Remove a tree

Tree branches

Benefits of Preserving a Tree

  • Enhance neighborhoods
  • Increase property values and businesses
  • Clean water
  • Support wildlife
  • Clean the air
  • Cool the city
  • Improve human health
  • Help lower electricity bills
  • Help mitigate climate change

If you still want to cut a tree, here are some things you should know:

Tree Removals in Historic Districts

Both a Tree Removal Permit and a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) are required for any tree removed from any lot and any right-of-way within one of the city's historic districts. To remove a tree in a historic district, applicants must first submit a tree removal application on the city’s Development & Permitting Services (DPS) online platform described below.

New Application Portal

The city’s Development & Permitting Services (DPS) online platform has expanded to allow citizens to apply for all Zoning Permits and Minor Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) online. The platform allows users to submit permit applications, track the progress of existing applications, resubmit plans and documents, and pay invoices.

All new permit applications must be submitted via the DPS site. Staff will be available to assist applicants with the new platform and submitting permit applications.

Getting Started Guide(PDF, 155KB) Apply Online

Beware of Fraudulent Invoices

The City of Wilmington is aware that fraudulent invoices have been sent to applicants requesting money via wire transfer. The emails often contain pertinent information pulled from the application (such as address, parcel number, and case number), but include a fake invoice with fabricated application fees.

Here are a few ways to spot a fraudulent invoice:

  • Applications must be filed online via the City's Development and Permitting Services (DPS) platform. This platform will generate invoices for application fees, and your personal dashboard on that platform will identify any outstanding fees. You can also obtain a copy of the invoice via that platform.
  • The City will never request payment via wire transfer or issue an invoice that asks you to contact someone via email or phone for them to provide the payment method. Acceptable payment types and locations are noted above.
  • Many of these invoices also reference exorbitant fees. As noted, your personal dashboard in the DPS platform will identify any outstanding fees. Additionally, the City's fee schedule(PDF, 469KB) is established annually and posted online. Please review the permit fees to ensure you are being charged the proper amount.

If ever in doubt, don't hesitate to call the City's Planning Department at +1-910-254-0900 to confirm if the email or invoice you have received is authentic. Or if you have any questions about online permitting, please email zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov.

Call before you cut

Step 1.Call before you cut

Please phone +1-910-254-0900 before you cut any trees to find out whether a permit is required. Cutting trees without a permit has consequences.

Step 2.Penalty (Private Property)

  • $150 per inch (diameter at breast height) or $1,200 per tree, whichever is greater, plus mitigation if required.
  • If mitigation is required and cannot be accomplished through replanting on-site, the mitigation fee $175 per inch (diameter at breast height) of the trees removed multiplied by 2.

Step 3.Penalty (Public Right-of-Way)

Visit Parks & Recreation's Tree and Parks Maintenance page for additional information.

Permit

Step 1.When is a permit required?

A permit is required for removal of any tree within the public right-of-way and for any tree with a diameter at breast height of 4 inches or greater located:

  • On all non-residential lots
  • On residential lots greater than 1 acre in size
  • Within a conservation resource setback or protective buffer
  • Within a local historic district, regardless of property size:

Both a Tree Removal Permit and a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) are required for any tree removed from any lot and any right-of-way within one of the city's historic districts. To remove a tree in a historic district, applicants must first submit a tree removal application on the City’s Development & Permitting Services (DPS) online platform.

Pursuant to Section 18-316(C) of the Land Development Code, protected trees may only be removed if essential site components cannot be accommodated elsewhere on the site. Factors such as cost or the need to accommodate nonessential site improvements shall not be valid reasons for removing protected trees. Mitigation for tree removal is required in some cases. Email zoning staff to inquire about mitigation requirements.

Land Development Code Section 18-316.1: Protected Trees

Step 2.Specimen Trees

Board of Adjustment approval is required for removal of specimen trees in all zoning districts other than the IND district.

Fees

Step 1.Fee Amount

Removal of Trees from Private Property

  • Less than one acre: $25
  • 1-5 acres: $50
  • 5-10 acres: $100
  • Greater than 10 acres: $150
  • Administrative permits where no tree is proposed for removal: $0
  • Mitigation: $175 per caliper inch of mitigation required

Removal of Trees from Public Right-of-Way

Visit Parks & Recreation's Tree Maintenance page for information on fees associated with removal of trees from public right-of-way

Step 2.Payment Options

If you plan to pay in advance, planning staff must first notify the collections department to enable acceptance of payments.

Payment by Phone

Payment in Person

  • 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday, except for holidays)
    Billing & Collections Office
    Skyline Center
    929 North Front Street, 1st Floor

Payment by Mail

  • Make checks payable to City of Wilmington.
  • Please include invoice number or account number.
Regular Mail
  • City of Wilmington Collections
    PO Box 1810
    Wilmington, NC 28402
Express Mail
  • City of Wilmington Collections
    929 North Front Street, 1st Floor
    Wilmington, NC 28401

Use this form to report tree removal activity or call the zoning team at +1-910-254-0900 for immediate attention.

Contact Us

Phone

+1-910-254-0900

Email

zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov

Location

929 North Front Street
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