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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Durham'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 12" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Durham Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) §9.8 Tree Protection regulates significant trees and heritage trees on all non-single-family-residential development sites. Significant trees: ≥12 inches DBH for most species. Heritage trees: ≥24 inches DBH or any tree of exceptional size, age, or historical significance designated by the City/County Arborist. Historic Overlay District (HOD) and Neighborhood Protection Overlay (NPO) provisions add enhanced tree protection in regulated districts. Durham operates under a joint City-County planning framework so Durham County tree provisions also apply within city limits on qualifying sites. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage trees: ≥24 inch DBH or any tree of exceptional size, age, or historical significance; enhanced mitigation required for removal. Historic Overlay District (HOD) Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) required for tree removal on regulated properties.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Durham: 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 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 Durham City-County Planning Department / General 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.durhamnc.gov/680/Unified-Development-Ordinance.

    View the full Durham ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch replacement for significant trees; enhanced ratios (typically 2:1 or greater) for heritage trees per UDO §9.8. On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the Durham Tree Mitigation Fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Where to file

Durham City-County Planning Department / General Services Urban Forestry

(919) 560-4137

Other North Carolina permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Durham permit?

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

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