NC H496

Counties and cities cannot adopt or enforce ordinances regulating tree removal from private property without express authorization from the General Assembly.

General police powers and powers under Chapters 160A, 153A, or 160D of the General Statutes cannot be used as a basis for tree removal ordinances on private property.

Local governments may still deny building permits or refuse plan approval for up to three years (or five years if willful violation) after timber harvests that remove protected trees, provided any such regulations are expressly authorized by local act.

Forestry activities on forestland taxed as present-use value or conducted under registered forest management plans are exempt from local regulation.

Any tree removal ordinances adopted before this act becomes effective without express General Assembly authorization cannot be enforced after June 30, 2022, but previously authorized local acts remain valid.