Why are we proposing this Policy?

Trees play an important role in shaping the character and liveability of the City of Belmont.

We have prepared a draft Tree Development Exemption and Assessment Policy to provide clear guidance on:

  • when development approval may be required to remove or damage a tree
  • which trees may be exempt
  • how proposals would be assessed.

This draft Policy aims to retain larger and more valuable trees, while ensuring a practical and consistent approach for residents.

The draft is now available for public comment, and we're seeking feedback before making a final decision.

What is being proposed?

The draft policy introduces the following:

  • Exemptions

    for smaller trees that would not require development approval.

  • Assessment criteria

    for larger trees and planning proposals.

  • Application requirements

    for when approval may be needed.

  • Potential planning conditions

    Such as retention or replacement planting.

How does the Policy work?

  • Step 1: Check if your tree is exempt

    If it meets the exemption criteria, no approval would be required.

  • Step 2: If not exempt, submit an application

    An application may need to include: details of the tree, including location; written justification against the assessment criteria; a Certified Arborist Report.

  • Step 3: The City would assess the tree

    This would include its health, condition and significance, and whether it could reasonably be retained. Each application would be assessed on its merits.

Frequently asked questions

In many cases, no approval would be required. Section 5.1 of the draft Policy contains a list of exemption criteria. As an example, a tree would be exempt if it meets all three of the following criteria:

  • are less than 8 metres high; and
  • have a canopy less than 6 metres wide; and
  • have a trunk circumference less than 1.5 metres (measured at 1.4 metres above ground).

If a tree is larger than this, development approval may be required.

The full list of exemption criteria is contained within Clause 5.1 of the draft policy.

The draft Policy applies to more than just removing a tree. It includes:

  • removing or killing a tree
  • ringbarking, poisoning, topping or lopping of a tree

Note: This would not generally capture minor maintenance and pruning of a tree

Works urgently necessary for any of the following are exempt from the need to obtain approval:

  • Public safety;
  • The safety or security of plant or equipment;
  • The maintenance of essential services;
  • The protection of the environment.

The policy would apply to land within the City of Belmont.

The policy does not apply to street trees.