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

Often yes, and Brisbane's rules (Municipal Code Chapter 12.12) have two features that catch owners off guard: Protected natives: California bay, coast live oak, and buckeye are protected at just 30 inches in circumference measured 2 feet above grade - roughly a 9.5 inch trunk Severe trimming needs the same permit: removing more than half the crown or 30 percent of a tree's height counts as removal Commercial and HOA properties: every tree is protected regardless of species or size - relevant for Sierra Point, Northeast Ridge, and the bayside business parks Genuinely hazardous trees may be removed without a prior permit, but the documentation still has to be right after the fact. We handle both paths - routine permits and emergency findings.

Often yes, and Brisbane’s rules (Municipal Code Chapter 12.12) have two features that catch owners off guard:

Protected natives: California bay, coast live oak, and buckeye are protected at just 30 inches in circumference measured 2 feet above grade – roughly a 9.5 inch trunk
Severe trimming needs the same permit: removing more than half the crown or 30 percent of a tree’s height counts as removal
Commercial and HOA properties: every tree is protected regardless of species or size – relevant for Sierra Point, Northeast Ridge, and the bayside business parks

Genuinely hazardous trees may be removed without a prior permit, but the documentation still has to be right after the fact. We handle both paths – routine permits and emergency findings.