Concord, NC Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Concord Development Ordinance Sec. 9 governs tree preservation for site development. It applies to new residential subdivisions of 30 or more dwelling units and to existing subdivisions of that size expanding by 5 percent or more of site area, for the expansion area only; single-family detached dwellings on individual lots of record are fully exempt. Before any tree removal or land clearing, the developer must complete an informal canopy and significant-tree assessment using aerial photography, drones, or another Administrator-approved method under Sec. 4(A). 5-1 must come from canopy identified in that assessment, prioritized toward areas containing significant trees, and set aside as a tree save area counted toward passive open space under Sec.

4(B). If the tree save area falls short of the required percentage, the developer must plant additional trees at a 35-by-35-foot spacing under Sec. 4(D). Tree save areas cannot be disturbed, cut, damaged, or removed except through the Sec. 3 modification process or a declared emergency such as a hurricane or tornado, and must be ringed with protective barricades set back one foot per inch of trunk DBH, or 8 feet, whichever is greater, backed by at least a 4-foot fence under Sec. 4(F)-(G). The City Arborist or another qualified designee may inspect tree save areas at any time during construction and again annually after the certificate of occupancy issues under Sec.

5. The Administrator may modify standards for genuine topographic hardship on written request with supporting site plans, and Administrator decisions are appealable to the Planning and Zoning Commission under Sec. 3.