Dunedin City Council Tree Removal Regulations

• Appendix A1.3 of the 2GP identifies over 1,200 scheduled trees and tree groups across Dunedin City.

• Scheduled trees are protected regardless of species, size, or location once listed.

• Resource consent is required to prune, alter, damage, or remove a scheduled tree.

• Protected trees are identified on official DCC planning maps using green dot symbols and reference numbers.

• Removal of a scheduled tree is generally permitted only where it is confirmed dead, hazardous, or structurally unsafe, supported by a certified arborist report.

• The DCC may contribute up to $250 toward authorised maintenance or removal of protected trees.

• Applications to add or remove trees from the schedule are assessed through formal reporting and community consultation processes.

• Understanding whether a tree is scheduled is the first step before arranging removal work.
  

• Small to medium trees under approximately 4 metres in height are commonly removed without consent, provided they are not listed or located within a heritage or special character zone.

• Tree removal must not affect neighbouring protected vegetation or compromise shared boundaries.

• Works near retaining walls, heritage features, or significant landscape overlays may require additional assessment.

• Where uncertainty exists, checking the DCC planning maps before removal is recommended.

• Although many residential removals do not require formal approval, confirming status before cutting begins helps avoid enforcement notices or compliance issues.

• Street trees, reserve plantings, and park trees require formal approval through the Council’s Tree Maintenance Application process.

• Dunedin City manages approximately 4,750 street trees and around 5,000 trees within parks and reserves.

• Council-managed trees are tracked using a tagging system: blue tags indicate reserve trees, green tags indicate street trees, and yellow tags indicate bushland or plantation areas.

• Vegetation extending over public roads must maintain minimum vertical clearances of 2.5 metres above footpaths and 4.5 metres above roads.

• Property owners are responsible for ensuring private trees do not obstruct public access or sightlines.

• Removing or modifying a public tree without approval may result in enforcement action and cost recovery.
  

• Emergency felling undertaken to remove immediate danger must be reported to Dunedin City Council within 10 working days.

• Documentation may be required to demonstrate that the work was necessary to prevent injury or property damage.

• Tree work near overhead service lines must comply with utility safety requirements and may require coordination with approved specialists.

• Any works undertaken on public land during an emergency must still be formally notified.

• Emergency provisions allow rapid response, but reporting and documentation remain essential.

Key compliance principles include:

• Confirming whether a tree is scheduled under the 2GP before removal.

• Maintaining required clearances over roads and footpaths.

• Avoiding unauthorised removal of public or street trees.

• Reporting emergency removals within required timeframes.

• Seeking professional assessment where structural risk or protected status is uncertain.

Official resources for further reference:

• Dunedin City Council - Tree Maintenance & Scheduled Trees
• District Plan Appendix A1.3 - Protected & Scheduled Trees List (2GP)

Note: Regulations and guidance are subject to change. Always review official Dunedin City Council pages for the most current information.