PORT STEPHENS

• There are 7 exemptions that don’t require a Council-issued permit for the removal of an owner’s tree in a non-rural area:
  1. The tree is in danger of immediate failure (within 48 hours) — a self-certification form must be completed and submitted to Council after removal.
  2. The tree presents a risk to property or life — a self-certification form must be completed and submitted to Council at least 10 working days prior to removal.
  3. The tree is dead or dying and is not required as the habitat of native animals — a report by an AQF3 Arborist and a self-certification form must be completed and submitted to Council at least 10 days prior to removal.
  4. Minor pruning of less than 12 months’ growth or 10% of the foliage.
  5. Removal is authorised under a Council-issued development consent, certificate, or under other legislation (for example, the Rural Fires Act 10/50 vegetation clearing rule).
  6. The tree is less than 3 metres high and the trunk diameter is less than 300mm measured at breast height and removal does not otherwise require a permit.
  7. The tree is more than 3 metres high or the trunk diameter is more than 300mm measured at breast height and removal does not otherwise require a permit or the tree is within 5 metres of a wall of an approved structure, is a tree grown for fruit or nut production, or is an undesirable species listed in the Port Stephens DCP.

  Please see our fact sheet on removing trees without Council permission (PDF 1.4MB) for more details and requirements. For exemptions 1 to 3, a self-certification form (interactive PDF 1.8MB) will need to be completed and either submitted to Council or retained for 12 months to assist with follow-up inquiries. In most rural properties, the Local Land Services Act 2013 applies with Hunter Local Land Services as the consent authority.

For any trees that don’t meet these guidelines, an application to the council is required.

Branch Management can provide you with a FREE QUOTE and advice on your tree removal.