Historic trees (24 inches DBH and larger) — the trap for new owners

Mount Pleasant's term is "historic tree," not "grand tree" (Charleston's term). Town page: "Historic trees (24 inches or larger) require an arborist report and/or a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals." And: "All tree removal requests for historic trees (24 inches in diameter or larger) must include an arborist report. Trees requested for removal because of structural damage may require a structural engineering report." § 156.702(A)(4): "On all properties, the removal of historic trees, except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, requires approval as specified in this section or in § 156.704." § 156.702(E)(2) (detached house lots): "Removal of Category I or II historic trees or pine trees greater than 24 inches DBH classified as 'good' or 'fair' shall be decided by the Board of Zoning Appeals, except as provided in § 156.704." Table 156.702-1 footnote 2: "Approval of an historic tree removal request (>24 inches DBH) may require review by the Board of Zoning Appeals or Design Review Board and have other replacement requirements." Category I (80–100 points) includes Live Oak, Bald Cypress, American Beech, Ginko, American Holly, Southern Magnolia, Sweetbay Magnolia, Tupelo, Chinese Pistache, White Oak, Willow Oak, Overcup Oak, Chestnut Oak, Eastern Red Cedar. Category II (60–79) includes Persimmon, Ash species, Hickory species, Tulip Poplar, Sycamore, Swamp White Oak, Scarlet Oak, Southern Red Oak, Shumard Oak, Post Oak, Laurel Oak, Pecan. § 156.704(A) allows the Zoning Administrator to authorize removal in writing where a tree is severely damaged, of inferior quality, or hazardous, and may require a written assessment by an ISA certified arborist, ISA TRAQ certified arborist, or registered engineer; the Zoning Administrator's decision is final subject to appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals.