Tree Protection and Removal

Section 156.225 of the Town's Code of Ordinances outlines the provisions for tree removal of protected species. Residential trees that are 16 inches in diameter or greater are protected.  The following trees are not protected unless located in a buffer, right-of-way, or easement,  and can be removed without a permit: pines, Sweet Gum, Callary Pear varieties, River Birch, Mimosa, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Camphor tree and White Poplar. Historic trees (24 inches or larger) require an arborist report and/or a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.  

Tree Removal Requests

Approval for tree removal can be obtained by submitting a request online through our website.  There are separate forms for requesting tree removal on lots with an existing structure and requesting tree removal associated with any type of construction (new home, renovation, addition, pool, shed, etc.).  

Residential Tree Removal

Residential tree removal on lots with an existing structure are reviewed and approved by the Department of Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods. 

Beginning June 5, 2023, all tree removal requests must include the following:

• A photo of the tree showing the canopy and trunk of the tree (entire tree if possible). Photos of any cracks, cavities, or other areas of damage, decline, or concern should be included with the request as well.  
• An arborist report for all historic trees (24 inches or larger)

Trees requested for removal because of structural damage may require an structural engineering report. 

Mitigation, or placement of new trees on the site, may be required in order to remove the desired tree. A mitigation affidavit must be signed by the owner and submitted prior to the tree removal permit being issued.

Once the tree removal request is approved, and the mitigation affidavit submitted (if required), the tree removal company can pick up the tree removal permit at the Business License office. Tree removal permits must be clearly displayed on site in an obvious and noticeable location, such as a window or storm door, for review during the tree removal process. 

Pursuant to §156.226 and  §156.231of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances, removal of any trees without approval and a permit displayed will result in a fine to both the homeowner AND the tree removal company.  Please contact the Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods office if you have any questions at trees@tompsc.com or by calling 843-884-1229.  

Tree Mitigation

Mitigation, or placement of new trees on the site, may be required in order to remove the desired tree.  Any mitigation required will be indicated on the tree determination and tree permit. The amount of required tree replacement will be based on the tree species, quality of the tree being removed, and the use of the property (residential or commercial). The Tree Replacement Table shows the tree replacement requirements as outlined in section 156.225.

Mitigation can be completed by either planting the entire number of mitigation inches on the property, planting a portion of the mitigation inches on the property and paying into the Tree Bank for the remaining inches required, or paying into the Tree Bank for all of the mitigation inches required. Replacement trees must be one of the species provided in the Town canopy tree list found in section 156.201(G)(1) of the Town of Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances accessible online. 

Concerns regarding mitigation required should be addressed PRIOR to the tree being removed by contacting PLAN staff at trees@tompsc.com or by calling our office at 843-884-1229. 

Tree Removal Associated with Construction

Removal of a tree associated with any type of construction is approved during the building permit approval process by the Building Inspections Office. You can contact the Building Inspections Office at 843-884-5184 if you have any questions regarding the building permit application process.

Tree Removal Associated with a Vision Corridor

A vision corridor is a vertical area cut through the vegetated buffer, allowing a view and access to wetlands, tidelands, and beach systems and requires approval from our Engineering and Development Services Department.  Contact Engineering and Development Services Department at 843-856-3080 if you have any questions.