Tree removal permit rules in Greensboro, NC — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Greensboro requires tree conservation plans for commercial and multi-family sites under LDO Articles 10 and 12.1. Single-family homes are exempt.
The Greensboro Land Development Ordinance (LDO) includes tree conservation requirements under Article 12.1, Tree Conservation, and landscaping standards under Article 10. These regulations require developers of commercial, retail, and multi-family projects to save a portion of existing trees on their property and to submit tree conservation plans for projects on sites of one acre or more. Specimen trees receive enhanced protection, and when protected trees must be removed, mitigation is required through replanting or payment into a tree fund. The City Arborist in the Planning Department administers the tree conservation ordinance. Importantly, the tree conservation ordinance does not apply to existing single-family residences, and property owners of individual homes do not need a city permit to remove trees on their private property. The Landscaping and Tree Conservation Manual provides detailed illustrations and design alternatives for compliance.
Removal of protected trees on commercial, retail, or multi-family development sites without an approved tree conservation plan may result in stop-work orders, required mitigation through replanting or payment into a tree fund, and denial of development permits. Civil penalties may apply for unpermitted clearing on regulated sites.
Greensboro, NC
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Greensboro, NC
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Greensboro, NC
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Greensboro, NC
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Greensboro, NC
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Greensboro, NC
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