Tree survey requirements.
Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-328
in effectSec. 54-328. - Tree survey requirements.
a. Application for a building permit. Application for a building permit where protected trees are proposed to be removed shall require the submission of a site plan or plat which includes the following:
1. A tree survey overlay at the same scale as the site plan or plat, which locates all protected trees identified by D.B.H. and species. Dead or diseased trees shall be identified. Groups of trees in close proximity, (i.e. those within five feet of each other) may be designated as a clump of trees, with the predominant species, estimated number and average diameter indicated. All tree surveys shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, surveyor or engineer registered in South Carolina and shall have an accuracy of plus or minus three feet ( 3′). For developments including but not limited to golf courses, parks, playgrounds or other outdoor public recreational developments and cemeteries, which exceed ten (10) acres, an aerial photograph or a print of equal quality may be substituted for a tree survey with the approval of the Zoning Administrator in instances where the Zoning Administrator determines that they would provide the same information as the tree survey;
2. Location of all existing and proposed structures, improvements, rights-of-way, and easements on the property and designation of all public rights-of-way and other public lands adjacent to the property;
3. Designation of protected trees to be saved and those to be relocated or removed;
4. An illustration of how trees are to be protected during development in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 54-330;
5. If existing protected trees are to be relocated, a designation of the location where they are proposed to be replanted. If protected trees are to be replaced, the size and species of recommended trees that are proposed and the location where they are proposed to be replanted;
6. Any proposed changes in grade or drainage on the property with an illustration of how protected trees are to be maintained;
7. The name, signature, seal and address of the site surveyor, who shall be responsible for the accuracy of the information provided.
b. Application for subdivision approval. Application for subdivision approval where protected trees are proposed to be impacted shall require the following information in addition to plat information required by Section 54-810 and 54-811:
1. A tree survey overlay on the plat which locates all grand trees identified by D.B.H. and species. Dead or diseased trees shall be identified. All tree surveys for subdivisions involving the construction of roads or drainage easements shall be performed by a licensed, registered surveyor and shall have an accuracy of plus or minus three feet ( 3′). All other tree surveys shall be prepared by a landscape architect, surveyor or engineer registered in South Carolina and shall have an accuracy of plus or minus three feet ( 3′);
2. Limits of areas proposed to be clearcut for proposed structures, improvements, rights-of-way, and easements. Clearcutting beyond the limits as shown on the plat or site plan shall not be permitted.
3. A tree protection plan showing how grand trees located in development areas are to be protected during development in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 54-330.
Source: City of Charleston, South Carolina, Code of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinance (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/sc/charleston/codes/zoning?nodeId=ART3SIRE_PT6TRPRRE_S54-328TRSUREFetched: 11/7/2026