Unincorporated Charleston County requires a permit before removing protected trees. Grand Trees (24-inch-plus diameter, except pine/sweetgum) need a Grand Tree Removal Permit, and clearing any land requires a Zoning Permit first. On non-single-family land, all trees 8 inches or larger are protected.
Charleston County's ZLDR Article 9.2 is the operative tree-permit rule for unincorporated land. All Grand Trees are prohibited from removal unless a Grand Tree Removal Permit is issued, and permits are approved based on whether the tree is dead, diseased, dying, or a hazard; otherwise removal needs Board of Zoning Appeals approval for hardship. Before clearing any property, an owner must contact Zoning & Planning to obtain a Zoning Permit. For non-single-family-residential uses, all trees 8 inches or greater in diameter are protected. Applications go to the county Zoning & Planning Department (trees@charlestoncounty.org, 843-202-7200), and mitigation or replanting may be required.
Removing a protected or Grand Tree, or clearing land, without the required permit is a ZLDR violation subject to enforcement, mandatory mitigation/replanting, and fines through Zoning & Planning.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. SC Code §16-17-530 applies.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston addresses barking dogs under its animal control ordinances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors constitutes a nuisance. North Charles...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston permits construction during standard daytime hours. Construction activity is generally allowed from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 6 P...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates noise under Chapter 15, Article II of the City Code. Excessive noise that disturbs the peace is prohibited, with stricter enforcem...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates on-street parking through posted signs and general ordinances. Vehicles may not be parked for more than 72 hours in the same locat...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston requires driveways to meet certain standards. Parking is only allowed on paved or approved surfaces, and vehicles may not block sidewalks or...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Charleston County.
See how North Charleston's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.