Arin Prescott of Sharp’s Tree Construction Service attches rope to the branch of a pine tree at a house near Southport Wednesday, September 13, 2006. Several infected pine trees on the property needed to be removed due to pine bore beatles. The tree service specializes in tree trimming, tree removal, and maintenance. Photo by MATT BORN / WILMINGTON STAR-NEWS
Q. Are any permits required to cut down trees on my property? How big of trees can I cut down without notifying anyone?
A. That depends where you live.
If you live in Wilmington, you must obtain a permit before cutting down trees unless you live on a single-family, residentially-zoned lot that is less than 2 acres and contains a single-family residence, said city zoning inspector Steve Sattler. That means if you live in a duplex, you must get a tree removal permit before cutting anything down.
If you have questions about whether you need a permit and how to pursue one, call the city’s zoning office at 254-0900.
Now, if you live in the unincorporated areas of New Hanover County, any residential lot more than 1 acre in size needs a permit before removing any size tree, and all commercially-zoned lots are required to have a permit, said Linda Painter, a county zoning compliance official.
Call 798-7116 with questions about your unincorporated property.
If you live in other counties, give the local zoning office a call and ask them whether you need a permit.
RELATED LINKS:
Who is responsible for four dead trees at Forest Hills Drive and Wrightsville Avenue?
What’s up with all those dead-looking trees along the Cape Fear River?
Date posted: August 21, 2012
User-contributed question by:
Nathan
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