Charleston County, SC Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Charleston County, SC, 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 rule
- ZLDR Article 9.2
- Grand Tree permit
- Required to remove 24-inch trees
- Land clearing
- Zoning Permit required first
- Non-SFR protection
- Trees 8 inches or greater
- Apply to
- trees@charlestoncounty.org, 843-202-7200
Summary
Unincorporated Charleston County requires a permit before removing protected trees. Grand Trees (24-inch-plus diameter, except pine/sweetgum) need a Grand Tree Removal Permit, and clearing any land requires a Zoning Permit first. On non-single-family land, all trees 8 inches or larger are protected.
All Grand Trees are prohibited from removal unless a Grand Tree Removal Permit is issued. A Permit may be approved based on whether the tree is dead, diseased, dying, or a hazard. If not, the tree may be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals in the case of a hardship. Do I need a permit to clear my land for development? Yes, before clearing any property, contact the Charleston County Zoning and Planning Department to obtain a Zoning Permit.
Full Breakdown
Charleston County's ZLDR Article 9.2 is the operative tree-permit rule for unincorporated land. All Grand Trees are prohibited from removal unless a Grand Tree Removal Permit is issued, and permits are approved based on whether the tree is dead, diseased, dying, or a hazard; otherwise removal needs Board of Zoning Appeals approval for hardship. Before clearing any property, an owner must contact Zoning & Planning to obtain a Zoning Permit. For non-single-family-residential uses, all trees 8 inches or greater in diameter are protected. Applications go to the county Zoning & Planning Department (trees@charlestoncounty.org, 843-202-7200), and mitigation or replanting may be required.
Violations & Fines
Removing a protected or Grand Tree, or clearing land, without the required permit is a ZLDR violation subject to enforcement, mandatory mitigation/replanting, and fines through Zoning & Planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a tree removal permit?
How do I get a Grand Tree removed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston County
Compare Charleston County to another location·View the South Carolina landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.