Council’s tree assessment principles

Parramatta’s Development Control Plan (DCP) 2023, Chapter 5.3.4 Tree and Vegetation Preservation(PDF, 2MB) is made in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021. 

The focus is on retaining and protecting trees unless there are strong reasons for removal. 

The following issues do NOT usually warrant removal/pruning of trees:

• A tree is shedding leaves, fruit, bark, cones, twigs or minor dead wood.
• Causing additional maintenance due to picking up leaves.
• A tree is lifting of driveways, paths and paving where there are alternatives to solve problems and retain the tree
• Reduce bird or animal droppings
• There are fears about healthy trees failing.
• Belief the tree too large or too high
• A tree is causing shading to structures such as to solar panels and washing lines.
• A tree is causing blockage to pipes, unless the damage is serious and recurring and evidence has been provided to Council (as part of a tree permit application form). 
• Damage to underground services where there are alternatives to solve problems and retain the tree and evidence must be provided
• To enhance views or it is felt the tree is blocking or partially blocking views.
• A tree that is dead or dying and provides habitat to native animals and is not posing a risk to human life or property.
• Animals e.g. possums are jumping from trees to the roof and damaging the property 
• There are concerns about bush fire hazard, where the land is not within bush fire prone land (as governed by the Rural Fires Act 1997).
• Termite infestation where the structural stability of the tree is not affected
• Damage to building ancillary to a dwelling house, detached garages, carports, roof structures, outbuildings, footpaths, garden structures, retaining walls, driveways and fences
• For a proposed development. Tree removal is considered under the development assessment process and not in a Tree Removal Application Form
• Construction of a fence.

The following may be considered reasons for tree removal or pruning:

• Where the tree is in poor health, condition or structure, or declining health with a short life expectancy.
• Where there is likelihood of tree or branch failure, and remedial actions are not feasible or practical.
• A tree is located in an unsuitable position where it is or the future growth will result in major damage to a dwelling, infrastructure or substantial structure.
• Where the tree is causing substantial structural damage to a dwelling or retaining wall (excluding building ancillary, detached garages, carports, roof structures, outbuildings, footpaths, driveways and fences) and remedial actions are not feasible or practical. A structural engineering assessment may be required to provide evidence related to the tree.
• Pruning to improve tree’s health and structure.
• Pruning to provide building or overhead wire clearances.

Appealing a Decision

If you are dissatisfied with a decision you have the right to appeal to the Land and Environment Court within three months after the date on which you receive the determination.