In the City of Monash, tree removal regulations on private land are primarily governed by the presence of a Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO). Here’s an overview of the regulations:
Permit Requirements:
A planning permit is required to remove a tree if your property is within a VPO zone. Permits are needed for trees with a trunk circumference greater than 500 mm (160 mm diameter) at 1200 mm above ground level or trees higher than 10 meters.
Exemptions:
No permit is needed for removing dead trees or specific species such as Willow trees, Radiata or Monterey Pines, Evergreen Alders, Sweet Pittosporums, and Desert Ashes. If a tree presents an immediate risk of personal injury or property damage, only the hazardous part may be removed without a permit.
VPO Zone:
To determine if your property is in a VPO, you can check the Monash Council’s VPO map.
Penalties:
Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to fines, enforcement actions, or prosecution. For detailed information and specific applications, you can visit the Monash City Council’s website