Landscaping Rules in Richland County, SC (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Richland County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
A homeowner can remove trees on their own single-family lot without a county permit. On land being developed, Richland County's LDC protects "grand trees" and larger trees in protected zones; removing them requires approval and replacement planting.
Tree Removal Rules in Richland County
Some RestrictionsRichland County LDC § 26-176(k)
No grand tree shall be removed unless it is determined that there is no alternative due to unavoidable grading or because of required configuration of essential utilities or buildings.
Weed Ordinances
In developed parts of unincorporated Richland County, grass or weeds over 12 inches tall, or trailing vines over 10 feet, can be declared an unlawful nuisance. The Sheriff serves notice, and unabated growth can be cut by the county and billed to the owner as a lien.
Richland County weeds and tall grass ordinance
Some RestrictionsRichland County Code § 18-4
Grass or weeds in excess of twelve (12) inches in height or trailing vines exceeding ten (10) feet in length ... dead or desiccated growth that poses a fire or other safety hazard and is located within ten (10) feet of a property line ... may be deemed and declared a nuisance.
Native Plants
Richland County does not require homeowners to plant native species, but its Land Development Code favors them: on development sites, trees and plants in parking-lot islands that treat stormwater "must consist of native trees and plants." Homeowner yards are exempt from these standards.
Native Plant Rules in Richland County
Some RestrictionsRichland County LDC § 26-176(g)
Trees and plants that are planted in parking lot islands that function as stormwater quality treatment BMPs must consist of native trees and plants.
Landscaping Rules by City in Richland County
1 cities in Richland County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Richland County ordinances
See every category we cover for Richland County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Richland County Ordinance Hub →