Tree Works Permits

Do you need a permit to remove trees on your property? Check out the information below.

10/30 rule

The state government's 10/30 right allows you to clear vegetation around your home, without a planning permit, for bushfire protection.

• All vegetation, including trees, can be removed within 10 metres of your house (so long as your house was built before Sept 2009, or a permit for its construction was issued before Sept 2009).
• Vegetation (except for trees), can be removed within 30 metres of your house (so long as your house was built before Sept 2009, or a permit for its construction was issued before Sept 2009).
• There is a fence line clearance provision of 4 metres for fences constructed before 10 September 2009. Find out more on the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure website.

Think Before You Remove

• Consider all options before removing vegetation as widespread removal could result in a range of unintended consequences including significantly increasing landslip risks, the destruction of important biodiversity, lifestyle and scenic values and the possibility of increased bushfire intensity. More information is available in the 10/30 environmental implications fact sheet.

Tree Removal Not Covered by 10/30 

• You must book an inspection with our arborist for trees not included in the 10/30 right areas or in the exemptions listed below.
  
• Fill out the tree inspection form and pay the fee for an inspection. The fee is $200 for the first tree and $87 for each additional tree.
  
• You will receive a detailed report on the condition of the tree and a recommendation on any works required. You can then carry out the works without needing a planning permit.
  
• You do not need a permit to remove a completely dead tree. If your property is within an Erosion Management Overlay you need to keep stumps in the ground to help with slope stability.
  
• For small trees different exemptions apply in different parts of Yarra Ranges contact us for more information.
  
• You do not need a permit or an arborist inspection to remove weed species. The following tree are weeds.
  

Weed Species

Other Exemptions

• There are no tree restrictions for properties in Industrial 1 Zone unless a Heritage Overlay applies.
• Trees within two metres of a building can be removed without a permit or inspection.
• If a tree is not in a dangerous condition, you need a planning permit to remove it.