Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Logan?
You usually do not need a permit to remove a tree in Logan on a lot under 5,000 m², provided it sits outside the rural, rural residential, emerging community and environmental management zones and outside a koala corridor. Above that size, or inside those zones, you need approval to clear primary vegetation or native and habitat trees in a secondary vegetation area.
Penalties for removing a protected tree in Logan
Removing a protected tree in Logan without a permit is an offence under section 163 of the Planning Act 2016, with a maximum penalty of $777,150 — 4,500 penalty units at the current $172.70 a unit.
What trees are protected in Logan?
Logan City Council does not protect trees based on species. Instead, it protects trees based on your block size and the environmental overlays of your property. Additionally, council trees are protected, and any tree with a hollow may be protected by State wildlife law. If your property is over 5,000 m², or falls under any of the below zones or overlays, your tree is likely to be protected:
- Native vegetation in a primary vegetation management area
- Native trees and habitat trees in a secondary vegetation management area
- Any tree with a hollow, at any size, dead or alive
- Trees inside a koala corridor, biodiversity corridor or conservation area
- Council vegetation on verges, parks and reserves
How to apply for a tree removal permit in Logan
In Logan, clearing protected vegetation goes through an Operational Works application under the Logan Planning Scheme 2015 rather than a simple permit. The first application each financial year is free for up to 5 trees or 50 m², and you should allow 6 to 8 weeks, longer where koala habitat is mapped.
- 1
Check if you need a permit
This is the main check: it shows whether your property is mapped to protect vegetation. Open the Logan PD Hub, click on your property and get its property report. The report lists the overlays on your property.
If the report shows none of these overlays, it generally means you don’t need a permit:
- Biodiversity areas: Primary or Secondary vegetation management area
- Biodiversity areas: koala corridor, biodiversity corridor, or environmental management and conservation area
- Biodiversity areas: locally significant vegetation
- Waterway corridors and wetlands
If it shows one, you may still not need a permit, depending on your lot size and the tree. The permit checker at the top of this page works it through.
- 2
Get an Arborist Report
If step 1 came up clear: you likely don’t need one. To be safe, check with us or Council before any work.
If step 1 showed an overlay: get an arborist report. Council assesses the application on its justification, and the report sets out each tree’s species, size and condition and why it needs to be cleared, which is what Council’s Vegetation Management Checksheet asks you to show.
- 3
Lodge an Operational Works application
If step 1 came up clear: there’s likely nothing to lodge.
If you need a permit: lodge a DA Form 1 with Council’s Operational Works Vegetation Management Checksheet, your arborist report and a site plan showing the trees to be cleared, through Council’s Online Services or by email to DALodgements@logan.qld.gov.au. A fee is paid at lodgement, though your first application each financial year is free for up to 5 trees or 50 m².
When Logan wants an arborist report
- Operational Works applications for vegetation clearing
- Development applications affecting mapped vegetation
- Where the clearing justification rests on tree health, structure or risk
Get a FREE Quote
Not sure where to start?
Not sure whether you need an arborist report? Book a consultation so we can discuss your plans, your trees and what council has asked for. You’ll get a straight answer and a fixed quote.