Canopy trees

When do you need a planning permit?

You need a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree anywhere on the lot in a:

• Mixed Use Zone
• Township Zone
• Residential Growth Zone
• General Residential Zone
• Neighbourhood Residential Zone
• Housing Choice and Transport Zone.

For these zones, you need a planning permit if either of the following apply:

• the land is vacant
• the land is vacant and a new single dwelling is proposed (and only a building permit is required).

You do not need a planning permit if the table of exemptions in Clause 52.37-8 specifically states this.

Definitions

Canopy tree

A tree is defined as a canopy tree if it meets all of the following measurements:

• a height of more than 5 metres above ground level
• a trunk circumference of more than 0.5 metres, measured at 1.4 metres above ground level
• a canopy diameter of at least 4 metres.

Boundary canopy tree

A tree is defined as a boundary canopy tree if it meets either of the following measurements:

• within 6 metres of the narrowest street frontage of a lot
• within 4.5 metres of the rear boundary of a lot.

What if my tree is not a canopy tree?

If a tree is not classified as a canopy tree, you may still need a Tree Works Permit to remove, destroy, lop, or do works in the vicinity of significant trees on your property. This comes under Stonnington General Local Law 2018 (No.1).

Visit our Tree Works Permit page if you need help identifying significant trees or to apply for a permit.

How to apply

Prepare your documents

Please provide the following with your application:

• A site plan, photographs or other information that accurately describes the:
  • location of all canopy trees and other vegetation on the site
  • canopy trees you propose to remove, destroy or lop (including species, height and canopy diameter)
  • location and details of existing and new canopy trees (including species, type, soil conditions, proposed irrigation, and expected height and canopy diameter at maturity

• An explanation of why you propose to remove, destroy or lop the canopy tree and, if applicable, an explanation of why the proposal does not meet the canopy tree requirement.
• Details of the proposed buildings or works, including development plans and whether your proposal will enable construction of a building or carrying out of works.
• An assessment of the canopy tree from a suitably qualified person, if the canopy tree is proposed to be removed or lopped due to its health or stability.

Apply online

Lodge a planning permit application on our ePlanning Portal by:

• applying to VicSmart to remove, destroy or lop an individual tree
• submitting a standard planning permit application to remove, destroy or lop multiple trees.

We will assess the application under the Decision Guidelines in Clause 52.37-7.

Minimum canopy tree replacement requirements apply to tree removal applications. These are based on the size of the property.

Apply for a planning permit