Remove a tree

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Benefits of Preserving Trees

  • 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.

Apply for Tree Removal Permits and COAs Online

The city’s Development & Permitting Services (DPS) online platform allows 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.

Beginning August 11, 2025, all new permit applications must be submitted via the DPS site. Paper submittals will no longer be accepted. Staff will be available to assist applicants with the new platform and getting permit applications submitted.

Getting Started Guide Apply Online
Please note, the City will never request payment via wire transfer.

Application payments may only be made via check, cash, or credit card in-person at the City's Billing & Collections Office at the Skyline Center, 1st Floor, 929 N. Front St., via MasterCard or Visa over the phone by calling 910.343.4745 between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or via the City’s Development and Permitting Services (DPS) online portal.

Fraudulent emails often reference exorbitant application fees.

The City Fee Schedule is established annually and posted online. Please review the permit fees in the City Fee Schedule or on the Fee tab below to ensure you’re being charged the proper amount.

If ever in doubt, don't hesitate to call the City’s Planning Department at 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 call or email staff.

Call before you cut

Step 1.Call before you cut

Please call 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)

Contact Parks & Recreation

 

 

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 removal to accommodate nonessential site improvements shall not be valid reasons for removal of protected trees. Mitigation for tree removal is required in some cases. Contact us to inquire about mitigation requirements.

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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

Contact Parks & Recreation 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 (910.343.4745)

  • 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday, except for holidays)
  • Limited to VISA and MasterCard payments.

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

Please include invoice number or account number. Made checks payable to City of Wilmington.

  • 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

Report Tree Removal Activity or call 910.254.0900 for immediate attention

Contact Us

Phone

910.254.0900

Email

zoning@wilmingtonnc.gov

Location

Skyline Center
929 North Front Street
28401
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