Do you need a tree removal permit in High Point, NC?

We found no city-wide permit rule for private trees in High Point. Street trees, protected sites and county or HOA rules can still apply. We did not find a city permit for removing a tree that stands fully on private property in High Point. The city's tree guidelines say private owners are responsible for trees that are partly or fully outside city-owned or city-controlled space. Trees on city property or in city rights-of-way need prior approval from the Urban Forestry Committee (a Public Tree Certificate). Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

The city's tree rules cover trees on city-owned or city-controlled property, including public rights-of-way and public easements used for public purposes, only as far as the easement purpose reaches. On that property, removing a tree with a trunk diameter (DBH) of 4 inches or more needs prior authorization, and so does removing a recently planted replacement tree. Topping of trees on city-owned or controlled property is prohibited. Requests to plant, maintain or remove a tree in the lake buffers around High Point City Lake and Oak Hollow Lake (city-owned property) go to the committee for review.

Planting, maintaining or removing a tree on city-owned or city-controlled property (including street rights-of-way) needs prior authorization from the Urban Forestry Committee. If only part of a tree is in city space, the guidelines treat it as the private owner's responsibility. Trees along state-maintained roads fall under the state transportation department, not the city committee.

For trees on city-owned or controlled property, the approval step is waived when severe weather, fire or another emergency badly damages a tree and immediate removal is needed to protect public safety or clear blocked streets or property access. If a private tree is a direct threat to the public or public facilities, the city may ask the owner to deal with it.

For trees on city property or rights-of-way, request a Public Tree Certificate using the application from the Urban Forestry Committee chair or online through the city's Accela system (BuildHighPoint.com, under Land Development). Urban forestry contact listed by the city: (336) 883-3328.

The city guidelines say anyone who removes a tree on city-owned or controlled property without prior authorization may face civil penalties and must replace each removed tree with two trees (or pay the replacement cost). Anyone responsible for topping trees on that property may also be fined, including the cost of removing and replacing the tree(s).

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.