Pre Tree Works Application Checklist

Council offices are closed Thursday 25 April for ANZAC Day. Click here for service and road closure information.

As trees and vegetation works approvals are assessed by different authorities, it is important that residents work through the below checklist to ensure that you are applying to the correct authority. This avoids delays in managing your trees and vegetation and the costs associated should Council undertakes these checks. Refunds are not generally provided where tree removal applications are received and the checks have not been made.

Each section below relates to other relevant organisations and/or legislation which may provide alternate pathways for tree removal within your privately owned land.

Proceed through each section below in numerical order and follow directions to the appropriate process or organisation.

Checklist

Is the property identified on the Local Land Services (LLS) Native Vegetation Regulatory Map?
YES - Not Council approval. Please contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.
NO - Continue to Section 2 below.
Is the removal of trees or vegetation within the area covered by the Biodiversity values map?
YES - Not Council approval. Please contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.
NO - Continue to section 3 below.
Do the tree(s) form part of an Endangered Ecological Community?
Customers who wish to seek advice confirming if the tree is part of an Endangered Ecological Community can create an account and submit an enquiry via our 24/7 Customer Service Centre. Council can assist you more efficiently if you provide:
•    Your name and contact details, including an email address
•    The address of the property
•    Details about the nature of your enquiry and what you require from Council. Providing a photograph and site plan of the trees location will assist.
YES - Not Council approval. A Biodiversity Conservation Licence is required from the Department of Infrastructure, Environment and Planning.
NO - Continue to Section 4 below.
Is the tree a known threatened species or known habitat for threatened species?
Melaleuca biconvexa, Syzigum paniculatum angophora inopina are a known threatened species in the Central Coast Council area. If in doubt seek advice from a nursery or private sector arborist to identify tree species.
YES - Not Council approval. A Biodiversity Conservation Licence is required from the Department of Infrastructure, Environment and Planning.
Phone the NSW OEH on (02) 9995 5000.
NO - Continue to Section 5 below.
Is the tree(s) on your property within an RFS 10/50 Clearing entitlement area?
YES - Not Council approval. Please ensure you adhere to the 10/50 Rural Fire Service (code of practice) for tree removal.
NO - Continue to Section 6 below
Does the tree(s) meet the exempt criteria as detailed in Exempt tree works Vegetation SEPP?
YES - Please ensure you adhere to the Vegetation SEPP exempt works criteria.
NO - Continue to Section 7 below
Does the tree(s) meet Councils exempt criteria 3.2a to 3.2g of Councils DCP as detailed in Exempt tree works - Council's DCP?
YES - Be sure to adhere to Councils exempt works criteria.
NO - Continue to Section 8 below
Is the tree(s) removal associated with a native vegetation community which will be removed or impacted in association with the tree(s)?
YES - Contact Council's Customer Service on 02 4306 7900. A Development Application may be required.
NO - Continue to Section 9 below
Is the tree(s) removal is associated with development or any other type of building works?
YES - Contact Councils Duty Planner 02 4306 7900.
NO - Continue to Section 10 below
Does the tree(s) form part of a heritage item, known aboriginal object or place of aboriginal significance? Refer to Council's Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022
YES - Please contact Councils Heritage Officer on 02 4306 7900. A tree permit cannot be issued.
NO - Continue to Section 11 below
Is the tree(s) within the Coastal Wetlands and Littoral Rainforest Area Map boundary?
Refer SEPP Coastal Management 2018 and call Council's Duty Planner on 02 4306 7900 to confirm.
YES - Development Consent is required. Refer to Council’s Duty Planner on 02 4306 7900
NO - Continue to Section 12 below
Are the works to remove/prune more than 5 trees or for the pruning or removal of any trees that are part of a vegetation community (complex) as detailed under Exempt tree works - Vegetation SEPP?
YES - Contact Councils Customer service on 02 4306 7900. A Development Application may be required.
NO - Continue and complete a Private Tree Works Application.

Is the property identified on the Local Land Services (LLS) Native Vegetation Regulatory Map?

Is the removal of trees or vegetation within the area covered by the Biodiversity values map?

Do the tree(s) form part of an Endangered Ecological Community?

Is the tree a known threatened species or known habitat for threatened species?

Is the tree(s) on your property within an RFS 10/50 Clearing entitlement area?

Does the tree(s) meet the exempt criteria as detailed in Exempt tree works Vegetation SEPP?

Does the tree(s) meet Councils exempt criteria 3.2a to 3.2g of Councils DCP as detailed in Exempt tree works - Council's DCP?

Is the tree(s) removal associated with a native vegetation community which will be removed or impacted in association with the tree(s)?

Is the tree(s) removal is associated with development or any other type of building works?

Does the tree(s) form part of a heritage item, known aboriginal object or place of aboriginal significance? Refer to Council's Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022

Is the tree(s) within the Coastal Wetlands and Littoral Rainforest Area Map boundary?

Are the works to remove/prune more than 5 trees or for the pruning or removal of any trees that are part of a vegetation community (complex) as detailed under Exempt tree works - Vegetation SEPP?