Tree Removal Permitting

Property owners wanting to remove trees from their property must first submit a Tree Removal Application Worksheet.

Once the application has been reviewed and processed, staff will schedule a site visit. Trees which meet the criteria for removal, will be issued a Tree Removal Permit. Trees which do not meet criteria will be denied a Tree Removal Permit.

Click the link below to download a Tree Removal Application Worksheet. Please allow a minimum of 10 business days to process and review this request.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET(PDF, 230KB)

Appeals of decisions by the Tree Program Manager or their designee can be made to the Board of Adjustment, in accordance with Section 4.10 of the Unified Development Ordinance.

Variances shall be heard by the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment must follow the standards found in Section 4.10 of the Unified Development Ordinance.

Any person found in violation shall be subject to a civil penalty of $500 as permitted by N.C.G.S. 14-4 and shall be required to replant the disturbed area in accordance with an approved vegetation preservation plan that meets the guidelines of subsection 32-74(c)(PDF, 355KB) and Section 32-76(PDF, 355KB).

The Tree Program Manager or their designee may stay enforcement of the civil penalty if the offender replants the disturbed area in accordance with an approved vegetation preservation plan that meets the guidelines of subsection 32-74(c) and section 32-76, provided, however, the option to stay penalty does not apply to heritage trees removed without a permit.

Please Note:

• Town staff does not provide consultations or remedial recommendations. Please consult an independent arborist to provide consultation or remedial recommendations.
• If tree removal is related to any type of construction project (new build, addition, renovation, repair, pool, deck/patio, ADU, etc.) it must be approved through the Building Permit Application(PDF, 989KB) review process.
• Tree removal requests for Heritage Trees (hardwood 15" DBH or larger and soft wood 30" or greater) must include an Arborist Report. NOTE: To calculate DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) at a height of 4' 8" measure around the tree, then divide the number of inches around by 3.14, to get the diameter (DBH).
• All trees requested for removal must be marked with either ribbon, flagging tape, or cording.
• All concerns regarding tree removal must be addressed prior to removal of the approved tree(s). Determinations may be appealed within 30 days of receipt of Staff's notification.