Permit needed to remove canopy trees

In September 2025, the Victorian Government introduced significant changes to protect and enhance urban tree canopy cover through Amendment VC289 to the Victoria Planning Provisions. This amendment inserted Clause 52.37 (Canopy trees) into all Victorian planning schemes, effective from 15 September 2025.

The changes require a planning permit to remove, destroy, or lop a canopy tree on land in most residential zones (excluding the Low Density Residential Zone). A canopy tree is defined as one exceeding 5 metres in height, with a trunk circumference greater than 0.5 metres (measured 1.4 metres above ground) and a canopy diameter of at least 4 metres. Special provisions apply to boundary canopy trees near front (up to 6 metres) or rear (up to 4.5 metres) setbacks.

The primary purpose of Clause 52.37 is to maximise retention of existing canopy trees—especially on sites without proposed development—while balancing this with housing needs. For developments, it mandates minimum canopy cover outcomes: approximately 10% on sites up to 1,000 m² and 20% on larger sites at tree maturity, often through protection of existing trees or replacement planting.

These reforms support Action 12 of Plan for Victoria and related state policies (e.g., Clauses 12.06-1S Urban forests and 13.01-3S Urban heat), aiming to combat urban heat, improve health and wellbeing, and promote greener, cooler residential areas amid population growth.