Council Permit for Tree Removals in Bayside
What Bayside Council requires before you remove or prune a tree on private land, which species are exempt, and the sizes that trigger a permit.
When Bayside Council needs to approve the work
Trees at least 3m in height, or with a diameter at breast height of 200mm or more, or 600mm circumference for a multi trunked tree.
Pruning without approval
Minor pruning up to 2m from building edges with branches under 50mm. Pruning near power or telecommunications lines to a maximum 500mm clearance with branches up to 50mm.
Trees close to a building
Covered by the 2m from building edge pruning exemption.
Dead and dangerous trees
Dying, dead and hazardous trees are exempt.
Worth knowing
The former Botany Bay Council area is now Bayside. Old Botany Bay forms and rules are superseded, so quote against the Bayside DCP.
Rules last checked September 2026 against Council's published pages. Official sources: Council tree rules · DCP Part 3L Landscaping and Tree Management · Council enquiries 1300 581 299
Species you can remove without a permit in Bayside
Citrus and fruiting Prunus and Pyrus are also exempt. Exemptions do not apply to heritage listed or significant trees.
Exempt only under a height limit
Species that need a permit
Suburbs we cover in Bayside
Licensed arborists working across Bayside every week.
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Bayside?
Trees at least 3m in height, or with a diameter at breast height of 200mm or more, or 600mm circumference for a multi trunked tree. If your tree is on Council's exempt species list, or the work falls inside one of the exemptions below, you can proceed without a permit. Otherwise you need to apply.
How much can I prune without approval in Bayside?
Minor pruning up to 2m from building edges with branches under 50mm. Pruning near power or telecommunications lines to a maximum 500mm clearance with branches up to 50mm.
Can I remove a dead tree in Bayside without a permit?
Dying, dead and hazardous trees are exempt.
Important note on council rules
This encyclopedia is a practical guide for Sydney property owners, not legal advice. Council tree rules change, and exemptions are frequently overridden by heritage listings, heritage conservation areas, significant tree registers, biodiversity mapping, endangered ecological communities and conditions attached to development consent. Always confirm the current rules with your council for your specific address before any tree work begins, or ask us to check it for you.
Need council approval? We handle the application.
Most councils will not accept a removal application without species identification, photographs and a stated reason. We prepare and lodge the lot, then carry out the work once it is approved. One call, one invoice, no forms to work out yourself.