Tree Protection in Mount Pleasant, SC (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
In the Town of Mount Pleasant, § 156.710 classifies any tree 24 inches or larger in diameter at breast height as a 'historic tree,' with live oaks of that size protected under all circumstances, and § 156.702(E)(2) sends removal of a Category I or II historic tree to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a decision.
Mount Pleasant Protects Historic Trees Over 24 Inches
Significant RestrictionsMount Pleasant Code of Ordinances § 156.710
HISTORIC TREE. Any tree with diameter breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or larger, with the following exceptions: (1) Exempt trees, including invasive species, as provided herein; and (2) For the purpose only of requiring a variance for removal of historic trees or historic tree replacement requirements, non-exempt tree species (with the exception of live oak trees) containing three or more ...
Protected Tree Species
The Town of Mount Pleasant's tree protection subchapter, Town Code § 156.710, defines a 'protected tree' as any tree with an 8-inch or greater diameter at breast height, plus certain smaller trees protected by buffers or approval conditions, and a 'significant tree' as one measuring 16 inches DBH or larger; § 156.701(B) bars removing either without following the subchapter.
Mount Pleasant Defines Protected and Significant Trees
Some RestrictionsMount Pleasant Code of Ordinances § 156.710
PROTECTED TREE. ... Any tree with a diameter breast height (DBH) of eight inches or greater, and any smaller trees protected through special zones or buffers or as a condition of approval by any of the town’s boards or commissions. This term also includes trees planted as mitigation. ... SIGNIFICANT TREE. Any tree with a diameter breast height (DBH) of 16 inches or larger.
Parkway Planting
In the Town of Mount Pleasant, street trees planted within the public right-of-way of new streets must follow Town Council's design standards under Code § 155.048(21), including a 60-foot minimum right-of-way width and a 5-foot buffer from pavement.
Street Tree Planting Rules in Mount Pleasant
Some RestrictionsMount Pleasant Code of Ordinances § 155.048(21)
(21) Street trees. The planting of street trees can provide innumerable benefits relative to the visual quality and health of the built environment, but may also result in damage to expensive public infrastructure as they mature. Therefore, a balanced approach to their installation is required to secure their benefits and to limit their detrimental effects. In light of these factors, street t...
Looking for Charleston County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mount Pleasant city rules.
Tree Protection in Charleston County →