Rock Hill, SC Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Tree spacing
- 30 feet on-center maximum
- Planting strip width
- 8 feet minimum
- Curb setback
- 4 feet minimum from back of curb
- Applies to
- New/extended roads, non-res & multi-family
- Species source
- Appendix 8-A canopy tree list
- Single-family option
- Street trees, streetscape, or tree save area
Summary
Rock Hill's Zoning Ordinance requires street trees along new and extended roads in non-residential and multi-family developments, spaced no more than 30 feet apart and set back at least 4 feet from the curb. Single-family developments may choose street trees as one of three landscaping options under the same standards.
Street trees are required for non-residential and multi-family in addition to streetscape landscaping when non-residential developments are constructing new roads, are extending roads that have street trees (such as in large shopping centers and business and industrial parks), or are adjacent to areas that have street trees (such as in downtown). The street trees must have an average on-center spacing of no less than 30 feet; however, the location of street trees may be modified to accommodate underground utilities, drainage structures, or existing power lines or other vertical obstructions. The planting strips must have a minimum width of 8 feet between the back of the curb and the sidewalk, with street trees located a minimum of 4 feet from the back of the curb. Permitted street trees are those recommended as street trees under the canopy tree list in Appendix 8-A, Landscape Materials List.
Full Breakdown
" The spacing standard is exact: trees must be planted "with an average on-center spacing of no less than 30 feet," though the location can shift to avoid underground utilities, drainage structures, or overhead power lines. " Only species on the canopy tree list in Appendix 8-A, Landscape Materials List, qualify as permitted street trees. 7 offers builders a choice among three landscaping paths: streetscape landscaping, street trees, or a tree save area covering at least 20% of the lot. 8 apply. 8 as the governing street-tree provisions, and Appendix 6-A contains the street cross-section diagrams showing where the required planting strip sits within the right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Development plans that omit required street trees or misplace the planting strip are held at plan review by the Planning and Development Department; non-conforming landscape plans are not approved for permitting until the canopy tree count, spacing, and curb setback match Section 8.7.8. Because the requirement attaches to plan approval rather than a standalone fine schedule, the practical consequence of noncompliance is a rejected site plan and delayed permit issuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart must street trees be planted in Rock Hill?
Does a single-family home in Rock Hill have to plant street trees?
What species can be used as a Rock Hill street tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock Hill
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