How to seek a tree works approval (heritage properties)

A tree-lined street with parked cars next to a sidewalk where an adult and child walk hand in hand.

Please follow the application process below to request a permit.  

The application will be assessed by one of Council’s qualified arborists and a tree inspection carried out. 

All owners of the property must sign the tree application form.  

Permission by property includes: 

  • Property owner (if rented, tenants are not eligible to provide permission)  
  • Authorised officer of a Strata or Company title property 
  • Body Corporate of Strata where the tree is located on common property 
    • Shared common property (between 2 properties) permission of both property owners 
    • Shared common property (between 3 properties or more) the permission of the Body Corporate is required under its seal on letterhead. 

Submitting the correct tree permit application form 

If the property, where the tree is located tree, is listed as a Heritage item or within a Heritage Conservation Area, is an Aboriginal object or is within an Aboriginal place of heritage significance you will need to apply for a Development Application for Tree Works (DA) (PDF, 1MB) and lodge the application via the NSW Planning Portal. 

You can check if your property is listed as a heritage item or within a Heritage Conservation Area on the NSW ePlanning spatial viewer alternatively for site-specific information such as statement of significance please visit Heritage NSW to search via the state heritage inventory. 

Minor Works 

If you are just wanting to commence minor tree works such as pruning only, you are still able to apply for a standard Tree Permit Application Form(PDF, 448KB). 

Minor tree works are generally considered as pruning for general crown maintenance or modification with consideration to the guidelines set out in Australian Standard 4373 Pruning of amenity trees.

Where Council is satisfied that the minor tree works will not adversely affect a heritage item or the heritage significance of the Heritage conservation area, an Aboriginal object or an Aboriginal place of heritage significance, a permit may be issued. 

Additional information such as an arboricultural report, heritage impact statement, structural engineer’s report, plumber’s report may be required to support your application.

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