Charleston Code Chapter 54 §54-411 protects Grand Trees defined as live oaks 24 inches DBH or other species 30 inches DBH, requiring permits and mitigation for removal or major pruning.
Charleston's tree protection ordinance, codified at Charleston Code §54-411, designates Grand Trees as live oaks measuring 24 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) or larger, and other native species at 30 inches DBH or larger. Removal, severe pruning, or root-zone disturbance of a Grand Tree requires a permit from the City Arborist and is generally only approved for hazard, disease, or hardship. Mitigation requires replacement trees or fee-in-lieu payments to the city tree fund. The ordinance applies to private property including residential lots. Construction near Grand Trees requires tree protection fencing.
Unpermitted Grand Tree removal: fines up to $1,000 per inch of DBH plus mandatory replacement at 2-3x caliper inches or fee-in-lieu paid to tree fund.
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