Tree removal permit — protected sizes and species

Governed by Zoning Code Subchapter E, §§ 156.700–156.709 (Ord. passed 1-14-25; the new Zoning Code was adopted January 14, 2025 and is effective May 1, 2025). § 156.700(E): "No person, firm, organization, society, association, or corporation, or any agent or representative thereof, shall directly or indirectly destroy or remove any protected, significant, or historic tree, except as authorized under the provisions of this chapter." § 156.702(A)(1): "Prior to removal of any protected, significant, or historic tree, the applicant must obtain a tree removal permit issued by the Zoning Administrator, an approved clearing and grading permit, or any other tree removal permit, as appropriate." THRESHOLDS. Town Trees page: "Any trees on residential lots 16 inches or greater in diameter when measuring 4 1/2 feet from the ground. are protected and need approval before being removed. Pine Trees 24 inches or greater in diameter are also protected under the new zoning code. Trees located within special buffer areas, critical areas, easements, or rights-of-way may be protected regardless of size or species." Table 156.702-2 sets the DBH protected threshold by land use: single-family and townhouse lots 16+ inches; single-family and townhouse subdivisions 16+ inches; multi-family, commercial and other land uses 8+ inches. EXEMPT SPECIES (Class IV, Table 156.702-1): "Pine species, Sweet Gum, Callary Pear varieties, River Birch, Mimosa, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Camphor tree, White Poplar, Mulberry, Leyland Cypress" — 0 percent replacement. Footnote 4: these are exempt "except that Pine species and Sweet Gum shall be maintained in undisturbed buffers. and Pine species greater than 24 inches DBH are considered historic trees and are protected as such (see § 156.703(D))." HOW TO MEASURE (Town page): measure to a point 4.5 feet up the trunk, wrap a tape to get circumference, divide by pi. "If the tree trunk splits at ground level and does not share a common base, each trunk shall be measured as a separate tree. If a multi-trunk tree splits below the 4.5 foot mark all trunks 6 inches or larger in diameter at 4.5 feet shall be measured separately and combined to count as one tree." FEE: "A non-refundable $50 permit application fee must be paid prior to acceptance and review of the tree removal request" (published figure as of the date checked, 2026-09-03). Contact trees@tompsc.com or (843) 884-1229.