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

For some trees. Spartanburg requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. The city's tree protection rules (Zoning Ordinance Section 505) do not apply to a parcel used for a single-family home or duplex. On commercial, institutional, industrial, business and multi-family property, healthy trees 12 inches D.B.H. or more cannot be removed without approval from the city's Building Official or designee. Removed trees that the city approves must usually be replaced. The ordinance PDF we read may not be the newest version, so confirm with the city. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Section 505 does not apply to single-family or duplex parcels. On other property: no healthy tree 24 inches D.B.H. or greater on a new construction site, and no healthy tree 12 inches D.B.H. or greater on an existing site, may be damaged or removed unless the city grants relief through its Building Official or designee. Native southern yellow pines (shortleaf, longleaf, loblolly, Virginia) under 24 inches D.B.H. do not need approval, except under the controlled clearing rule. Before development, no more than 20% of trees over 12 inches D.B.H. may be removed on a building site in any three-year period. D.B.H. is measured 4.5 feet above grade.

The city may approve removal when the tree is a public safety hazard, or is dead or so damaged or diseased that it may be considered dying. No replacement is required for diseased or dead trees the city finds are a public safety hazard.

Before approval, the owner submits to the City of Spartanburg Building Official written documentation from a landscape authority stating the reasons for removal. Approved removals need replacement trees of at least 2-inch caliper: 1 for each tree 12 inches D.B.H. or more, 2 for each tree 24 inches or more, 3 for each tree 36 inches or more. Planning Department: planning@cityofspartanburg.org, 864-596-2068.

If trees are removed in violation, the owner is subject to fines under the misdemeanor provision of the Zoning Ordinance and must replace them with approved trees of at least 2-inch caliper, with a total caliper at least equal to the trees removed.

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.