Tree Removal under DA
When council consent is needed, what to expect and how to apply for a Development Application in NSW.
A Development Application is a formal consent request made to your local council. Not sure if a DA is needed for your tree? Use our Tree Removal Guide to work through the seven questions first.
What is a DA?
A Development Application (DA) is a formal request to your local council for approval to carry out a proposed development — in this case, the removal of a tree. All applications are subject to council's tree preservation requirements, which protect species important to the local area.
Unlike Complying Development (CDC), once a DA is lodged with council it will take between 21 and 90 days for a decision to be made, depending on the council and the complexity of the application.
When is a DA likely to be approved?
Council will always look for ways to retain the tree first. However, a DA for tree removal is likely to be approved if one of the following reasons applies:
- The tree is dangerous — note that you do not need a DA at all if the tree is already dead or an imminent danger. An arborist can provide a professional hazard assessment.
- The tree is in conflict with built structures where all engineering alternatives have already been considered.
When is a DA unlikely to be approved?
- Views, solar access, leaf, fruit or sap drop, or bird and bat droppings.
- Allergies — unless medically linked by a specialist doctor.
- Removal to make way for fences, footpaths, or driveways.
How to apply for a DA in NSW
For a DA application you will need the property address and access details, details of the tree(s), and a Tree Location Plan (either a block plan or a text description). Photographs of the tree are also recommended.
If you wish to apply for more than five trees, contact your council directly.
- 1
Open the NSW Planning Portal and select "Apply online".
- 2
Select your council and the service you wish to apply for, then select "Get started".
- 3
Complete the online form and upload the required supporting documentation.
- 4
Review and confirm all the information you have provided.
- 5
Submit your application.
Maximum penalty for illegal tree removal Removing a tree without the required approval can attract a penalty of up to $1.1 million in the NSW Land and Environment Court. Always confirm the correct approval pathway before proceeding.
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