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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Fayetteville'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 12" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Fayetteville Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) landscape and tree preservation standards require tree preservation during site plan review for commercial, multi-family, institutional, and mixed-use development. Protected trees ≥12 inches DBH identified at site plan review require preservation or mitigation. The city maintains Historic District overlays with enhanced tree protection requirements. Heritage / landmark designation: Specimen/heritage trees designated at site plan review by the 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 Fayetteville: 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. 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 Fayetteville Development Services / Planning and Zoning. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://fayettevillenc.gov/government/city-departments/development-services.

    View the full Fayetteville ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per UDO landscape and tree preservation standards. On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Where to file

Fayetteville Development Services / Planning and Zoning

(910) 433-1613

Other North Carolina permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Fayetteville permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment