The following information and links relate to the new process of applying for tree removal. Please click on the links to download council forms
Private Tree Works Application online form
For more details visit the Central Coast Council page
Trees and vegetation
The Central Coast is known and loved for the abundant, diverse bushland and natural environment.
Trees and vegetation on private land form an integral part of the local atmosphere and appropriately managing these contributes to the protection of our wildlife, biodiversity and liveability of the Central Coast. At times, trees on private land will require pruning or removal and, where possible, replacement with suitable species. The following information provides the process that is to be followed in each circumstance.
Use this form to submit an application to prune or remove a tree on private land (up to 5 trees). Please ensure you follow the Pre Tree Works Application Check List before proceeding with this application.
A fee applies to this application. For further details, refer to the Fees & Charges page. Refunds are not generally provided where tree removal applications are received and the checks have not been made.
Private Tree Works Application Form (in person, mail – do not email this form to Council, use Eservices for electronic lodgement)
In 2017 the State Government introduced a new State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017, commonly called the Vegetation SEPP, which replaced the clauses relating to trees in Council’s LEP. The Central Coast Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) trees and Vegetation Management is enacted by the Vegetation SEPP and reflects its requirements.
This information is designed to ensure residents are directed to the correct agency to assess their vegetation matter, or ensuring the correct form is completed. This will require some checking by residents however the links provided should assist in undertaking these checks.
Private trees
A private tree is any tree on land that is not under Council or other Government control or management. Council has a range of control measures designed to protect our local environment. These must be considered prior to undertaking any activity to or around trees on your property.
Central Coast Council’s currently outlines requirements and assessment criteria regarding private tree management across the Central Coast LGA. The State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017 is the legislative basis for Central Coast Council’s DCP Chapter 3.6 (Wyong DCP 2013) and Chapter 6.6 (Gosford DCP 2013) Tree and Vegetation Management.
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
- 1. Is the tree(s) removal associated with development or any other type of building works?
- 2. 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)?
- 3. Is the property identified on the Local Land Services (LLS) Native Vegetation Regulatory Map?
- 4. Is the removal of trees or vegetation within the area covered by the Biodiversity values map?
- 5. Do the tree(s) form part of an Endangered Ecological Community?
- 6. Is the tree a known threatened species or known habitat for threatened species?
- 7. Is the tree(s) on your property within an RFS 10/50 Clearing entitlement area?
- 8. Does the tree(s) meet the exempt criteria as detailed in Exempt tree works Vegetation SEPP?
- 9. 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?
- 10. Is the tree(s) removal associated with a native vegetation community which will be removed or impacted in association with the tree(s)?
- 11. Does the tree(s) form part of a heritage item, known Aboriginal object or place of aboriginal significance?
- 12. Is the tree(s) within the Coastal Wetlands and Littoral Rainforest Area Map boundary?