Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant, SC Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Historic tree threshold
24 inches DBH or larger
Live oak rule
24-inch DBH live oaks always historic
Removal decided by
Board of Zoning Appeals (Category I/II)
Governing sections
§§ 156.710, 156.702(E)
Exception authority
Zoning Administrator, § 156.704 (hazard trees)
Max penalty
$500 fine/30 days + $1,000 civil

Summary

In the Town of Mount Pleasant, § 156.710 classifies any tree 24 inches or larger in diameter at breast height as a 'historic tree,' with live oaks of that size protected under all circumstances, and § 156.702(E)(2) sends removal of a Category I or II historic tree to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a decision.

HISTORIC TREE. Any tree with diameter breast height (DBH) of 24 inches or larger, with the following exceptions: (1) Exempt trees, including invasive species, as provided herein; and (2) For the purpose only of requiring a variance for removal of historic trees or historic tree replacement requirements, non-exempt tree species (with the exception of live oak trees) containing three or more separate trunks are considered a significant tree, subject to the applicable removal and replacement requirements of significant trees. Live oak tree species with a DBH of 24 inches or larger are considered HISTORIC TREES under all circumstances.

View official code

Full Breakdown

710 defines a historic tree as any tree with a diameter breast height of 24 inches or larger, carving out exempt species such as invasive trees. A special rule protects live oaks specifically: live oak tree species with a DBH of 24 inches or larger are considered historic trees under all circumstances, regardless of the tree's health or number of trunks. Non-exempt species with three or more separate trunks, other than live oaks, are instead treated as significant trees for variance and replacement purposes even at that size. 704's exception provisions apply, such as a severely damaged or hazardous tree the Zoning Administrator may authorize for removal directly. 702(G)(2). 702(F)(4).

Violations & Fines

Removing a historic tree without Board of Zoning Appeals approval where § 156.702(E)(2) or (G)(2) requires it, or without the underlying tree removal permit required by § 156.702(A), is enforced as a misdemeanor under § 156.709(C): a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days imprisonment, or both, plus a civil penalty of up to $1,000, with each historic tree removed treated as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a tree 'historic' under Mount Pleasant's code?
Section 156.710 defines a historic tree as any tree with a diameter at breast height of 24 inches or larger. Live oaks of that size are always historic trees regardless of health, while some other multi-trunk species at that size are instead treated as significant trees for variance purposes.
Who decides if I can remove a historic tree?
For a Category I or II historic tree, or a pine tree over 24 inches DBH rated good or fair, § 156.702(E)(2) sends the decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals rather than the Zoning Administrator, except where the hazard-tree exception in § 156.704 applies.
Can a hazardous historic tree be removed without BZA approval?
Yes, in limited cases. Section 156.704 lets the Zoning Administrator authorize removal, with replacement, of a tree that is severely damaged, of inferior quality, or hazardous, sometimes after requiring a written assessment from a certified arborist or engineer, bypassing the Board of Zoning Appeals process.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Mount Pleasant

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsParkway PlantingSome RestrictionsProtected Tree SpeciesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsLight Restrictions

All Mount Pleasant rules

Compare Mount Pleasant to another location·View the South Carolina tree protection overview

Get notified when Heritage & Protected Trees in Mount Pleasant, SC changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Charleston County handle heritage & protected trees.

Charleston, SC
Significant Restrictions
North Charleston, SC
Significant Restrictions