Tree Protection in Columbia, SC (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Columbia, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Columbia has no separate "heritage tree" list; instead its Unified Development Ordinance singles out "grand trees" for extra protection at Sec. 17-5.4(e), Removal of Grand Trees. Taking one down requires a Tree Removal Permit, and the Zoning Administrator must weigh nine specific factors, including health, species, and historic value, before approving removal.
Columbia Grand Tree Removal Standards
Significant RestrictionsColumbia, SC Unified Development Ordinance § 17-5.4(e)
(e) Removal of Grand Trees Standards for Evaluating Proposed Removal of a Grand Tree The following factors shall be considered in evaluating a request to remove a grand tree as part of a Tree Removal Permit application: a. The topography of the site; b. Any proposed grade changes; c. The location of utilities and driveways; d. The location of the grand tree; e. Proposed tree planting or transpl...
Protected Tree Species
Columbia's Unified Development Ordinance defines a "protected tree" at Sec. 17-5.4(c)(1) as any grand tree, any tree used to meet minimum tree-density or landscaping requirements, or any healthy tree at least six inches in trunk diameter standing in a required buffer yard, street protective yard, or interior parking-lot planting area. Disturbing one triggers permitting and protection-zone rules.
Columbia Protected Tree Rules Under Sec. 17-5.4
Some RestrictionsColumbia, SC Unified Development Ordinance § 17-5.4(c)(1)
(c) General Protected Tree For the purposes of this Section, a "protected tree" is: a. Any grand tree (see Sec. 17-9.4, Definitions); b. Any tree identified for use to meet the minimum tree-density requirements set forth in Sec. 17-5.3(h), Site Tree Density; c. Any tree used to meet any standard in Sec. 17-5.3, Landscaping; d. Any tree in fair or better condition (see Sec. 17-9.4, Definitions) ...
Parkway Planting
New subdivisions in Columbia must plant one street tree for every 40 linear feet of lot frontage, set within a planting strip at least five feet wide between the street and any required sidewalk, under Sec. 17-6.2(c)(9) of the Unified Development Ordinance's subdivision design standards.
Columbia's Required Street Tree Planting
Some RestrictionsColumbia, SC Unified Development Ordinance § 17-6.2(c)(9)
Street Trees a. Unless prohibited in accordance with b below, street trees that comply with the following standards are required: 1. At least one street tree shall be planted for every 40 linear feet measured along proposed lot frontages, excluding where driveways are located. 2. Street trees shall comply with Sec. 17-5.3(c), General Landscaping Standards, except as otherwise provided in this S...
Looking for Richland County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbia city rules.
Tree Protection in Richland County →