Four councils, one table
Tree rules in the Geelong region, council by council
The state canopy tree rule is the same in all four. What changes from council to council is the overlays, and how native vegetation is handled.
Side by side
The rules for private land, compared
Each column links to the council's own page. Check the property itself on VicPlan before any work starts.
| Greater Geelong | Surf Coast | Queenscliffe | Golden Plains | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State canopy tree rule (clause 52.37) | Applies in residential zonesExcept for the Low-Density Residential Zone. | Applies in residential zones | Applies in residential zones | Applies in residential zones |
| Council's own private tree controls | None addedThe council will not pursue permit controls to protect trees on private residential land through a local law or planning overlay. | Through overlaysThe council lists the overlays that trigger a permit, including any vegetation within an Environmental Significance Overlay. | Through overlaysThe council's own tree page covers Council land, such as your nature strip. | Check with Council firstOfficers do site visits and property inspections and can say whether a permit is needed. |
| Native vegetation (clause 52.17) | State rule appliesLand under 0.4 hectares in one ownership is exempt, except on a roadside. | Usually needs a permit on a property greater than 4000m2 | State rule applies, plus the overlay below | Contact Council before removing native vegetation dead or alive |
| Overlays worth knowing | Significant Landscape Overlay Schedule 15, Ocean Grove | SLO6, central Torquay and Jan JucCovers any exotic tree greater than 5 metres in height, and Moonah and Bellarine Yellow Gum. | VPO1, native vegetationOnly very small plants near the house are exempt: a trunk diameter of 50 millimetres or less, under 1 metre tall. | SLO5, InverleighThe Cupressus Macrocarpa avenues and street trees along High Street. |
| If a tree comes out under a permit | Depends on the permit | Depends on the permit | Replanting at a ratio of 2:1Two local plants for each one removed, under VPO1. | Depends on the permit |
Overlays apply to mapped areas, not whole council areas, so the same street can differ. The full state rule is on the tree removal permits page.
Also compared: removal, lopping or pruning, stump grinding or stump removal
Council rules
Questions about the four councils
Which council is my property in?
VicPlan shows the council, the zone and every overlay for an address, free. It is the first thing to check, because the overlays are what differ most between the four.
Is the canopy tree rule the same in all four?
Yes. Clause 52.37 is part of every Victorian planning scheme. A tree counts when it has a height of at least 5 metres above ground level and an average canopy diameter of at least 4 metres.
I am on the Surf Coast near the house. Can I clear for bushfire protection?
In a Bushfire Prone Area the Surf Coast says you are entitled to remove vegetation, including trees, within 10 metres of a house for bushfire protection. Check that your property is in a Bushfire Prone Area first.
Can someone check my tree for me?
Send the tree and the address. We pass it to a local tree contractor, who looks at it and quotes the job in writing. The council's planning team gives the answer that counts on a permit.
