Trees and development

Residential developments valued at $100,000 or above are now required to:

• Retain existing Significant Trees or plant new Advanced Trees as per the State Planning Policy 7.3 – Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) - generally 1 tree per home.

Non- residential developments valued at $100,000 or above are now required to:

• Retain 1 significant existing tree for each 500m² of land or

• Plant 1 new advanced tree for each 500m² of land where no significant trees exist.

These requirements are outlined in Local Planning Policy 6.11 – Trees and Development, and supplemented by the R-Codes.

Local Planning Policy 6.6 Landscaping requires a minimum of 1 tree for each 6 car bays to be planted in new car parks.

The City uses the Helliwell system to calculate the monetary value of a tree. This globally recognised system calculates a tree’s financial amenity value using a number of criteria including its life expectancy, tree size, rarity, importance in the landscape and the presence of other trees. This is an important step towards ensuring trees are valued as important community assets.

Mature trees are valuable assets that add amenity and livability to new developments. Use this simple guide below to learn the basic principles around protecting and retaining trees during development.

Street trees will not be removed to allow development on private land. New developments should be planned so that driveways and crossovers do not conflict with street trees and the required setbacks are achieved. Setbacks are based upon tree trunk diameter and are required so that sufficient space is available for future tree growth and to prevent damage to driveways by tree roots.

For more information, visit the crossover page.

Street trees will not be removed to allow development on private land. The location and width of driveways on subdivided land will be impacted by existing street trees. Subdivision plans should consider how future homes can be developed and crossovers located while achieving required setbacks from existing street trees.

For more information, visit the crossover page.

A physical barrier or Tree Protection Zone must be installed around street trees to protect them from accidental or deliberate damage during construction and development on adjacent private land.

For more information, view the Reserve and Street Tree Policy.

The City uses the Helliwell system to calculate the monetary value of a tree. This globally recognised system calculates a tree’s financial amenity value using a number of criteria including its life expectancy, tree size, rarity, importance in the landscape and the presence of other trees. This is an important step towards ensuring trees are valued as important community assets.

Bond values are based upon the trees Helliwell value - please see the FAQ above for more detail. Bonds may be forfeited if street trees are damaged or die as a result of development.

For more information, view the Reserve and Street Tree Policy.

In some circumstances street tree pruning may be required to allow large vehicles to access development sites. Pruning of street trees by residents, builders or any private individual is forbidden: please contact the City of Stirling to request tree pruning. 

Where no street tree currently exits, and the adjacent private property is developed, the City will plant one or more new street trees on the verge. Tree planting is a condition of Development Approval and fees apply. 

To ensure the ongoing health of trees that the City helps to maintain, Council has resolved to introduce a Voluntary Protected Tree Register, which will provide planning protection for the registered trees.

In May 2022, Council considered Scheme Amendment No.113, and Local Planning Policy 6.17 – Protected Tree Register to introduce a voluntary registry of trees worthy of planning protection.

Public consultation on the draft planning legislation was undertaken from June to August 2022.

Council supported Scheme Amendment No.113 in November 2022, to allow it to be referred to the Western Australian Planning Commission for determination by the Minister for Planning.

Local Planning Policy 6.17 – Protected Tree Register is on hold pending a determination by the Minister for Planning on Scheme Amendment No.113.

More information on Scheme Amendment No.113 can be found in the 10 May 2022 Council Minutes (Item 12.2/DS2) and the 15 November 2022 Council Minutes (Item 12.2/DS1).

Trees cannot be placed on the protected tree register until the Minister for Planning has approved the City's Scheme Amendment.

If you want to let the City know you intend to protect your tree once the register is in effect, or if you have any questions about the process, please contact the City's Parks and Sustainability Business Unit on (08) 9205 8555.