Chapel Hill Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Orange County, North Carolina

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

8.0" DBH minimum for protection

Chapel Hill Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) §5.7 Tree Protection governs tree preservation on all development sites including residential subdivisions. Significant trees: ≥8 inches DBH. Specimen/heritage trees: ≥24 inches DBH or any tree of exceptional size, age, or historical significance. Rural Buffer and Resource Conservation District overlays add enhanced tree protection. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties.

Protected Species

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

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Specimen/heritage trees ≥24 inch DBH or any tree of exceptional size, age, or historical significance receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties.

Permit Requirements

Tree Protection Plan required at subdivision or site plan application. Tree Removal Permit required for specimen/heritage trees regardless of site category. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. Rural Buffer provisions apply to properties in the Rural Buffer zone. Public street tree work coordinated with Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation.

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; arborist report for specimen/heritage trees

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement for significant trees; enhanced ratios for specimen/heritage trees per LUMO §5.7

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

Chapel Hill Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) §5.7 Tree Protection; Rural Buffer and Historic District provisions

View full ordinance

Contact

Chapel Hill Planning Department

(919) 968-2728

Other North Carolina cities

Apex Charlotte Durham Fayetteville Greensboro Rocky Mount Wake Forest Wilson
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 Chapel Hill before submitting permits or reports.

Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Chapel Hill →

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

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

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