Matthews has a strong tree protection ordinance. Pruning on private property is allowed, but trimming street trees or protected trees requires coordination with the Town arborist.
Matthews Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) protects specimen trees (generally 30 inches DBH or greater) and trees in buffers or tree save areas. Routine maintenance pruning on private, non-protected trees is permitted without a permit. Street trees in Town right-of-way may only be pruned by or with approval from Matthews Public Works. Utility line clearance by Duke Energy follows ANSI A300 standards. Improper pruning that damages protected trees can trigger replacement requirements.
Damage to a protected tree: replacement at 1:1 to 3:1 ratio or mitigation fee based on trunk diameter. Unauthorized street tree work: citation by Public Works.
Matthews, NC
Vehicle noise in Matthews is regulated under state law N.C.G.S. 20-128 requiring functional mufflers, plus local provisions prohibiting loud exhaust, revving...
Matthews, NC
Matthews enforces nighttime quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 8 AM on weekends under the Town Code noise provisions, with plainly audib...
Matthews, NC
Matthews does not have a leaf-blower-specific ordinance; operation is governed by general noise and construction-hour restrictions in the Town Code.
Matthews, NC
Construction activity in Matthews is generally permitted 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday with Sunday restrictions, consistent with Mecklenburg County co...
Matthews, NC
Amplified music in Matthews requires special event permits when held outdoors in public spaces; residential amplified sound is subject to the plainly audible...
Matthews, NC
Aircraft noise in Matthews is governed exclusively by federal FAA regulations; local ordinances cannot regulate aircraft operations or altitudes.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Mecklenburg County.
See how other cities in Mecklenburg County handle tree trimming.
See how Matthews's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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