The City’s Local Planning Scheme No. 15 provides a number of mechanisms for protecting significant trees. This enables the City to serve a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) upon any landowner whose property contains a tree or group of trees, identified as needing preservation.

Eligibility for a Tree Preservation Order

A TPO may only be issued when a tree holds such significance that additional protection is required. The tree must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Scientific, environmental or biological significance
• Cultural or historical significance
• Landscape or amenity significance

An arborist will undertake an inspection to determine whether the tree meets one of the above criteria and the condition of the tree and any existing or potential impacts. For further information please refer to the Tree Preservation Order Council Policy.

Nominating a Tree

To nominate a tree for a TPO, the Tree Preservation Order Nomination Form must be completed and must include the following:

• Photos of the nominated tree
• A scaled site plan
• A paid application fee ($147)
• A paid initial arborist inspection fee ($957.26)

Please note that only the landowner can apply for a TPO for trees on their property, or landowner of the neighbouring property if the tree’s canopy extends into their property. The City reserves the right to issue or decline a TPO based on it’s assessment.

For more information on Tree Preservation Orders, contact the City's Planning team on planning@belmont.wa.gov.au or 9477 7222.