Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Charlotte?

Charlotte's Tree Ordinance: What Homeowners Need to Know

Charlotte takes its urban tree canopy seriously. The city has a tree ordinance in place that regulates the removal of certain trees, and if you take down a protected tree without the proper permit, you could face fines. If you're still in the "should it come down?" phase, start with our guide on 5 signs it's time to remove a tree. But once you've decided, here's a practical breakdown of the permit process.

When Do You Need a Permit?

Charlotte's tree ordinance generally applies to trees with a diameter of 8 inches or more, measured at 4.5 feet above ground level (what arborists call DBH — diameter at breast height). If you're planning to remove a tree that size or larger, you may need a permit from the city, depending on the circumstances and your property's zoning.

The rules are more strict in certain zoning districts and for properties undergoing development or redevelopment. If you're doing a major renovation, building an addition, or developing a lot, tree preservation requirements come into play early in the permitting process.

Exemptions: When You Don't Need a Permit

There are situations where you can remove a tree without a permit:

• Dead, dying, or hazardous trees: If a tree is dead or poses an immediate safety hazard, it can generally be removed without a permit. However, it's a good idea to document the tree's condition with photos and have a certified arborist assessment on file in case the city questions the removal later.
• Small trees: Trees below the size threshold typically don't require permits for removal.
• Certain species: Some invasive or undesirable species may be exempt. Bradford pears, for instance, are increasingly recognized as invasive in North Carolina.
• Emergency situations: If a tree has fallen on your house or is threatening to fall during a storm, you don't need to wait for a permit. Address the emergency first and handle the paperwork after.

Protected Trees

Charlotte's ordinance provides extra protection for certain significant trees. Large, mature specimens — sometimes called heritage or specimen trees — may have additional protections. These are trees that contribute significantly to the city's canopy and character. The massive oaks in neighborhoods like Eastover, Myers Park, and Fourth Ward are the kinds of trees the ordinance was designed to protect.

Removing a protected tree without authorization can result in fines and a requirement to plant replacement trees, sometimes at a significant cost.

The Permit Process

If you do need a permit, the process generally involves:

• Submitting a tree removal application to the City of Charlotte's land development division.
• Providing information about the tree: species, size, location on the property, and the reason for removal.
• In some cases, having an arborist report documenting why the tree should be removed (health, safety, structural issues, etc.).
• Potential requirement to plant replacement trees or pay into a tree fund to offset the canopy loss.

Processing times vary. For straightforward removals, it can be fairly quick. For larger or more complex situations, it may take longer.

HOA Rules

In addition to the city ordinance, many Charlotte neighborhoods have HOA regulations about tree removal. Subdivisions in areas like Huntersville, Waxhaw, and the Lake Norman corridor often have their own tree preservation rules that go beyond the city requirements. Check your HOA covenants before scheduling any work, or you may find yourself dealing with the HOA board after the fact.

How a Professional Tree Service Helps

An experienced Charlotte tree service knows the local ordinances and can help you navigate the process. When you call us for a tree removal estimate, we'll let you know whether we believe a permit is needed for your situation and can provide the documentation and arborist reports that the city requires. We deal with these regulations regularly and can help keep the process smooth.

Questions About Permits?

Call Orlando Tree at (704) 749-0642 and we'll help you figure out what's needed for your specific tree and property. We want the process to be straightforward, and we'll make sure you're in compliance with Charlotte's tree ordinance before any work begins.