(A) Tree alteration permit required.
(1) General. No removal of trees or pruning of limbs over six inches diameter at the nearest juncture, shall occur prior to issuance of a tree alteration permit (See § 162.03-10, Tree Alteration Permit). All fees collected for the issuance of a tree alteration permit shall be placed in the Folly Beach Tree Fund.
(2) Responsibility for compliance. Review for compliance with the standards of this section shall occur at the time of application for a site plan, § 162.03-06; minor subdivision, § 162.03-07(C); preliminary plat for subdivision, § 162.03-07(D); planned development, § 162.03-02; or tree alteration permit, § 162.03-10, whichever occurs first.
(B) Trees designated as protected trees. Table 166.02, Protected Trees, sets out the types and sizes of trees to be treated as protected trees. Trees not meeting the minimum size requirements in Table 166.02 shall not be considered protected trees.
TABLE 166.02: PROTECTED TREES | ||
SPECIES | COMMON NAME | MINIMUM SIZE (inches) (1) |
TABLE 166.02: PROTECTED TREES | ||
SPECIES | COMMON NAME | MINIMUM SIZE (inches) (1) |
Magnolia grandiflora | Southern Magnolia | 12 (DBH) |
Quercus Phellos | Willow Oak | 12 (DBH) |
Magnolia virginiana | Sweet Bay Magnolia | 12 (DBH) |
Quercus virginiana | Live Oak | 6 (DBH) |
Quercus launfolia | Laurel Oak | 12 (DBH) |
Acer rubrum | Red Maple | 12 (DBH) |
Juniperus virginiana | Eastern Red Cedar | 12 (DBH) |
Sabal palmetto | Cabbage Palm or Sabal Palm | 12 (DBH) |
Ilex opaca | American Holly | 12 (DBH) |
Cornus florida | Flowering Dogwood | 12 (DBH) |
NOTES: (1) DBH = Diameter at breast height measured 4.5 feet above grade. | ||
(C) Tree protection exemptions. The following development and activities are exempt from the standards of this section:
(1) Removal of dead and nuisance vegetation. The removal of dead or naturally fallen trees or vegetation, or vegetation that is determined by the Building Official to be a nuisance or threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.
(2) Maintaining clear visibility. The selective and limited removal of trees or vegetation necessary to obtain clear visibility at driveways or intersections, or for the purpose of performing authorized field survey work.
(3) Removal of trees on city land. Removal of trees on city-owned land and public rights-of-way.
(4) Period of emergency. Removal of trees threatening life, property, or other trees during or immediately after dangerous weather conditions such as those associated with hurricanes, tornados, or floods.
(5) Silviculture. Any legally established silviculture use conducted in accordance with South Carolina Forestry Commission requirements.
(Ord. 05-10, passed 3-23-10; Am. Ord. 29-12, passed 3-12-13; Am. Ord. 25-16, passed 1-10-17; Am. Ord. 029-21, passed 12-14-21)