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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Charlotte'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 plan 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. Charlotte Tree Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance Chapter 21) regulates tree preservation and planting on commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development sites. Protected large trees ≥8 inches DBH and specimen/heritage trees designated by the City Arborist receive enhanced review. Single-family residential lots are generally exempt from the removal permit except where heritage-tree or tree-save-area overlays apply. The Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance also applies to qualifying sites within Charlotte and provides tree-save-area standards. Heritage / landmark designation: Specimen/heritage trees designated by the City Arborist receive enhanced protection; removal requires demonstrated hardship, hazard, or approved site plan with enhanced mitigation. The city maintains a Historic Tree list of designated specimens.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Charlotte: Property owner, authorized agent, or licensed tree service; landscape plans for commercial and multi-family projects typically prepared by a registered landscape architect.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Tree survey with species, DBH, condition, and disposition; tree-save-area plan with preservation percentages; replacement/mitigation plan; arborist report for specimen or heritage trees. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; commercial tree work should be performed by licensed tree service familiar with Charlotte Tree Ordinance and Mecklenburg County standards..

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Charlotte Planning, Design and Development / Urban Forestry. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks for tree plan review as part of development submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://charlottenc.gov/Growth-Planning/Pages/Tree-Ordinance.aspx.

    View the full Charlotte ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

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

Where to file

Charlotte Planning, Design and Development / Urban Forestry

(704) 336-2205

Other North Carolina permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Charlotte permit?

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

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