Free tool · Victoria

Tree-permit check for Victorian properties

Built for arborists pricing quotes. Enter a Victorian address and get back which planning-scheme tree-removal triggers may apply — Clause 52.37 (Canopy Trees, VC289), Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation), tree- relevant overlays (VPO, SLO, ESO, HO, BMO etc.), plus the Local Law and title-check disclaimers. Free.

What this tool covers

Clause 52.37 (VC289) — the new state-wide canopy-tree control

Introduced 15 September 2025, this is now the dominant trigger on most small suburban lots in NRZ, GRZ, RGZ, MUZ, Township and HCTZ. The check tells you whether the zone is in scope, then walks the on-site decision tree.

Clause 52.17 — the 0.4 ha small-site test

Most quote-grade lots are under 4,000 sqm and so the 52.17 exemption applies. We read the parcel area from Vicmap and auto-determine the trigger status so you can give the client a clean answer.

Tree-relevant overlays — VPO, SLO, ESO, HO, BMO and others

Each overlay has different vegetation implications. We surface every overlay touching the parcel and explain the typical effect — saves you reading the planning scheme for every quote.

Local Law + title disclaimer

Council Local Laws sit outside the planning scheme but routinely impose tree-removal controls. Title covenants and s173 agreements can do the same. We flag both with the right council named.

How it works

  1. 1

    Enter the property address

    Victorian addresses only. Pick from the autocomplete to lock in the geocoded coordinates.

  2. 2

    Read the trigger summary

    Zone, lot size, 52.17 status, 52.37 eligibility, overlay flags — all in one screen.

  3. 3

    Walk the on-site decision tree

    Three yes/no steps, based on the canopy-tree thresholds + boundary-tree rule, give you a permit-required / exempt verdict for each tree on the site.

FAQs

Is this advice?
No — this is a trigger-screening tool. It identifies which planning-scheme provisions apply at the address and gives you the decision tree to walk on-site. For a written permit-trigger report on your client's letterhead, request our $19 site-specific report.
What about Clause 52.37? Is it really new?
Yes — introduced 15 September 2025 (Amendment VC289) and amended 21 November 2025 (VC301). It applies in NRZ, GRZ, RGZ, MUZ, Township and HCTZ. It is the dominant tree-removal trigger on most small suburban lots, replacing the old patchwork of overlay-only protection. There's a VicSmart pathway (10-day decision, no notice, no review).
What's a 'canopy tree' under 52.37?
All three of: (a) height greater than 5 m; (b) trunk circumference greater than 0.5 m at 1.4 m above ground (≈ 160 mm diameter); (c) canopy diameter at least 4 m. The 'boundary canopy tree' definition is tighter — any part of the trunk within 6 m of the narrowest street frontage OR 4.5 m of the rear boundary triggers the permit even on a developed site.
What if the site is over 4,000 sqm?
Clause 52.17 (Native Vegetation) kicks in — a permit is required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation, subject to the Table 1 exemptions. Run the NVR Map for species detail and use our $19 site-specific report to size the application scope.
Why isn't my Council's Local Law in the result?
Local Laws vary by council and change frequently. We provide a generic disclaimer naming the LGA. For a council-specific Local Law summary we offer the $19 written report, which includes the relevant council's current tree provisions.
Can I use this for a quote that's already underway?
Yes. The output is intended to drop into your fee proposal as the 'planning permit triggers' section. It's not advice and you should confirm any borderline call with the consent authority, but it gives you a defensible starting position.

Arborist? Conveyancer? Designer?

We've built free address-based checks for the workflows most dependent on planning trigger screening. See the arborist landing for the workflow we built this against.