Removal of Vegetation

The Town has adopted regulations to preserve, protect and promote our natural resources on the island.

  • The regulations apply to trees, vegetation, wetlands, dunes and beaches.
  • Different regulations apply depending on the proposed activity and location.

Removal of Other Vegetation

The Tree Ordinance encourages the protection of understory native vegetation as well as trees.

  • Underbrushing (bush hogging) on undeveloped lots can be done only with written permission from the Town.
  • Care must be taken to stay out of all required buffers and wetland areas.
  • Even for single family homes, tidal wetland buffer standards require that native vegetation be left intact.
  • On commercial properties, thinning a buffer may be allowed with Town approval.
  • Additional standards apply to areas where some pruning for view may be allowed, but removal of vegetation is prohibited.

Contact the Community Development Information Center at 843-341-4757 prior to starting any vegetation removal.

Questions?

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