Building a future with trees

Development work has the potential to adversely impact trees. This can be trees on the site subject to the development itself, on neighbouring properties, and on public street trees. These trees provide significant environmental, social and cooling benefits and must be protected during all building and construction works.

The impact of development on trees is considered as part of the planning and approval process for both:

• Development Applications (DAs), and
• Complying Development Certificates (CDCs).

Trees and Development Applications (DAs)

Where development is assessed through a Development Application, Council is the consent authority and can require a range of tree protection and design measures as conditions of consent.

As part of a DA, Council may require:

• Design solutions such as building setbacks, suspended slabs and permeable paving
• Establishment and maintenance of Tree Protection Zones (TPZs)
• No excavation, storage of materials or vehicle movement within TPZs
• Ongoing tree protection during all stages of construction
• Replacement planting where tree removal is approved

Replacement planting where a tree is to be removed is generally a condition of approval. Replacement trees must be:

• An advanced approved species
• Planted and maintained to maturity
• Where there is insufficient space on the site to replant an advanced tree, the applicant may be required to fund offset planting on public land, undertaken under Council supervision.

Trees and Complying Development Certificates (CDCs)

Development approved under a Complying Development Certificate is assessed against State planning controls.

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 sets out tree protection requirements for trees within the development site.

While the SEPP does not specifically reference public street trees, street trees are protected under other legislation. Damage to public trees during works carried out under a CDC is not permitted.

Important information for CDC works:

• You may be fined and/or prosecuted if public street trees are damaged during construction
• Approval is required to prune or remove roots of public street trees above 50mm
• Council can enforce tree protection measures where CDC works have the potential to impact Council trees

For more information on CDC requirements, visit the Complying Development page

You may also refer to the Tree Management Technical Manual

Tree Management Technical Manual

Council’s Tree Management Technical Manual provides detailed guidance on tree protection, management and maintenance on both public and private land.

The manual:

• Sets technical standards and specifications for tree management
• Applies to urban development and construction works
• Is used by Council officers, contractors, developers, property owners and strata managers
• The manual supports consistent tree care and helps ensure trees are protected during development activities.

Key takeaway

Whether your development is approved through a DA or a CDC, you are responsible for ensuring that:

• Trees on your site and public street trees are protected
• Approved tree protection measures are followed
• No unauthorised damage occurs during construction
• Failure to protect public trees can result in enforcement action.