Apply for a Local Law tree pruning or removal permit

We are committed to protecting Bayside's tree canopy and removal of a tree should only be considered as a last option.

Pruning

In most circumstances you do not need a permit to prune a tree or vegetation on your private property. Pruning of trees are preferable to removal, where possible.

You do not need a tree pruning permit if the works are being carried out by a qualified arborist* in line with Australian Standard 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees. Check with your arborist that the pruning required is in line with these standards before works begin and ensure that the arborist is appropriately qualified* in line with Council's requirements. 

A Local Law permit may be required if the tree is of particular size, planting condition or significance and a qualified arborist is not doing the work.

*Arborist must have a minimum qualification certificate IV arboriculture for pruning roots or certificate III for pruning above ground part of tree.

Removals

For tree removals, you will need to provide a reason and supporting evidence.

• Tree risk - a report from a qualified arborist including a risk assessment utilising a recognised method (see Policy, item 7.1 Other Considerations, page 3) or completion of our quantified tree risk assessment data sheet.
  • Quantified tree risk assessment datasheet
• Damage to property or infrastructure - a report from a licensed and/or qualified person in their field, e.g. plumber, engineer, architect, builder (For details see Policy item 2, page 9)
• Building - a copy of building permit (See Policy, item 1, page 9)
• Medical condition - a copy of medical certificate (see Policy, item 3 page 10)
• Social criteria - applicable evidence (See Policy, item 5, page 10)
• Plus any other supporting evidence

To complete this form you will need

• To review our:
  • Management of tree protection on private property policy
  • Remove or prune trees/vegetation on private property guidelines
• A diagram showing the location of the tree/s proposed for pruning/removal in relation to key features such as house, garage, driveway etc. Please ensure you label the trees on the diagram with numbers, for example tree 1, tree 2.
• For tree removal, if you are not the owner of the property, a signed owner consent form.
  • Owner consent form (PDF, 60.48KB)
  • Owner consent form (DOCX, 268.33KB)
• A Visa or Mastercard

Supporting documentation

Information that will be required includes:

• A diagram showing the location of the tree/s proposed for pruning/removal in relation to key features such as house/garage/driveway etc.
• Owner consent form if you are not the owner of the property.

Depending on the reason for your application you may choose to submit one or more of the following:

• Report from a qualified arborist including a risk assessment utilising a recognised method (see Policy, item 7.1 Other Considerations, page 3) or complete of our quantified tree risk assessment data sheet linked at the top of this form.
• A report from a licensed and / or qualified person in their field, eg plumber, engineer, architect, builder. (For details see Policy item 2, page 9).
• A copy of Building permit (See Policy, item 1, page 9).
• A copy of Medical certificate (see Policy, item 3 page 10).
• Applicable evidence (See Policy, item 5, page 10).