Wilmington Tree Removal Permit & Ordinance Guide
New Hanover County, North Carolina
Protected Tree Definition
Wilmington Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 Article III (Trees) and Land Development Code tree preservation standards regulate tree preservation on development sites and establish heritage-tree protection citywide. Protected/regulated trees: ≥8 inches DBH. Heritage trees: live oak (Quercus virginiana) ≥24 inch DBH, bald cypress ≥24 inch DBH, and other designated specimen species receive heightened protection. Historic District overlays add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) buffer-zone rules apply on shoreline-adjacent properties.
Protected Species
Heritage / Landmark Trees
Heritage designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for live oak, bald cypress, and other designated native species; 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 Removal Permit required for regulated and heritage trees. Tree preservation plan required at site plan submittal. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. Public street tree work coordinated with Wilmington Parks, Recreation and Downtown Services / 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; arborist report for heritage trees
Replacement Requirements
Inch-for-inch replacement for regulated trees; enhanced ratios (typically 2:1 or greater) for heritage trees per Chapter 18 Article III
On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the Wilmington 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
Wilmington Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 Article III (Trees); Land Development Code tree preservation standards
View full ordinanceContact
Wilmington Planning, Development and Transportation / Urban Forestry
(910) 254-0900
Other North Carolina cities
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Data last verified: April 2026. This information is provided as a reference. Always verify requirements directly with Wilmington before submitting permits or reports.
Ready to apply? How to apply for a permit in Wilmington →
See North Carolina replacement obligations compared: How Wilmington's replacement ratio ranks in North Carolina →
See North Carolina heritage criteria compared: How Wilmington's heritage designation ranks in North Carolina →
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