Landscaping Rules in Wilmington, NC (2026)
2 verified landscaping rules for Wilmington, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
No one may remove a tree from public or private property in Wilmington without a tree removal permit from the city manager first, under Sec. 18-471. The permit is a prerequisite for clearing, grading, sedimentation-control permits and building permits alike, and it must be posted at the job site alongside every other permit for as long as work continues.
Wilmington Tree Removal Permit Requirement
Significant RestrictionsCity of Wilmington Land Development Code § 18-471
No person, directly or indirectly, shall remove any tree from public or private property without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the city manager. A tree removal permit is required before any clearing; grading or other authorizations may be issued including soil and sedimentation control permits and building permits. An approved tree removal permit for new construction shall apply to...
Weed Ordinances
Wilmington requires every owner, lessee, or occupant to keep their property clear of weeds, bushes, and wild growth, including grass over eight inches tall. City Code Section 10-18 extends that duty to the strip between the property line and the curb, and a parallel eight-inch threshold under Section 10-28 triggers formal nuisance abatement on vacant lots.
Wilmington 8-Inch Grass and Weed Height Limit
Some RestrictionsWilmington City Code § 10-18(b), (c)
(b)Every owner, lessee or occupant of any property within the city shall keep the same clean and clear of all weeds, bushes and any wild growth thereon, including grass over eight (8) inches in height. Every owner, lessee or occupant shall also keep such property free and clear of all filth, open wells or containers, and all refuse materials of every kind and description.(c)As provided in secti...
Looking for New Hanover County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Wilmington city rules.
Landscaping Rules in New Hanover County →