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

For some trees. Wilmington requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. Wilmington needs a permit to remove any tree in the public right-of-way. On private land, a permit is needed for trees 4 inches DBH or larger on non-residential lots, residential lots over 1 acre, land in a conservation setback or protective buffer, and any lot in a local historic district. Call the Zoning office before cutting to check what applies to your lot. Our confidence: high. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Permit needed for trees at least 4 inches DBH on all non-residential lots, residential lots larger than 1 acre, land within a conservation resource setback or protective buffer, and any property in a local historic district (any lot size). Historic district removals also need a Certificate of Appropriateness. Protected trees may be removed only if essential site parts cannot fit elsewhere on the site (Land Development Code Sec. 18-316(C)). Removing a specimen tree needs Board of Adjustment approval in all zoning districts except IND.

A permit is required to remove any tree in the public right-of-way.

New permit applications must be submitted through the city's online Development and Permitting Services (DPS) portal. Zoning: 910-254-0900, zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov, 929 North Front Street. Private property fees: $25 under 1 acre, $50 for 1-5 acres, $100 for 5-10 acres, $150 over 10 acres.

Private property: $150 per inch DBH or $1,200 per tree, whichever is greater, plus mitigation if required. If mitigation cannot be replanted on site, the fee is $175 per inch DBH of trees removed, multiplied by 2.

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.