
   1. an identified Significant tree; or
   2. any tree with single trunk circumference or combined trunk circumference greater than one hundred and fifty five (155) centimetres measured at one (1) metre above ground level.

Refer to the Trees on Private Property brochure for more detailed information.

For pruning to be carried out by a qualified arborist in accordance with Australian Standard 4373 – Pruning of Amenity Trees (2007); and to only remove dead wood and/or not more than 10 per cent of live foliage mass; please complete a Pruning by a Qualified Arborist Application form.

For removal applications and all other pruning applications please complete a Standard Pruning/Removal Application form. 

Should you have any further documentation that you consider is relevant to the application, i.e. an Arborist’s report, ensure you attach a copy to the application form.

Local Law tree standard pruning/removal fee structure

Payment of the Local Law permit application fee is required prior to Council processing an application.

• Pruning - Standard application: $63 for the first two trees and $12 for each additional tree.
• Pruning by a Qualified Arborist application: no fee.
• Removal - $126 for the first two trees and $30 for each additional tree

Holders of the following cards are eligible for a 50 per cent discount on the above fees on production of a valid pension card:

• A Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs
• A Gold Card specifying War Widow issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs
• A Gold Card specifying TPI issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs

If you wish to remove a tree in Beaumaris, Black Rock, Cheltenham or Sandringham make sure to read Removal of native vegetation in the Planning Scheme Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO3) area.