Tree Applications and Fees

Tree Applications

If you are seeking permission to remove or prune a protected tree on your property, you must complete a Tree Management Application(PDF, 217KB) and submit it to Council’s Customer Service Centre with the applicable fee.

Assessment Criteria

All applications are assessed in accordance with Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) 2014 – Part 9.5 Tree Preservation objectives. Please note that the following are NOT considered valid reasons for tree removal:

  • To reduce leaf, fruit, resin, or fauna droppings.
  • Impact to infrastructure where practical alternatives are available.
  • To improve solar access or private views.
  • To construct a fence.
  • Damage to buildings or structures that were not built in accordance with planning controls, best practice, or Australian Standards.
  • Root damage to defective service lines.

If you are dissatisfied with a Tree Management Determination, you may request a review within three months of receiving the determination. To do so, you must complete Review Tree Management Application(PDF, 188KB), provide additional supporting information, and submit it with the applicable fee.

For properties located within, or forming part of, a Heritage Conservation Area or Heritage Item, applications for tree removal must be lodged via a Development Application Form for tree removal on heritage properties(PDF, 199KB).

Exemptions

Exemptions (including deadwood removal) do not apply to any tree that:

  • Is listed on the City of Ryde Significant Tree Register.
  • Is located within a vulnerable, threatened, or endangered ecological community.
  • Is, or forms part of, a heritage item.
  • Is located within one of the five heritage conservation areas of the City of Ryde.

To check whether your property qualifies for an exemption, please contact Council’s Customer Service team on 9952 8222.

Application Fees

Applications under the City of Ryde’s DCP 2014 – Part 9.5 Tree Preservation are subject to the following fees:

Residential (Non-Strata)

  • $90.50 per tree (up to 2 trees)
  • $227 for 3 trees
  • $30.00 per additional tree (more than 3) per property (on top of $213) 

Pensioner Discount (Residential - Non-Strata only)

  • Pensioners will receive up to 50% discount (valid Pensioner ID required) 

Commercial and Other Properties

These include common properties within strata titles. Pensioner discounts not available.

  • $180 per tree (up to 2 trees)
  • $453 for 3 trees
  • $122 per additional tree (more than 3) on top of $453 per property

Review of Decision

  • $226 for Review (by an alternative Council officer)
  • Pensioners will receive a 50% discount (pensioner ID required)

Additional Fees

  • Urgency Application* - $606 (for permit determination within 3 working days, in addition to the application fee, subject to availability)

Reminder: Tree preservation is a legal requirement under City of Ryde's Development Control Plan 2014 Part 9.5 Tree Preservation(PDF, 2MB) and relevant State legislation. Unauthorised removal, pruning, or damage to trees may result in significant penalties.

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