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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Cary'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 protection review as part of development submittal. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 10" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Town of Cary Land Development Ordinance (LDO) §7.2 Tree Protection and §7.3 Landscape and Buffer Yards govern tree preservation on all development sites. Protected trees ≥10 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. Cary is one of the most stringent NC tree-protection regimes: tree preservation is required on residential subdivisions as well as non-residential sites, with required tree-save areas by zoning district. Historic Overlay District (HOD) provisions add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. Heritage / landmark designation: Specimen/heritage trees designated by the Town Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. Historic Overlay District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Cary: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service; tree protection 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 protection plan with tree-save areas; replacement/mitigation plan; arborist report for specimen trees. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; tree protection plans prepared by Certified Arborist or registered landscape architect.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Cary Planning and Development Services / Urban Forestry. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks for tree protection review as part of development submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.townofcary.org/government/departments/planning-development-services.

    View the full Cary ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per LDO §7.2. 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.

Where to file

Cary Planning and Development Services / Urban Forestry

(919) 469-4080

Other North Carolina permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Cary permit?

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

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