Tree Protection in York County, SC (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in York County, South Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of York County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Heritage & Protected Trees

York County protects "grand trees," its version of heritage trees, on land being developed under Land Development Code Section 154.200. Thresholds run from 24-inch DBH for most species down to 6 inches for dogwood-class trees, plus any state champion tree. Existing homeowners are unaffected.

York County Heritage & Protected Tree Rules

Some Restrictions

York County, S.C. Code § 154.200(A)

A grand tree is a tree or group of trees considered to be important community assets due to their unique or noteworthy characteristics. A tree in fair or better health is considered a grand tree based on its species and size as shown in Table 154.200-1: Grand Trees. A grand tree includes any tree that appears on the South Carolina Champion Tree Inventory maintained by the Clemson University Dep...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parkway Planting

York County does not require street trees in single-family subdivisions, but if a developer plants them, § 154.094 sets exact placement rules: trees generally must sit outside the road right-of-way and at least 30 feet from the street centerline unless the Public Works Director approves a closer location.

York County Street Tree Planting Rules

Light Restrictions

York County, S.C. Code of Ordinances § 154.094

(A) Generally. The planting of street trees in single-family residential developments is not required. (B) Location. (1) If the developer elects to plant street trees to enhance the appearance of the development, the trees must be planted outside the right-of-way and at least 30 feet from the centerline of the street right-of-way unless the exemption of § 154.094(B)(3), below, applies. ... (3) ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Protection by City in York County

1 cities in York County have their own tree protection rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

Rock HillPop. 75,048

2 verified rules • Heritage & Protected Trees, Parkway Planting

All York County ordinances

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