Do you need a tree removal permit in Charleston, SC?

For some trees. Charleston requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. Charleston protects Grand trees, which are trees 24 inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet above grade, not counting pines and sweet gums. On single-family and two-family lots, trees under 24 inches D.B.H. need no removal permit. To remove a protected tree you ask the city's Zoning staff for an inspection, and a permit is issued if the tree meets the city's removal standards. Our confidence: high. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Grand tree: any tree 24 inches or greater D.B.H. (measured at 4.5 feet above grade), excluding pine trees and sweet gums. Protected tree: any tree 8 inches D.B.H. or greater, except multi-stem crepe myrtles. Commercial lots, lots with three or more dwelling units, and residential lots of one acre or more must keep 15 Protected trees per acre; if they do, no permit is required. Trees in the OCRM critical line buffer may not be removed. On Daniel Island, removing any tree 8 inches or larger D.B.H. in the Visual Buffer Zone needs Board of Zoning Appeals - Site Design approval when certain conditions are met.

Protected and Grand trees that are hazardous, diseased, irreparably injured, or damaging a habitable building (where the damage cannot be fixed without removal) are approved for removal. The Zoning Administrator may ask for documentation from an ISA certified arborist or other qualified person. No permit is needed to prune Grand or Protected trees, but pruning must be done by a qualified tree service.

Submit the city's online Tree Removal Request form (species, diameter at 4.5 feet, location and reason for each tree; mark the trees with ribbon or tape). Zoning staff inspect the tree and contact you within 17 business days. Questions: Citizen Services Desk 843-724-7311; Planning & Preservation 843-724-3765, 2 George Street, Suite 3100.

The city's form says removing Grand trees without a permit results in a municipal summons, which could bring a fine and/or up to 30 days in jail.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.

We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.