Sunshine Coast Council

Tree Removal Regulations Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast does not have a separate tree protection local law. Tree removal is regulated as operational work under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. This means that where trees are protected, it’s mostly because of environmental overlays and property mapping, not their species.

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Written by a Level 5 Arborist Level 5 Arborist
Updated October 2026 Updated Oct 2026
FREE Permit Checker FREE Checker

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Tree removal permit checker — Sunshine Coast

Answer a few questions about your tree and your situation. Takes about a minute, and it walks the same decision tree an arborist would using Sunshine Coast's own published rules.

General information, not legal advice. The checker cannot see how your property is mapped — only Sunshine Coast can confirm that. The full rules are below.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on the Sunshine Coast?

On a typical suburban lot, you generally do not need a permit to remove a tree on the Sunshine Coast. However, you should always check with Council before removing any tree. Tree removal rules on the Sunshine Coast are governed by the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014, specifically the Vegetation management code in section 9.4.9, with all the vegetation clearing exemptions listed in Schedule 1. Although exemptions are outlined, Council recommends contacting them before removing any tree, even if it seems to be exempt.

Penalties for removing a protected tree on the Sunshine Coast

Removing a protected tree on the Sunshine Coast carries a maximum penalty of $777,150, or 4,500 penalty units at the current $172.70 a unit. Council can also issue enforcement notices requiring rectification and replacement planting.

What trees are protected on the Sunshine Coast?

There are no explicitly protected tree species on the Sunshine Coast. Instead of protecting trees on a species basis, Sunshine Coast Council protects trees based on the vegetation overlays of a property and any historical, cultural or visual significance a tree may have. Situations where trees are protected include:

Council vegetation on road verges, nature strips, parks and reserves
Vegetation kept by a development approval condition, or protected by a vegetation protection order, covenant or easement
Vegetation on a local heritage place, or identified as character vegetation in a local plan
On a lot of 1,000 m² or less: land next to the Environmental management and conservation zone, and any clearing over 600 m² in total
On a lot over 1,000 m²: native vegetation areas, waterways and wetlands on the Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands overlay, land within 10 m of a natural waterway’s high bank, and landslide hazard areas
Koala habitat and regulated vegetation mapped by the State, and native animals and their nests, which apply separately

How to apply for a tree removal permit on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast has no separate tree permit: clearing that no exemption covers is operational work under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014, lodged as a development application on the state DA Form 1. It is charged as an operational works application rather than a flat permit fee, and you should allow 6 to 8 weeks.

1

Check the property in Development.i

This is your primary tree protection check. It tells you which vegetation overlays your property falls under. Check your property, then come back to step 2.

Start here
2

Work out whether an exemption covers the work

Even if your property came back clear in step 1, it’s still best practice to identify a clear exemption. The Sunshine Coast’s tree removal rules are complicated, so it’s best to have a clear exemption.

Check exemptions
3

Double check with council

To avoid getting hit with a fine, Sunshine Coast Council prefers residents double check with them before removing a tree. Email Council your findings from steps 1 and 2 with a brief explanation of what you want to do. Use the email address, subject line and first sentence below so it gets to the right place.
Email: mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Subject: Development Services
First line: This email is for the arborist department.
4

Lodge a DA Form 1

If no exemption covers the work, you need a permit. Lodge a DA Form 1 with Council, with a site plan and any supporting report attached. Fees apply, and allow 6 to 8 weeks.

Apply on Council’s website

When Sunshine Coast wants an arborist report

An application to clear vegetation no exemption covers, where the case rests on the condition or structure of the tree
Development applications where trees are being retained and construction encroaches on their root zones
Responding to an information request on a lodged application
Any argument that a tree presents an unacceptable risk, which needs to be quantified rather than asserted

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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.

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Tree Removal Permit Exemptions Sunshine Coast

Schedule 1 of the planning scheme lists the vegetation clearing exemptions. Each comes with conditions. Before removing a non-juvenile koala habitat tree, Council asks you to email mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au with “Development Services” in the subject about your property, whatever the exemption.

Around your home

Within 3 m of a building or structure

Schedule 1 (k). Clearing within 3 m of a lawful building or structure, unless a development approval requires the vegetation to be kept. Council has confirmed that a fence or a shed counts as a structure.

On a lot of 1,000 m² or less, up to 600 m²

Schedule 1 (l). As long as it is consistent with any current development approval, isn’t under a vegetation protection order, covenant, easement or similar, isn’t on land next to the Environmental management and conservation zone, isn’t on a local heritage place or character vegetation in a local plan, and the total area is no more than 600 m².

On a lot over 1,000 m²

Schedule 1 (m). As long as it isn’t in a native vegetation area, waterway or wetland on the Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands overlay, is consistent with any current development approval, isn’t under a vegetation protection order, covenant, easement or similar, isn’t in or within 10 m of the high bank of a natural waterway or wetland (other than one with a revetment wall), isn’t a landslide hazard area on the Landslide Hazard and Steep Land overlay, and isn’t on a local heritage place or character vegetation in a local plan.

Pests, farms and plantations

Pest and introduced trees, up to 250 m²

Schedule 1 (d). Clearing declared pest plants, locally significant pest species or any other exotic species, as long as it is consistent with any current development approval, isn’t on a local heritage place or character vegetation in a local plan, and the total area cleared is no more than 250 m².

Property maintenance in the Rural zone

Schedule 1 (e). Clearing in the Rural zone for property maintenance activities.

Harvesting plantation timber

Schedule 1 (j). Harvesting timber in a lawfully established plantation.

Approvals, permits and notices

Under a current development approval

Schedule 1 (g). Clearing in line with a current development approval for a material change of use, reconfiguring a lot or other operational work, or for building work for a house.

Under a vegetation plan or local law permit

Schedule 1 (h). Clearing in line with an approved Property Vegetation Management Plan, or a current permit or approved plan under a local law.

Work the law requires, or a notice orders

Schedule 1 (f). Clearing reasonably necessary for work authorised or required under legislation or a local law, or specified in a notice from Council or another regulatory authority.

Emergencies and authorities

Emergency works

Schedule 1 (i). Clearing for emergency works where you honestly and reasonably believe there is an immediate threat to life or property, no other lawful action is reasonably available, there is no reasonable opportunity to apply, and you tell Council in writing as soon as practicable afterwards.

A statutory authority, on land that isn’t freehold

Schedule 1 (a). Clearing by a statutory authority on land other than freehold land.

Council, using its powers

Schedule 1 (b). Clearing by Council in the exercise of its powers under the Local Government Act 2009.

Council, on its own parks and reserves

Schedule 1 (c). Clearing by or for Council on land it owns or controls in the Community facilities, Sport and recreation or Open space zones.

Can I prune or remove a council tree on the Sunshine Coast?

Not without Council’s approval, apart from one narrow allowance for overhanging branches, which lets you cut a branch back to the boundary yourself where it overhangs by more than 0.5 m and is within 2.5 m of the ground. Council removes its own trees only when they are dead or in irreversible decline, a traffic hazard pruning cannot fix, or interfering with essential services.

Cut an overhanging branch back yourself

Council allows it back to the boundary only, where the branch overhangs the boundary by more than 0.5 m and is within 2.5 m of the ground. The green waste is then yours to remove, and any overhang outside those distances needs a Council arborist’s assessment.

Apply for a permit to clear verge vegetation

For vegetation or a street tree assessed as low value on the verge outside your own property, such as when building, renovating or putting in a driveway. It takes a non-refundable fee, proof of $2 million public liability insurance and, where machinery is used, Dial Before You Dig, and a bond may apply. Clearing for views or verge parking is generally refused. Clearing vegetation on a road verge.

Pruning beyond the allowance is an offence

Clearing or damaging vegetation on Council land or a road without approval carries up to 50 penalty units, $8,635, under Council’s Local Law No. 1 (Administration). For anything past the boundary cut described above, ask Council first. What you can and cannot do with a council tree.

A fallen or storm-damaged council tree

If it is a hazard or a threat to people or property, call Council on (07) 5475 7272 rather than using the online form. Council responds to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Roots lifting your driveway or path

Council’s arborist request covers a Council tree encroaching on your property. It removes a tree for interfering with essential services, such as water pipes, only where the infrastructure cannot be modified and repeated work would leave the tree in irreversible decline.

A tree on a neighbour’s property

Different again — disputes between neighbours over trees run under the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011, and Council points you to the Queensland Government’s guidance on resolving them.

What you can and cannot do with a council tree →

Independent reports for tree disputes →

How to request council tree maintenance on the Sunshine Coast

1

Request a Council arborist online

For a Council tree that needs pruning, overhangs your property beyond the allowance above, or looks unsafe. Investigations can take up to 4 weeks.

Request an arborist
2

Call Council if it’s urgent

If the tree is a hazard or a threat to people or property, call rather than using the form. Council responds to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call (07) 5475 7272 →
3

Near a power line, call Energex

Within 3 m of a power line, the pruning is for Energex or a contractor authorised for the line, not Council or you: that is the exclusion zone under Queensland’s Electrical Safety Regulation 2026.

Call Energex on 13 12 53 →
4

On a main road, call Transport and Main Roads

Council doesn’t look after trees on main roads such as the Bruce Highway.

Call 13 19 40 →

Council won’t prune for personal preference, leaf or fruit drop, size, shape or views, or to cut back limbs over private property unless they’re hazardous.

Sunshine Coast tree removal — frequently asked questions

Can I cut down a tree on my property on the Sunshine Coast?

In most cases, yes, where one of the planning scheme’s exemptions covers it: within 3 m of a lawful building or structure, or up to 600 m² on a lot of 1,000 m² or less, unless a limit such as a protection order, covenant, approval condition or heritage listing applies. Introduced and pest trees are exempt up to 250 m². Without an exemption, clearing needs a development permit, whoever owns the tree.

What is a non-juvenile koala habitat tree on the Sunshine Coast?

A koala habitat tree that is more than 4 m tall, or has a trunk more than 31.5 cm around at 1.3 m above the ground, or both. A koala habitat tree is a food tree of the Corymbia, Melaleuca, Lophostemon or Eucalyptus genera, or a preferred shelter species such as Angophora. Both definitions are in Schedule 1 of the planning scheme. Before removing one, Council asks you to email mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au with “Development Services” in the subject about your property, whatever the exemption.

Can I remove a dead tree on the Sunshine Coast?

Only if one of the planning scheme’s exemptions covers it. The scheme defines vegetation as living or dead, so there is no exemption for a dead tree as such: it is treated exactly like a living tree. Most suburban removals still fall under an exemption in Schedule 1, such as the 3 m rule around a building or structure, or the small-lot allowance. Check the exemptions, or run our free permit checker, before it comes down.

Do I need council approval to remove a tree on the Sunshine Coast?

Only if no planning scheme exemption covers it. Clearing within 3 m of a lawful building or structure is exempt, and so is clearing up to 600 m² on a lot of 1,000 m² or less, unless a limit such as a protection order, covenant, approval condition or heritage listing applies. Introduced and pest trees are exempt up to 250 m², and on lots over 1,000 m² clearing is exempt outside the mapped native vegetation, waterway, wetland and landslide areas. Council’s free Development.i site report shows the zone and overlays these turn on.

Can I clear along my boundary fence?

The Sunshine Coast has no separate fence exemption. On a lot of 1,000 m² or less, clearing up to 600 m² is exempt unless a limit such as a protection order, covenant, approval condition or heritage listing applies, which covers most fence lines on a suburban lot. On a bigger lot, clearing is exempt outside the mapped native vegetation, waterway, wetland and landslide areas.

What if the tree is dangerous?

Genuine imminent risk is treated differently from a tree someone would prefer gone, and the difference is evidence. A documented risk assessment prepared before the work is what defends the decision afterwards; a photograph taken after the fact rarely does. If there is time to get advice, get it.

How much does an arborist report cost on the Sunshine Coast?

The same as anywhere else this practice works — from $660 including GST for a standard single-tree report, delivered in 2-3 business days. Prices are published in full rather than quoted on request.

What counts as damaging a tree on the Sunshine Coast?

The planning scheme defines vegetation clearing broadly: destroying vegetation or interfering with its natural growth in any way, including removing, clearing, slashing, cutting down, ringbarking, scar-barking, pushing or pulling over, poisoning (including by contamination), burning, flooding, draining or compacting the roots. Dead trees count too. Pruning a tree’s branches is not clearing unless it removes the trunk or is so severe that the tree is likely to die, and neither is mowing grass or lawn.

Information reviewed 6 October 2026. Council rules change — this is general information, not legal advice.

Arborist Services Sunshine Coast

Every report and assessment offered across Sunshine Coast, with the published starting price. All are written to Sunshine Coast's requirements and quoted at a fixed price before any work begins.

Service	From
Arborist Report Sunshine Coast	$660
Preliminary Arboricultural Report Sunshine Coast	$660
Arboricultural Impact Assessment Sunshine Coast	$1,100
Tree Risk Assessment Sunshine Coast	$550
Tree Health & Disease Treatment Sunshine Coast	$220
Pre-Purchase Tree Inspection Sunshine Coast	$475
Tree Protection Plan Sunshine Coast	$770
Tree Management Plan Sunshine Coast	$1,320
Tree Valuation Sunshine Coast	$400
Stump Grinding Sunshine Coast	$275
Project Arborist Sunshine Coast	Upon request
Expert Witness & Dispute Reports Sunshine Coast	Upon request
Root Barrier Installation Sunshine Coast	Upon request

What does a tree removal permit cost on the Sunshine Coast?

Charged as an operational works application rather than a flat permit fee. Processing: Assessed as a development application. Allow 6 to 8 weeks.

That is the Council application fee only. Where your application needs a supporting arborist report — and most involving protected vegetation do — that is a separate cost.

Estimate what a report costs See every published price

Official Sunshine Coast vegetation sources

Always confirm current requirements directly with council before undertaking tree work.

Don't risk getting it wrong!

Council vegetation rules on the Sunshine Coast are confusing, and getting it wrong can cost thousands — a fine, plus a tree you cannot put back. One short conversation usually settles it.

Get a quote Call 0400 167 589