Landscaping Rules in Charleston County, SC (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Charleston County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
You do not need a permit for light pruning, but in unincorporated Charleston County heavy pruning of a Grand Tree requires a Zoning Permit: removing three or more large limbs or thinning more than 25% of the leaf surface triggers county review under ZLDR Article 9.2.
Pruning Grand and Protected Trees in Charleston County
Some RestrictionsCharleston County ZLDR, Article 9.2 (Tree Protection and Preservation)
Removal of 3 or more limbs with an individual diameter of 6" or greater and excessive pruning or thinning that exceeds more than 25% of the leaf surface requires a Zoning Permit.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Unincorporated Charleston County requires a permit before removing protected trees. Grand Trees (24-inch-plus diameter, except pine/sweetgum) need a Grand Tree Removal Permit, and clearing any land requires a Zoning Permit first. On non-single-family land, all trees 8 inches or larger are protected.
Tree Removal Permits in Charleston County (ZLDR Article 9.2)
Some RestrictionsCharleston County ZLDR, Article 9.2 (Tree Protection and Preservation)
All Grand Trees are prohibited from removal unless a Grand Tree Removal Permit is issued. A Permit may be approved based on whether the tree is dead, diseased, dying, or a hazard. If not, the tree may be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals in the case of a hardship. Do I need a permit to clear my land for development? Yes, before clearing any property, contact the Charleston County Zoning a...
Weed Ordinances
It is unlawful to permit weeds and rank vegetation to grow on an improved residential or commercial lot in Charleston County. Owners must cut it, and after a 10-day notice the county can cut it and bill the owner.
Weeds and Rank Vegetation Limits
Some RestrictionsCharleston County Code Sec. 10-2(a)
It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee, or occupant, or any agent, representative, or employee of such owner (all persons hereinafter referred to as "owner") of any occupied or unoccupied improved lot which is located in a residential or commercial area within the county, to permit on any such lot the growth of weeds and rank vegetation. Any lot which has been improved may not be allowed to...
Landscaping Rules by City in Charleston County
2 cities in Charleston County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Charleston County ordinances
See every category we cover for Charleston County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Charleston County Ordinance Hub →