1 week Ago
MOUNT PLEASANT — A long-awaited local tree ordinance will soon officially take effect, giving pines in the area stronger protection. Removing trees will also come with added costs and more-stringent mitigation requirements. The new provisions of Mount Pleasant's tree ordinance go into effect May 1 along with the rest of the town's updated zoning code .
Planning staff and town officials spent over two years rewriting sections of the zoning code, a document that hadn't been fully revisited since the 1970s, Planning Director Michele Reed said. The new code was ready to be approved by the town council in January, though its adoption was delayed 90 days. In the northern end of Mount Pleasant, new developments like Carolina Park and Park West have cropped up among the abandoned rows of pine trees that were originally planted for pulpwood , a material used in paper making.
"The volume of (pines) is incredible, especially in the north end of town...
Carolina Park, for example, that was planted as timberland, so there's pines everywhere," said Eddie Bernard, the town's urban forester. Pines to finally get some protection Pine trees, like loblollies and longleaf, are native to South Carolina , though they don't typically have as grand a reputation as live oaks or the Southern charm of a magnolia. These trees also haven't received the same protections as live oaks, cedars and other revered trees, which have been protected by the town's zoning code for years.
Historic trees, meaning trees that measure 24 inches or more in diameter, are also protected. Meanwhile, pines of any size and species could be removed without a permit or special approval from the town. Pictured are Phil Henry (right) and Jonathan Turner from the Town of Mount Pleasant's Public Services Grounds Division planting a tree at town hall on Arbor Day.
There are some cases in which protected trees are removed. The process to do so can be lengthy and requires approval from the town, though it's not always given. This will soon be the case for mature pines with a diameter of 24 inches or more.
A removal permit will be required to remove a larger pine, as well as a mitigation plan. Permits, which are currently free, will cost $50. This permit is required for removing any protected tree.
Michele Reed, planning director for the town, said the decision to include pines of certain sizes was driven by resident concerns voiced at a series of public input meetings held in 2023. The meetings were meant to gather comments to help draft a new comprehensive plan, but Reed said the desire to protect pines was a common concern raised to staff. Changes to the tree ordinance were outlined in the Community Forest Master Plan and also got the thumbs-up from the town's planning commission and committee.
Trees come down, and least one must go up Those who wish to remove trees will also see stricter mitigation requirements. When trees are cut down and removed from a property, at least one must be replaced on-site. A plan for replacing trees will also be required and approved by the town before a permit to cut one down is issued.
Currently, developers and property owners can pay into the town's tree bank in lieu of replanting. Starting in May, at least one tree must be replanted on-site. "We want them to try and plant more.
But if they can't, then you you have that option to still pay into the tree bank," Reed said. Tree bank funds are used for replanting in other areas of town, Bernard said. "It's still, in the broader sense, is still funding trees.
It just may not necessarily be on that lot or that neighborhood," Bernard said..
