Canopy trees

Scenario: Remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree anywhere on the lot where the land is vacant

Scenario: Remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree anywhere on the lot where the land is vacant and a new single dwelling is proposed (and only a building permit is required).

Scenario: Remove, destroy or lop a boundary canopy tree where the land is vacant and a planning permit application is being assessed for one or more dwellings.

Scenario: Remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree where the land contains an existing dwelling(s) where no development is proposed

Scenario: Remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree where the land contains an existing dwelling and is proposed to be extended

Scenario: Remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree where the land contains an existing dwelling and is proposed to be developed and Clause 55 (Two or more dwellings on a lot and Residential Buildings), 57 (Two or more dwellings on a lot and Residential Buildings of four storeys) or 58 (Apartment developments) applies.

Use VicSmart to apply for tree removal, pruning and lopping. These applications are generally determined in ten business days upon receipt of a complete application.

If your proposal includes other works, you may need a standard application.

If you’re not sure whether you need a permit under Clause 52.37, you can ask for a Planning Confirmation Request. Include the details listed below in your request. Our team will let you know if a permit is needed.

The application requirements are outlined in Clause 52.37-6. In most circumstances, you will need to provide:

• Completed application form, including signed declaration.
• Application fee
• Copy of the property title
• A site plan, photographs or other techniques that accurately describe:
  • Site shape, size, orientation and the location of existing buildings and any other notable features of the site.
  • The location of all canopy trees and other vegetation on the site. This must be clearly dimensioned from the front and rear boundaries of the site. Only when there is uncertainty, will a request for a feature survey plan prepared by a licensed land surveyor be requested.
  • The canopy trees proposed to be removed, destroyed or lopped, including species, height and canopy diameter.
  • The location and details of existing and new canopy trees, including species, type, expected height and expected canopy diameter at maturity, soil conditions and proposed irrigation.
• An explanation of why the canopy tree is proposed to be removed, destroyed or lopped and, if applicable, an explanation of why the proposal does not meet the canopy tree requirement.
• Details of the proposed buildings or works, including plans of the development, if the canopy tree is proposed to be removed, destroyed or lopped to enable construction of a building or the construction or carrying out of works.
• An assessment, preferably an arborist report, of the canopy tree prepared by a suitably qualified person, if the canopy tree is proposed to be removed or lopped due to its health or stability.
• Please note where replacement replanting is proposed, additional information to allow assessment against the considerations of Clause 52.37-3 - Canopy Tree Requirements and Clause 52.37-7 - Decision Guidelines may be requested

We recommend you complete these checklists:

• For each tree being removed - Canopy Tree Removal Checklist
• For any proposed replacement trees - Canopy Tree Replacement Checklist

Once your application is received, Council will first review it to ensure all the necessary information has been provided to undertake an assessment.

• If any required information is missing, we will notify you in writing within five business days of receiving your application.
• Once a complete response to the request for further information is received, Council has 10 business days to make a decision.

Please note:

• If your application is incomplete, the decision will be delayed until all required information is submitted.
• If you do not respond to a request for further information by the due date, your application may lapse. A lapsed application cannot be reinstated and a new application must be lodged.
• You may request an extension to the due date for providing information, but this must be done in writing before the lapse date.

In most cases, a decision will be made within 10 business days of receiving all required information.

If a decision cannot be made due to missing information, an inadequate fee, ongoing design discussions or other outstanding matters, you will be informed. Similarly, if a decision is delayed for any other reason, a Council officer will usually contact you and aim to finalise the decision as soon as practicable.

Whether or not to grant a Permit will be assessed on the decision guideline criteria outlined in Clause 52.37-7. In most circumstances, a permit will be conditional on the planting of replacement canopy trees.