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Vegetation removal, destruction or lopping

A planning permit may be required to remove, destroy or lop vegetation, including dead vegetation. Planning controls can apply to certain vegetation due to environmental, cultural, historical and/or intrinsic value.

This applies if:

  • The vegetation is native to Victoria
  • The property is affected by planning controls including:
    • Heritage Overlay (where the Schedule specifically includes tree controls)
    • Environmental Significance Overlay
    • Significant Landscape Overlay
    • Public Acquisition Overlay
  • Your property is in a Mixed Use, General Residential or Neighbourhood Residential Zone and the tree:
    • has a height of more than 5 metres above ground level AND
    • a trunk circumference of more than 500mm (measured at 1.40 metres above ground level) AND
    • a canopy diameter of at least 4 metres;
Planning Scheme Amendment Canopy Illustration Planning Scheme Amendment Boundary Canopy Illustration

Some exemptions apply – (e.g. if the tree is dead or pruning to maintain the tree is required). Please contact us to confirm.

Note: Please be aware that where a planning permit is not required, a Local Laws permit may still be required for the removal, destruction and lopping of vegetation that is deemed significant. See our Significant Trees page for further information.

To determine what planning controls (zones and overlays) apply to a property, search for the subject address or parcel in VicPlan.

To obtain formal, written planning advice on whether a permit is required, please provide measurements (including height, trunk circumference and canopy diameter) and photographs of the tree and specify its location and apply for an application to get written confirmation (fees apply).

You can also contact the planning team if you require general assistance.

What you'll need

Please find below all the information you’ll need to submit a planning permit application for vegetation removal, destruction or lopping.

  • Completed application form, which you will fill in online when you lodge your application
  • A recent copy of Certificate of Title from Landata that’s no more than 3 months old, including a full copy of any restrictive covenants or section 173 agreements
  • The applicable Fee. Learn more on our fees page
  • A site plan showing:
    • The title boundaries
    • The location of any buildings on the site
    • The location of the vegetation proposed to be removed, destroyed or lopped
  • Description of the vegetation proposed to be removed, destroyed or lopped including botanical names, whether you intend to prune, lop or remove, vegetation size (including height, trunk circumference and canopy diameter)
  • Proposed landscape plan and planting schedule if applicable (i.e. details of planned replacement planting)
  • Photos of the vegetation
  • A covering letter explaining your proposal and why the vegetation removal/destruction/lopping is required
  • Written justification about how your proposal responds to the relevant planning policies within the City of Yarra Planning Scheme
  • An arborist report prepared by a suitably qualified arborist as to justify the proposed removal/planting of vegetation
  • A landscape plan showing any proposed replacement planting
  • If you want to remove, destroy or lop any significant vegetation, providing a report from an Arborist can be an important document to support your application. It helps Council understand the technical information about the vegetation, including about its overall health, significance, and age

For more information