Tree Ordinance

Originally adopted in 1978, the tree ordinance protects trees in the public right of way and those on private property as they relate to development. The ordinance also requires tree-planting with new construction.

The City of Charlotte adopted Tree Ordinance, City Code Chapter 21, is available for review online. Various interpretations and guidelines are also available for information on sections of the ordinance on the Tree Ordinance Guidelines page.

​Deleg​ation

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  • Land development permitting and rezoning processes
    The Urban Forestry team oversees the protection and planting of all trees in public street right of way and on private property within the land development permitting and rezoning processes. Urban forestry specialists on staff conduct plan review/approval and inspection.   Click on Land Dev​elopment Inspections/Project Area Territory Map for their areas and phone numbers.

  • Tree management and maintenance
    The City Arborist Office oversees protection, planting, and maintenance of trees on public property and street trees in the public right-of-way outside of land development permitting and rezoning processes. Permits are required to plant or remove any trees in the right-of-way. When there is a concern about a city street tree, a call can be placed to Landscape Management at ​704.336.4262 for inspection. 

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Charlotte's Crown Tree Awards

The Charlotte Tree Advisory Commission, on behalf of The Mayor and City Council, an​nually presents Charlotte's Crown Tree Awards in four different categories. These awards recognize excellence in tree preservation, tree planting, and tree advisory.  To be eligible, the site must have been complete for one year.

​Charlotte Urban Forestry - Tree Planting and Preservation Requirements - Standard Notes
(updated 1/26/2022)​

​A PDF-format list of standard notes regarding Plant Material, ​​Planting Requirements, Utility Issues, and Tree Save and Protection for use on Land Development plans is available Charlotte Urban Forestry - Tree Planting and Preservation Requirements.