Guide · South Australia

Tree removal permits in South Australia, explained

For arborists quoting jobs and council officers answering residents. Use the free calculator below, or read the six checks that decide whether a tree needs development approval, in order.

1. Is the tree in the overlay?

Look up the address in the SA Property and Planning Atlas (SAPPA). The rules below only apply inside the Regulated and Significant Tree Overlay (metro Adelaide, Adelaide Hills townships, parts of Mount Barker). Outside it, the Native Vegetation Act 1991 may apply instead.

2. Measure the trunk

Measure circumference 1 m above natural ground. 1 m or more = regulated. 2 m or more = significant. Multi-trunk: total 1 m and average 310 mm (regulated), or total 2 m and average 625 mm (significant).

3. Check the exclusions

Within 3 m of a dwelling or in-ground pool on the same allotment is excluded — but never for Agonis flexuosa (Willow Myrtle), Eucalyptus, Angophora or Corymbia. Species on the Minister's current exempt list (published on PlanSA) are excluded. In Medium or High Bushfire Risk areas, trees within 20 m of a dwelling are generally excluded.

4. Is the work 'tree-damaging'?

Approval is needed for removal, killing, lopping branches or limbs, ringbarking, topping, or substantial root damage. Maintenance pruning of no more than 30% of the crown, once every 5 years, is exempt.

5. Lodge on PlanSA

Lodge a development application on the SA Planning Portal with an arborist report, site plan and photos. Fees: lodgement (e.g. $95.50 for work under $10,000) plus planning assessment (Performance Assessed from $289). The council assesses against the Planning and Design Code.

6. Meet the conditions

Approval usually requires replacement planting or an Urban Tree Canopy Off-set payment: $1,000 per regulated tree, $1,500 per significant tree. Keep proof on file.

Free SA tree permit calculator

Answer six questions to see if approval is needed, what it costs and how likely it is.

Trunk circumference 1 m above ground (cm)

Multi-trunk: add the trunks together.

Distance to nearest house or in-ground pool on the same block (m)

Species (optional)

In the Regulated Tree Overlay? (check SAPPA)

Medium or High bushfire risk area?

Work type

Main reason

Development approval needed

This is a regulated tree, and removal is tree-damaging activity.

Lodgement: $95.50
Assessment (from): $289
Off-set if approved: $1,000
Approval chance: High

Estimated total $1,384.50. Off-set is paid instead of planting replacement trees. Chance is a rough guide based on how councils usually weigh this reason; an arborist report strengthens any application.

Estimate only, using PlanSA fees for jobs under $10,000. Not legal advice. Confirm with your council before work starts.

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Common questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Adelaide?

Yes, if it is a regulated (trunk 1 m or more) or significant (2 m or more) tree inside the Regulated and Significant Tree Overlay and no exclusion applies. Removal without approval is a breach of the PDI Act 2016.

What changed in May 2024?

Thresholds dropped from 2 m to 1 m (regulated) and 3 m to 2 m (significant); the dwelling/pool exclusion shrank from 10 m to 3 m; pruning was capped at 30% every 5 years; off-set fees rose to $1,000 and $1,500.

What changed in November 2025?

The 3 m exclusion now only applies where the dwelling or pool is on the same allotment as the tree.

Who lodges the application — the arborist or the owner?

Either can, through the SA Planning Portal. Most councils expect an arborist report supporting the reasons for removal (dead, diseased, unsafe, or damaging a building).

Official sources

General guidance only, not legal advice. Rules can change — confirm with your council or PlanSA before work starts.