When it comes to laws pertaining tree removal it differs from city to city. So, in Queensland different councils have different laws regarding removing a tree. You can’t just chop it off. If you don’t follow these laws, you might have to face fines so here is everything you need to know regarding removing a tree in the Surfers Paradise.
This quick guide isn’t a specific one and gives an overview of the laws because there can be exceptions depending on the case. The size of the property and overlays of zones are some of the criteria which determine the specific regulation. Don’t try to remove a tree by yourself and always hire a professional tree lopper because they know the A to Z of tree removal.
Can I Remove A Tree Without Approval?
Well it depends. Sometimes you do require approval from your local authority before chopping down a tree even if it is in your property. Approval is compulsory and strictly enforced especially if the tree is protected.
However, you can cut down a tree from your land without permission if the tree is within a 3-meter vicinity of your building or house, 1.5-meter radius from your property railing, the tree is under 4 meters and has circumference of less than 40cm, or if the tree is on the pest list. This type of removal is categorized as accepted development.
The above-mentioned situations are some general situation where you don’t require approval from the council. Yet again since laws and regulations can be quite tricky it is always recommended that you get an experienced tree lopper. This is because tree lopping gold coast companies know these laws and regulations quite well.
How to Get Approval from The Local Council?
If the tree that needs to be removed doesn’t meet any of the approval exception guidelines or is located a common property, permission is definitely required before you commence the removal process. This type of removal is categorized under assessable development.
Under this category there are 4 types of permits,
- Standard Tree Works
- Tree work associated with a building approval
- Tree work associated with a development approval
- Tree Work associated with a vehicular crossing
If you’ve never done this before it can be quite confusing and lengthy.
However, don’t let this top you from removing the tree if it should be removed because if you know how to get the approval properly it is not an issue. Another reason as to why you hire an arborist is that they can apply for approval on behalf of you to the council.
Removing A Tree on Body Corporate Land
If the tree is located in such an area permission is required. This is mainly because all plants and trees in body corporate land are protected so that everything is according to the initial landscaping plan of the council. So, any changes to the original plan must be noted down through an application.
Hope you got a quick overview on what you need to do to remove a tree in the Gold Coast. I recommend that you hire an expert before proceeding if you haven’t done this before because you’d anyway have to hire one to remove the tree.