Glynn County, GA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Glynn County, GA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Tree Canopy Preservation Ordinance § 624
- Canopy goal
- 50% cover on St. Simons Island
- Triggers permit
- Commercial sites; residential lots ≥1 acre
- Reviewing officials
- County Arborist; Islands Planning Commission
- Max fine
- $1,000 per offense (misdemeanor)
- Appeal deadline
- 30 days to Board of Commissioners
Summary
On St. Simons Island, clearing or removing trees on commercial property, on residential lots of one acre or more, or in the Village Preservation District requires an approved Tree Plan before a site plan, preliminary plat, or land disturbance permit can issue. The county's Tree Canopy Preservation Ordinance targets 50 percent canopy cover and routes every qualifying removal through the County Arborist for review.
624.2Applicability, Exemptions, and Nonconforming Commercial Developments.(a)Applicability. It is the goal of Glynn County to achieve and maintain a tree canopy cover of at least 50 percent on St. Simons Island and to promote the functional distribution of that canopy throughout St. Simons Island. Compliance with the tree canopy cover requirement is achieved by requiring an approved Tree Plan for applicable sites. ... 3)Prior to clearing property or permitting the clearing of property zoned commercial;4)Prior to clearing property or permitting the clearing of property zoned residential if such residential property is one acre or larger in area; ... 624.10Penalties.(a)A violation of the provisions of this Section shall be a misdemeanor. The maximum permissible fine shall be $1,000.00 per offense.
Full Breakdown
The Tree Plan is filed with the Planning and Zoning Department, inspected and reviewed by the County Arborist, and then forwarded with a recommendation to either the Islands Planning Commission (for site plans and Island Preservation District demolition permits) or the Planning and Zoning Director (for preliminary plats, expedited subdivisions, land disturbance permits, and commercial clearing). Exemptions cover single-family lots platted before the ordinance, building permits that don't require site plan approval, golf-course fairways and out-of-bounds areas, right-of-way work done by or for a government agency or utility trimming, danger trees the County Arborist finds hazardous, land zoned and used for agriculture or silviculture, and licensed tree nurseries. An applicant denied a Tree Plan may appeal to the Board of Commissioners within 30 days of the decision, and the Board's review is limited to the existing record; no new evidence is heard.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $1,000 per offense. Minimum fines escalate for repeat violators: $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second, and $900 for a third or subsequent offense. Trees removed in violation of an approved Tree Plan must be replaced at 125 percent of the caliper lost, work can be stopped by written notice from the Planning and Zoning Director, and a noncompliant project can be denied its certificate of occupancy until it is brought into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree on my St. Simons Island home lot?
What happens if I remove a tree without an approved Tree Plan?
Who reviews a Tree Plan application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glynn County
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