Council Permit for Tree Removals in the Northern Beaches
What Northern Beaches Council requires before you remove or prune a tree on private land, which species are exempt, and the sizes that trigger a permit.
When Northern Beaches Council needs to approve the work
Native trees and any tree 5m or taller are protected unless they sit on the exempt species list. Heritage items and heritage conservation areas override every exemption.
Pruning without approval
Reasonable pruning of up to 10% of the canopy in any 12 calendar months, to AS 4373-2007. Deadwood and mistletoe removal is also exempt.
Trees close to a building
Trees within 2m of an existing building can be removed without approval.
Dead and dangerous trees
Dead trees can be removed without approval with photographic evidence. Storm-felled or partially failed trees are also exempt.
Worth knowing
Removal of any tree under 5m in height is exempt, which covers a lot of everyday hedge and screen work.
Rules last checked September 2026 against Council's published pages. Official sources: Council tree rules · Exempt tree species list · Council enquiries 1300 434 434
Species you can remove without a permit in Northern Beaches
All Ficus except Moreton Bay, Port Jackson and Sandpaper Fig are exempt, and all palms except the Cabbage Tree Palm.
Exempt only under a height limit
None in this encyclopedia.
Species that need a permit
Suburbs we cover in Northern Beaches
Licensed arborists working across Northern Beaches every week. Our Northern Beaches tree services page covers what we do across the area.
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in the Northern Beaches?
Native trees and any tree 5m or taller are protected unless they sit on the exempt species list. Heritage items and heritage conservation areas override every exemption. 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 the Northern Beaches?
Reasonable pruning of up to 10% of the canopy in any 12 calendar months, to AS 4373-2007. Deadwood and mistletoe removal is also exempt.
Can I remove a dead tree in the Northern Beaches without a permit?
Dead trees can be removed without approval with photographic evidence. Storm-felled or partially failed trees are also 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.