Important update – new State Government tree controls
As of 15 September 2025, the Victorian Government has introduced state-wide tree protection controls under Clause 52.37 of the Victorian Planning Scheme.
Because of these changes, your request to remove or prune a tree may now need to be assessed under the Victorian Planning Scheme instead of under Council’s Local Law. This means that:
- A planning permit may now be required to remove, destroy or lop canopy trees on land in residential or mixed-use zones;
- The planning permit process replaces the previous Local Law permit process for these types of trees.
Before lodging an application, first email info@frankston.vic.gov.au with the subject line “proposed tree removal/pruning” with as much detail on your proposed tree works, as possible e.g. number of trees, property address, location and size (trunk circumference at 1.4m) and we will be in contact with information on the application pathway required.
Where there are no relevant Planning controls, a local law permit to carry out the following works to a tree that has a trunk circumference, equal to, or greater than, 110cm (measured at the base):
- remove, damage, kill or destroy a tree
- prune, cut, trim or top a tree (if you plan to remove more than one-third of the outer-edge of the canopy)
- carry out works that fall within more than 10% of the Tree Protection Zone.
The Tree Protection Zone is the circular area with a radius from the centre of the trunk equal to 12 times the diameter of the trunk (measured at 1.4m from the base of the tree). The minimum distance is 2m.
If your property is located within a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA), you may not need a planning or local law permit. Visit the Victoria Planning website to find out if your property is in a BPA, or to learn more about exemptions for bushfire protection.
In some cases you may require a planning or local law permit to prune or remove a tree or vegetation. Visit our planning permits page or contact us for more information.