How to apply for a tree removal permit in Asheville, North Carolina

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Asheville's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 8" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Asheville City Code Chapter 7 Article XI (Tree Protection) and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regulate tree preservation on development sites and establish heritage-tree protection citywide. Protected trees ≥8 inches DBH on commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development sites require preservation or mitigation. Heritage trees: designated specimens of exceptional size, age, or historical significance receive enhanced protection. Steep Slope Overlay and River Arts District overlays add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage trees designated by the Asheville Tree Commission or 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.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Asheville: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service; preservation plans prepared by registered landscape architect or ISA Certified Arborist.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree survey with species, DBH, location, condition, disposition; tree preservation plan; replacement/mitigation plan; arborist report for heritage trees. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; preservation plans by registered landscape architect.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Asheville Planning and Urban Design / Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.ashevillenc.gov/department/planning-urban-design/.

    View the full Asheville ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios (typically 2:1 or greater) for heritage trees per Chapter 7 Article XI. On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the Asheville Tree Fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Where to file

Asheville Planning and Urban Design / Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry

(828) 259-5830

Other North Carolina permit walkthroughs

See North Carolina replacement obligations compared — how Asheville's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See North Carolina heritage criteria compared — how Asheville's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Asheville permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Asheville's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment