Darebin's two-part test
Under Darebin City Council Tree Protection Local Law No. 1 of 2019, a significant tree is taller than 8 m and has a single or combined trunk circumference over 100 cm, measured 1.5 m above the ground. A tree has to pass both, so measure the height as well as the trunk.
Darebin covers Preston, Northcote, Thornbury and Reservoir. If you've read a neighbouring council's rules, recheck the height: Darebin measures at 1.5 m, while Stonnington uses 1.4 m and Kingston measures at the base.
Fruit trees aren't a safe bet either. Darebin says the planning scheme may cover them even where the local law doesn't, so ask before pulling out an old lemon or apple.
When the planning scheme takes over
Where Clause 52.37 covers a Canopy Tree or Boundary Canopy Tree, Darebin says a planning permit applies instead of the local law. Under the clause as amended on 24 September 2026, a canopy tree stands at least 5 metres tall with an average canopy diameter of at least 4 metres, and on a lot with a house only boundary canopy trees are caught.
Overlays matter too. Darebin names the Vegetation Protection, Environmental Significance, Heritage and Significant Landscape Overlays, and an existing planning permit on the land can also protect trees. Along the creeks, ESO1 covers Merri Creek and environs and ESO2 covers Darebin Creek and environs. Check your address on VicPlan.
The evidence Darebin asks for
| What to send | Who prepares it | |
|---|---|---|
| Tree health | An arborist report using an industry-recognised method | A qualified arborist, AQF 5 or above |
| Tree risk | A tree risk assessment report | A qualified arborist |
| Damage to property | A report on the damage | A suitably qualified person, such as a plumber or structural engineer |
| Medical condition | A medical certificate | A relevant specialist |
| Social criteria | Evidence meeting two of the four criteria in council's policy | You, with whatever supports it |
Lodging a Darebin application
Confirm the permit type
Check VicPlan for overlays, and ring the Planning Department if a planning permit might apply.
Draw the diagram
Show each tree against the house, garage or driveway, labelled tree 1, tree 2 and so on, plus the species and spot for each replacement tree.
Attach the matching evidence
Pick the reason honestly and include the report that goes with it, from the table above.
Email the form
Send the Tree Protection Application Form by email. Council assesses it against its Tree Retention Policy, sends an invoice on approval, and the permit only counts once it's paid.
Emergencies in Darebin
If a tree or branch threatens anyone, call 000; for storm damage to the home, the SES. Darebin's emergency exception covers only the part of a tree that a qualified arborist finds is an immediate risk, never the whole tree by default. Council says to gather documentation before emergency works, so take photos and keep the arborist's written finding.
Darebin City Council tree removal permits: what to do next
We'd check height and trunk before anything else, since a Darebin tree has to pass both. If it does, we'd choose the reason carefully and get the matching report, because a damage claim without a plumber's or engineer's report is thin. And we'd pick the replacement tree before lodging, as the form asks for it.
Want an arborist to look at it?
Tell us the job and your postcode, and a local arborist calls you to talk it through.