What do Wollongong's tree rules cover?
The rules sit in Chapter E17 of the Wollongong Development Control Plan 2009, the tree and vegetation management chapter, in force since 1 July 2023. In NSW, a council permit is generally needed for vegetation a DCP like this protects, under the state's biodiversity SEPP.
Council's pages describe three triggers: a tree more than 5 metres tall, a trunk 30 cm or more in diameter measured at ground level, or pruning a branch thicker than 10 cm. Dead or dying trees still need permission. A smaller tree can be protected too, where an extra environmental or heritage protection applies to the land.
Every tree on council land is protected, street trees included. Those are council's to manage, which our street trees guide explains.
The old trigger was a 3 m height limit. The Illawarra Mercury reported the move to 5 m in December 2022, so older advice online may still quote 3 m.
When does someone other than council decide?
Council lists cases where its tree permit isn't the path: trees on its exempt trees list, and work already approved in a development consent. Read the current list on council's site, not an old copy.
Two state rules can take over. On land in a 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area, the NSW Rural Fire Service rules apply, covered in our 10/50 rule guide. On land zoned RU1, RU2 or RU4, council says approval comes from Local Land Services instead.
A tree affected by building work is assessed in the development application. If an earlier consent said a tree must stay, that consent has to be modified first.
What to gather before you fill in the form
- The tree's rough height and its trunk width at ground level, so you can see where it sits against the 5 m and 30 cm triggers
- Photos of the whole tree, the trunk base and any splits
- A sketch of the lot showing the tree and the house
- Any development consent for the property, in case it mentions the tree
- Whether the lot is zoned rural or sits in a 10/50 area, because that changes who you ask
- A count of the trees: the 2026 application form takes up to 10 per application
How to apply for a Wollongong tree permit
Check the triggers and the exempt list
Measure, then compare with council's current tree pages. If you're unsure where your tree falls, ring council before anyone cuts.
Complete the Application for Tree Permit
This is council's form for trees on private land. Photos and a sketch help the assessor find the right tree on the day.
Allow for assessment time
Council says processing can take around 28 working days. Book the work only once the permit is in your hands.
Plan the replacement tree
Since 1 July 2023, approvals to remove a tree carry a condition to plant a replacement. Ask the arborist where a new one would have room to grow.
Ask for a review if you disagree
Council has a separate Application for Review of Tree Permit Determination for decisions you want looked at again.
What happens if a tree is cut without approval?
Council warns that penalties can apply when trees are pruned or removed without the correct approval. Dead trees are on council's permission list, so a tree being dead doesn't settle it.
Wollongong City Council tree removal permits: what to do next
Measure the height and the trunk at ground level before you ring anyone. If the tree is anywhere near 5 m or 30 cm, treat it as covered and apply. If it looks like it could fail soon, keep people clear, call council first, and get an arborist who writes tree assessments and reports to look at it. Whoever quotes the removal should say in writing who's arranging the permit.
Want an arborist to look at it?
Tell us the job and your postcode, and a local arborist calls you to talk it through.