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

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Wilmington'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 8" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Wilmington Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 Article III (Trees) and Land Development Code tree preservation standards regulate tree preservation on development sites and establish heritage-tree protection citywide. Protected/regulated trees: ≥8 inches DBH. Heritage trees: live oak (Quercus virginiana) ≥24 inch DBH, bald cypress ≥24 inch DBH, and other designated specimen species receive heightened protection. Historic District overlays add enhanced tree protection on regulated properties. Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) buffer-zone rules apply on shoreline-adjacent properties. Heritage / landmark designation: Heritage designations apply at enhanced DBH thresholds for live oak, bald cypress, and other designated native species; 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 Wilmington: 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; arborist report for heritage trees. 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 Wilmington Planning, Development and Transportation / Urban Forestry. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/planning-development-and-transportation.

    View the full Wilmington ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: Inch-for-inch replacement for regulated trees; enhanced ratios (typically 2:1 or greater) for heritage trees per Chapter 18 Article III. On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the Wilmington Tree Replacement Fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible.

Where to file

Wilmington Planning, Development and Transportation / Urban Forestry

(910) 254-0900

Other North Carolina permit walkthroughs

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

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

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Wilmington permit?

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

Start a TRAQ assessment