Arboricultural Impact Assessments for Development Applications
AQF Level 5 consulting arborist · 25+ years on Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches
If your council needs an arborist report for a DA, it almost always means an Arboricultural Impact Assessment. I prepare AIAs for homeowners, builders and architects, from a single tree near a new deck to a full knock-down rebuild.
What an AIA is
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment looks at every significant tree on and next to your site and works out how your proposed works will affect it. It follows AS 4970 Protection of trees on development sites, the standard councils assess against.
Your AIA includes:
- A tree schedule: species, height, canopy spread, trunk diameter, health, vigour, useful life expectancy and significance for each tree
- Notional Root Zones (NRZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ), calculated for every tree
- Encroachment assessment: how far your plans reach into each zone, and whether the tree can tolerate it
- Retain or remove recommendations, with the reasons councils need to see
- A tree protection plan drawing that overlays the zones on your site plan
- Protection measures: fencing, ground protection, root-sensitive construction and hold points for the build
When you need one
Most councils ask for an AIA when:
- a DA involves work within the NRZ of a protected tree, including neighbours’ and street trees
- you’re applying to remove a tree as part of a development
- council has sent a request for information about trees on your site
I regularly prepare AIAs for councils across Sydney:
- North Shore and Northern Beaches: Northern Beaches, Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Willoughby, North Sydney, Lane Cove, Mosman and Hunters Hill
- Greater Sydney: City of Ryde, City of Parramatta, The Hills Shire, Inner West, City of Canada Bay, Burwood, Strathfield, Randwick, Bayside and Sutherland Shire
How it works
- Send your plans: the survey and architectural drawings, or even early sketches.
- Fixed quote: based on the number of trees and the complexity of the site.
- Site inspection: I assess and measure every relevant tree.
- Your report: the full AIA and tree protection plan drawing, ready to lodge.
- After lodgement: if council asks questions about the trees, I answer them.
- During construction: I can stay on as Project Arborist for the tree protection fencing, hold-point inspections and the sign-off council needs at the end of the job.
Architects: talk to me before the design is fixed
A short early look at the site can save a redesign. If you know where the NRZs and SRZs fall before the plans are drawn, the footprint can be placed to keep the trees council will want kept.
Why Sydney Arborist
- AQF Level 5 consulting arborist, the qualification councils require for AIAs
- Over 25 years’ experience on the North Shore and Northern Beaches
- Fully insured
“His Arboricultural Impact Assessment helped us navigate the tree preservation issues tied to our initial construction plans…”
Ian R, Builder
Frequently asked questions
How much does an AIA cost?
It depends on the number of trees and the site. You get a fixed quote before any work starts.
Do I need an AIA or a different arborist report?
If you’re lodging a DA and trees are nearby, it’s almost always an AIA. For a tree removal application with no building works, a standard arborist report usually does. If you’re not sure, send me your council’s letter and I’ll tell you.
Do neighbours’ trees count?
Yes. Councils expect trees on adjoining land and street trees to be assessed wherever your works fall inside their NRZ.
Who has to write it?
Councils require an AIA to be prepared by an arborist qualified to at least AQF Level 5.
Get a fixed AIA quote. Call Antony on 0423 568 159 or send your plans.