Under item 28 in the current Local Law, Condition of Land and Premises it is currently expected that no owner or occupier of land may allow or permit the land to be kept in a manner which is dangerous or likely to cause danger to life or property.

It includes consideration for excessive vegetation growth and the law states that "no owner or occupier of land may without a permit remove, destroy or damage a significant tree".

The standards and guidelines state that "grass or weeds or similar vegetation should not exceed 200mm from the natural surface of the ground".

Items 35 and 36 of the current Local Law specifically address vegetation and trees on land abutting any road or municipal place. It is expected that vegetation and trees are not allowed to grow in a way that obstructs any part of, impedes the ability of users or damages roads and municipal places.

The standards and guidelines instruct that overhanging vegetation should be kept to a minimum height from the ground of 2.5 metres.

There are pre-existing community expectations around keeping a property clean and tidy, free of vermin and noxious weeds and reducing this risk of fire through storage of flammable hazards, as well as maintaining overhanging branches and obstacles on footpaths and walkways.

These expectations consider health and safety.

• Do the current standards need to change?
• What should be the responsibility of council and what should be the responsibility of the property owner?

1. Review the minimum standards for amenity of properties as found in the standards and guidelines.
2. Review whether or not a permit should be required to alter nature strips and maintain the alterations.