Horry County, SC Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Horry 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
- Protected tree
- Specimen Live Oak, 24-in DBH+
- Removal authorization
- Zoning Board of Appeals variance
- Without variance
- Only if arborist certifies dying
- Applies to
- Any property, incl. single-family
- Fee in lieu
- $150/tree, doubled for live oaks
Summary
It is unlawful in Horry County to remove a Specimen Live Oak with a trunk 24 inches DBH or greater without authorization. Removal generally needs a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals, and mitigation (replacement trees or a fee in lieu) applies.
It is unlawful to injure, participate in, authorize, or cause the removal of any Specimen Live Oak (DBH of twenty-four (24) inches or greater). Authorization to do so shall come from: A variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Full Breakdown
Under the Horry County Zoning Ordinance (Appendix B, Article V, Section 505(B) Live Oak Standards), it is unlawful to injure, participate in, authorize, or cause the removal of any Specimen Live Oak with a DBH of twenty-four (24) inches or greater. Authorization normally comes from a variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals on findings such as a safety hazard, an agency requirement (parking, ingress/egress, stormwater), good urban-forestry justification, a grade cut, or significantly impaired reasonable use. The Zoning Administrator may authorize removal without a variance only if a certified arborist certifies the tree is diseased or dying and untreatable. The standards apply to any property, including single-family residential.
Violations & Fines
Removing a Specimen Live Oak without a variance or zoning compliance triggers mitigation under § 505(E): replacement trees whose total caliper equals the DBH removed, or a fee in lieu of $150 per replacement tree, doubled for protected and specimen
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut down a big live oak in my yard?
What if a live oak is dead or diseased?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Horry County
Compare Horry County to another location·View the South Carolina landscaping rules overview
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