Do you need a tree removal permit in Charlotte, NC?

For some trees. Charlotte requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. Charlotte's Tree Ordinance (City Code Chapter 21) requires a city tree work permit to remove a heritage tree, which is a North Carolina native tree 30 inches or more across at breast height, even on private property. Trees on city property and in the street right-of-way also need a permit for any work. Other trees on a home lot are covered only if the ordinance or a development plan protects them, so ask the city before removing a large tree. Our confidence: high. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Heritage trees: any tree native to North Carolina (per the USDA plants database) with a DBH of 30 inches or greater, protected at all times within city limits. Also protected: trees 2 inches or larger in a required green area, trees 8 inches caliper or larger in a tree protection zone, and other trees required or protected by Article 20 of the Unified Development Ordinance or a previously approved development plan. Removing a heritage tree requires replanting on the property and a mitigation payment set by the Charlotte Tree Manual.

Trees on city property and in the public street right-of-way are city assets and always protected. No one may prune, remove or otherwise disturb a city tree, or plant in the right-of-way, without a city tree work permit. Topping city trees is prohibited. Owners must keep their own trees that hang over the street or sidewalk pruned so they do not block lights, sidewalks, signs or views at intersections. The city guideline (2019) says this includes planted trees on the right-of-way and naturally growing trees 3 inches DBH or larger on it.

Heritage trees that are sufficiently diseased, injured, dead or in danger of falling do not need a permit or mitigation, but must be certified by an ISA-certified arborist or documented with photos or video before removal. A heritage tree in declining health (expected to fall within 1 to 3 years) may be removed without a permit only when an ISA-certified arborist certifies it before removal.

Get a tree work permit from the city's General Services Department or the Charlotte Planning, Design and Development Department before work starts.

Civil penalties under Sec. 21-14: based on a tree value formula, capped at $20,000 per protected tree destroyed and $1,000 per tree damaged but not killed; $50 per required tree not planted (each day a separate violation); $1,000 for not installing required tree protection; $50 per day for other violations, up to $1,000. The person doing the work, the property owner and the person who hired the work can all be held liable.

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.