Apex Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Wake County, North Carolina

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

10.0" DBH minimum for protection

Town of Apex Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) tree protection and landscape standards govern tree preservation on all development sites. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Historic Overlay District provisions add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. Apex, like neighboring Cary and Raleigh in Wake County, relies on Tree Conservation Area principles for residential subdivisions over threshold acreage.

Protected Species

Common protected canopy species include willow oak (Quercus phellos) white oak (Quercus alba) water oak American beech tulip poplar loblolly pine and other designated native canopy species.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Specimen/heritage trees designated by the Town Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic Overlay District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties.

Permit Requirements

Tree Protection Plan required at subdivision or site plan application for residential and non-residential development. Tree Removal Permit required for specimen/heritage trees. Historic Overlay District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. Public street tree work coordinated with Apex Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources.

Who can apply: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service; tree protection plans prepared by registered landscape architect or ISA Certified Arborist

Required Report Sections

Tree survey with species, DBH, location, condition, disposition; tree protection plan; replacement/mitigation plan

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Apex UDO

On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the town tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

3-6 weeks for tree protection review as part of development submittal

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist; tree protection plans prepared by Certified Arborist or registered landscape architect

Municipal Code

Town of Apex Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) tree protection and landscape standards

View full ordinance

Contact

Apex Planning and Community Development

(919) 249-3426

Nearby Cities in Wake County

Cary Raleigh Wake Forest

Other North Carolina cities

Asheville Charlotte Concord Durham Gastonia Hickory Jacksonville Winston-Salem
See all North Carolina cities →

Compare with nearby cities

Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Apex before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Apex →

See North Carolina replacement obligations compared: How Apex's replacement ratio ranks in North Carolina →

See North Carolina heritage criteria compared: How Apex's heritage designation ranks in North Carolina →

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