Do You Need an Arborist Report for Development on the Mornington Peninsula?
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is a Level 5 arborist report required for Planning Permits where development impacts trees and their Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) or Structural Root Zones (SRZ) under AS 4970.
Most developments require an arborist report where trees are present or affected, assessing retention, removal and construction impacts.
In Victoria, these reports form part of the Planning Permit process and must address Clause 52.37 canopy requirements and planning overlays such as SLO, VPO, ESO, Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) and Heritage controls.
Our Level 5 Arborists provide fast, Council-compliant reports across the Mornington Peninsula, helping developers align designs and avoid approval delays.
This page covers detailed Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) for development, including TPZ and SRZ analysis and technical planning requirements.
Related Services
What Is an Arborist Report for Planning Permits?
An Arborist Report, or Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA), is a technical document required for Planning Permit applications involving trees.
It forms part of the Council planning assessment and addresses:
- Tree condition, structure and long-term viability
- Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ)
- Impact of proposed development
- Tree retention versus removal justification
- Compliance with AS 4970 and Clause 52.37
- Overlay and site constraints
When Are Arborist Reports Required for Development?
An Arborist Report (AIA) is required where development may impact trees and their Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) under AS 4970.
This commonly applies when:
- A Planning Permit application is being prepared or lodged
- Trees are present on or adjacent to the development site
- Proposed works encroach into a TPZ or SRZ
- Trees are proposed to be removed or retained within the design
- The site is affected by overlays such as SLO, VPO, ESO, Heritage Overlay or Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO)
Under Clause 52.37, Council also assesses canopy tree removal and replacement outcomes.
What Our Arborist Reports Include
- Full tree schedule and assessment
- Health, structure and risk evaluation
- TPZ and SRZ calculations (AS 4970 compliant)
- Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)
- Tree retention and removal recommendations
- Integration with site and architectural plans
- Clear, Council-ready documentation
Designed for Builders & Architects
We work with builders, architects, designers and developers.
Integration includes site plans, architectural drawings, development layouts, CAD-assisted drawings and TPZ and SRZ overlay mapping.
We provide development-focused arborist reporting across Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha and Dromana, with fast-track delivery to support tight project timelines in coastal, bushfire-prone and vegetation-sensitive areas.
Why Developers Choose Us
- Level 5 Consulting Arborists (AQF qualified)
- 32+ years of development experience
- Fast-track reporting available
- Strong understanding of Council planning systems
- Clear, construction-aligned recommendations
- Trusted across coastal, bushfire and vegetation-controlled projects
Our Process – Built for Development Projects
- Initial consultation with builder or designer
- On-site tree assessment by a Level 5 Arborist
- TPZ and SRZ mapping and impact analysis
- Preparation of Arboricultural Impact Assessment
- Delivery of Council-ready documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most development projects involving trees require an Arboricultural Impact Assessment to assess potential impacts, Tree Protection Zones and compliance with planning controls such as Clause 52.37.
An AIA is a detailed arborist report that evaluates tree condition, TPZ and SRZ constraints, and how proposed development will impact trees on or near the site.
Early in the design phase. This helps avoid redesigns, delays and Requests for Further Information during the Planning Permit process.
Yes. Fast-track reporting is available to meet tight submission deadlines, depending on project scope and site access.
Get Started in Minutes
Call now or email us for fast, expert help with your tree permit or report. Rest easy, we handle everything from start to finish.
