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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Chapel Hill'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 8" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Chapel Hill Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) §5.7 Tree Protection governs tree preservation on all development sites including residential subdivisions. Significant trees: ≥8 inches DBH. Specimen/heritage trees: ≥24 inches DBH or any tree of exceptional size, age, or historical significance. Rural Buffer and Resource Conservation District overlays add enhanced tree protection. Historic District COA required for tree removal on regulated properties. Heritage / landmark designation: Specimen/heritage trees ≥24 inch DBH or any tree of exceptional size, age, or historical significance 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 Chapel Hill: 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; replacement/mitigation plan; arborist report for specimen/heritage 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 Chapel Hill Planning Department. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks for tree protection review as part of development submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/planning.

    View the full Chapel Hill ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch replacement for significant trees; enhanced ratios for specimen/heritage trees per LUMO §5.7. 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

Chapel Hill Planning Department

(919) 968-2728

Other North Carolina permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Chapel Hill permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment