Tree Protection in Charleston, SC (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Charleston, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Charleston requires permits to remove protected trees on private property, including any tree 8 inches DBH or larger in many districts, with mitigation tied to caliper inches removed.
Tree Removal Permits Required Citywide
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Charleston Code Chapter 54 §54-411 protects Grand Trees defined as live oaks 24 inches DBH or other species 30 inches DBH, requiring permits and mitigation for removal or major pruning.
Charleston Grand Tree Protection Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Charleston requires replacement trees or fee-in-lieu payments when permitted trees are removed, with replacement caliper tied to the size of the tree removed and species suitability requirements.
Tree Replacement Mitigation Standards
Some RestrictionsLooking for Charleston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Charleston city rules.
Tree Protection in Charleston County →