Fayetteville Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Cumberland County, North Carolina

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

12.0" DBH minimum for protection

Fayetteville Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) landscape and tree preservation standards require tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥12 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. The city maintains Historic District overlays with enhanced tree protection requirements.

Protected Species

Common protected canopy species include longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) loblolly pine willow oak (Quercus phellos) white oak (Quercus alba) post oak (Quercus stellata) dogwood (Cornus florida) and other designated native canopy species.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Specimen/heritage trees designated at site plan review by the City Arborist 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 preservation plan required at site plan submittal for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Public street tree work coordinated with Fayetteville Parks, Recreation and Maintenance / Urban Forestry.

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

Required Report Sections

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

Replacement Requirements

Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per UDO landscape and tree preservation standards

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

Fees & Fines

Processing Time

3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal

Required Certifications

ISA Certified Arborist; preservation plans by registered landscape architect

Municipal Code

Fayetteville Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) landscape and tree preservation standards

View full ordinance

Contact

Fayetteville Development Services / Planning and Zoning

(910) 433-1613

Other North Carolina cities

Apex Chapel Hill Concord Greensboro Hickory Kannapolis Matthews Mooresville
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 Fayetteville before submitting permits or reports.

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

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

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

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