Thinking about removing trees or vegetation? Check first.

In the Huon Valley, you often need Council approval before clearing trees, shrubs, grasses or groundcover — even on your own land, and even for non-native plants. Clearing without approval can lead to fines and orders to replant.

The good news: checking is straightforward. This page walks you through it in four steps. If you’re ever unsure, skip to the end and call us — we’re happy to help before you start.

Quick summary

  1. Find out what planning rules apply to your property.
  2. Check whether those rules protect your vegetation.
  3. Check whether an exemption lets you clear without a permit.
  4. Still unsure? Contact Council before you cut.

Why it matters

The Huon Valley is home to significant biodiversity and threatened vegetation. Healthy vegetation keeps our air, soil and water clean, supports wildlife, and helps protect the community from fire, flood and drought. State-wide planning rules (the Tasmanian Planning Scheme) help protect these natural assets while still allowing appropriate development.

Step 1 — Check your property

Every property has planning rules attached to it, including “code overlays” that flag special values. You need to know yours before doing anything.

Get a free Property Report from PlanBuild Tasmania:

  1. Go to planbuild.tas.gov.au
  2. Search by your address, Property ID (PID) or Certificate of Title (CT) number
  3. Generate your Property Report

Your report shows your planning zone, any code overlays, and whether your property is heritage-listed.

The overlays that affect tree clearing most often are:

  • Natural Assets Code – Priority Vegetation Area
  • Natural Assets Code – Waterway and Coastal Protection Area
  • Historic Heritage Code
  • Bushfire-Prone Areas Code
  • Landslip Code

Jot down your zone and any overlays — you’ll need them for Step 2.

Step 2 — Check if your vegetation is protected

You’ll likely need planning approval if any of these apply:

  • Your property has a Priority Vegetation Area overlay — protects native vegetation and threatened species habitat. (Some exemptions may still apply — see Step 3.)
  • Your property has a Waterway and Coastal Protection overlay — almost any vegetation removal or soil disturbance here needs approval, even for weeds or non-native plants.
  • The Historic Heritage Code applies — a tree or garden may be part of the heritage value. You may need approval from the Tasmanian Heritage Council.
  • There’s a restriction on the title — such as a covenant, a permit condition, or a Part V Agreement under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993.
  • The tree is a listed Significant Tree — check the Huon Valley Local Provisions Schedule.

Two situations need other agencies, not just Council:

  • Large-scale clearing — more than 1 hectare or 100 tonnes of timber, with trees over 5 metres tall, needs a Forest Practices Plan from the Forest Practices Authority. (Even if you don’t need one, still check the other points above.)
  • Threatened species or communities — clearing that may affect threatened plants, animals or vegetation communities can need state or federal permits (Threatened Species Protection Act 1995; EPBC Act 1999).

Step 3 — Check for exemptions

Even where an overlay applies, you may be able to clear without a permit. Common exemptions include:

  • Vegetation within 2 metres of a legally built structure
  • Dead or dangerous branches and trees removed for safety (you may need an arborist’s report to confirm)
  • Declared or environmental weeds along a waterway, where the work follows a Council-approved plan

Full exemptions are in Section 4.4 of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, on the Scheme’s website.

Important: If you think an exemption applies, confirm it with Council before you start.

Step 4 — Still unsure? Talk to us first

When in doubt, contact Council before removing any trees. A quick call now can save you a costly mistake.

  • AI Planning Assistant — for instant, plain-English answers about zones, overlays, permit requirements and exemptions, call our free AI assistant any time, day or night: 03 6264 0500. It’s a great first stop for understanding the rules, but it gives general guidance only — always confirm anything that affects your decision with our planning team before you clear.
  • Phone: (03) 6264 0300 — ask for the Planning Department
  • Email: hvc@huonvalley.tas.gov.au — subject line: Tree Removal Enquiry – [Your Address]
  • In person: Visit the Council office

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