Hickory Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide

Catawba County, North Carolina

Verified

Protected Tree Definition

10.0" DBH minimum for protection

Hickory Land Development Code landscape and tree preservation standards govern tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Historic District overlays add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties.

Protected Species

Common protected canopy species include white oak (Quercus alba) northern red oak (Quercus rubra) post oak American beech tulip poplar and other designated native canopy species characteristic of the western Piedmont / foothills zone.

Heritage / Landmark Trees

Specimen trees designated at site plan review by the City Arborist or landscape reviewer 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. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. Public street tree work coordinated with Hickory Parks and Recreation.

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 Hickory Land Development Code

On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the city 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

Hickory Land Development Code landscape and tree preservation standards

View full ordinance

Contact

Hickory Planning and Development

(828) 323-7422

Other North Carolina cities

Apex Fayetteville Greensboro High Point Indian Trail Jacksonville Rocky Mount Wilmington
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 Hickory before submitting permits or reports.

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

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

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

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