Town Logo Hilton Head Island


Tree Removal

The Town has established rules to protect the island's natural resources and keep them healthy for future generations.

  • The rules apply to trees and other plants, wetlands, dunes and beaches.
  • Different rules apply depending on the proposed project and its location.

It is always best to contact our Community Development Information Center at 843-341-4757 for guidance prior to starting a project.

When a Natural Resource Permit is Needed

When a Natural Resource Permit is Not Needed

A Natural Resource permit is not required to remove a tree when the tree is on a single family lot that does not have any recorded Town Buffers on the lot.

  • Typically single family lots within a Planned Unit Development District (LMO Sec 16-3-105.K and definitions section) do not have a town buffer, but always check with your POA prior to cutting any trees.

Single Family lots within overlay district buffers such as Folly Field neighborhood, Forest Beach district, Holiday Homes, (LMO Sec 16-3-106.H-J) have protected buffers and do require a Natural Resource Permit prior to cutting down trees.

Tree Removal Process

Submit a Natural Resource Permit Application

Before removing a tree, the owner must submit a Natural Resources Permit Application to the Town.

  • The property owner or applicant must include details about the type of tree, its trunk size, where it’s located, why it needs to be removed, and how they plan to replace or make up for it.
  • Mark the tree with a bright-colored ribbon to help the inspector find it.
  • In addition to Town approval, a Property Owners Association or a private Architectural Review Board approval may be necessary for properties inside various communities.

Apply online using our Building & Development Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal

Building & Development Citizen Self Service (CSS) Portal

- OR -

Download the application and submit it with all required materials via email to cdic@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or in person at Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court.

Natural Resources Permit Application


Depending on the project’s plans, the following items may be required:

  • Tree Survey
  • A brief explanation of the plans, including how trees will be protected during the work and how any trees that are removed will be replaced
  • Site development plan showing utility lines, grading, and building elevations in relation to existing trees (identify trees to be removed with an X)
  • Replacement tree planting schedule
  • Photos of trees proposed to be removed

Special Requirements for Specimen Trees

Specimen trees are large, healthy trees that stand out as excellent examples of their kind and require special care or rules for protection.

  • If a specimen tree is not dead, dying, or diseased, it cannot be removed without a variance (special approval) from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
  • Before any work or construction begins near the tree, it must be reviewed and approved by the Town.
  • The requirements differ based on the property use (commercial or residential) and tree location (such as along water or within a street buffer).

View the List of Specimen Trees


Questions?

Contact the Community Development Information Center at cdic@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-341-4757