Tree removal permit rules in Winston-Salem, NC — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Removing trees on private residential property in Winston-Salem generally does not require a permit, but city-owned street trees, trees in protected buffers (UDO zoning districts), and trees on development sites require review. Replacement or mitigation may be required.
Winston-Salem Unified Development Ordinances (UDO) include tree-protection standards for new development, stormwater buffers, and certain overlay districts. Single-family homeowners removing non-heritage trees from their own yard generally do not need a permit. However: any tree in the public right-of-way (commonly the strip between sidewalk and curb) is city-owned and cannot be removed without approval from the Vegetation Management Division. Trees inside a riparian buffer along Salem Creek, Muddy Creek, or other protected streams fall under NC DEQ buffer rules. Trees on lots being developed, subdivided, or receiving major permits are subject to UDO tree-save and landscape requirements. HOAs may impose their own restrictions independent of city code.
Unauthorized removal of city tree: replacement cost (often $500-$2,000) + civil penalty. Illegal removal in a stream buffer: NC DEQ civil penalty up to $25,000 per day.
Winston-Salem, NC
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See how Winston-Salem's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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