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Lot and Land Clearing in the Savannah Area

Last reviewed October 18, 2026 · General information, not legal advice · Sources at the bottom

Talk to the planning office before clearing. Single-family home lots are often exempt from tree permits, but clearing land usually is not. In the City of Savannah, any tree larger than 2 inches in diameter on undeveloped property is protected, and a clearing permit is required.1

Rules that commonly apply to clearing

JurisdictionWhat to know
City of SavannahA clearing permit is required to clear property or remove trees. On undeveloped property, trees over 2" DBH are protected. Wetland trees and Specimen/Exceptional trees are also protected.1
Unincorporated Chatham CountyThe Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance governs clearing and grading, with limited exemptions such as single-family lots recorded before it was enacted.2
PoolerSignificant trees (24"+ DBH, live oaks 18"+) can only be approved for removal by Mayor and Council during site and landscape plan review.3
Port WentworthThe 2023 Zoning Ordinance's tree preservation article applies to non-residential and multi-family site development.4 Confirm single-family requirements with Development Services.
Richmond HillProtected trees (16"+ DBH) need a permit, with replacement or fee-in-lieu that the City's fee schedule lists at $600 per 6" for Heritage trees and $3,000 per 6" for Historic trees.5,6
Garden CityA tree removal permit is required to remove trees from any property. Specimen trees always require one.7

Wetlands, marsh buffers and stormwater rules can also apply on coastal lots. Get your surveyor or engineer involved early. Full details: permit guide.

What land clearing costs (national data)

Angi's 2026 data puts the national average at about $3,780, with most projects $1,397–$6,174. Per acre, it runs about $500–$5,600, depending heavily on tree density. Angi lists a Georgia average of $3,480.8 Permits, grading, excavation and soil testing are extra.8

Questions to ask a clearing contractor

  • Who obtains the clearing or land-disturbance permit, and is it in the price?
  • How will you protect trees that must stay (fencing at the drip line, no parking or fill over roots)?
  • Is debris hauled, mulched on site or burned (and is burning allowed)?
  • Is stump grinding or root removal included?
  • Will you request 811 utility locates?
  • Get it in writing. Ask for a written quote that says what's included: cutting, hauling, cleanup, stump grinding and who pulls any permit.
  • Check insurance yourself. Ask for a current certificate of insurance (general liability and workers' compensation) and call the insurer to confirm it's active. Garden City requires tree removal contractors to be licensed, bonded and insured,7 and Thunderbolt's ordinance sets minimum insurance for contractors.9
  • Verify credentials. If someone says they're an ISA Certified Arborist, check the ISA credential lookup.10
  • Get more than one quote for non-emergency work, and be cautious of anyone asking for full payment before work starts.

Want a local company to quote your lot and land clearing? Tell us what you need and we'll pass your request along to an independent tree company serving your area, when one is available. It's free for homeowners, and responses aren't guaranteed. We're a referral service, not a tree contractor.

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Areas: Historic District, Midtown, Ardsley Park, Southside, Isle of Hope, Skidaway Island, Wilmington Island, Whitemarsh Island, Tybee Island, Thunderbolt, Georgetown, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Port Wentworth, Garden City.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to clear a lot in Savannah?

Usually yes. The City of Savannah requires a clearing permit, and on undeveloped property every tree larger than 2 inches DBH is protected.1 Unincorporated Chatham County regulates clearing through its Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance.2

How much does land clearing cost?

Angi's 2026 data shows a national average of about $3,780 (most projects $1,397–$6,174) and a Georgia average of $3,480. Per acre, it's about $500–$5,600 depending on density.8

Can a tree company handle the clearing permit?

Some do, but don't assume. Put who obtains each permit in the written contract, and confirm requirements with your city or county planning office first.

Get matched with a local tree company

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Sources

  1. City of Savannah, Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance (approved March 16, 2017, PDF). www.savannahga.gov
  2. Chatham County Land Disturbing Activity Ordinance, Sec. 24-204 (rev. 11-17-23, PDF). cdn.chathamcountyga.gov
  3. City of Pooler Code, Ch. 42 Art. VI, Sec. 42-198 significant trees (PDF). mcclibraryfunctions.azurewebsites.us
  4. City of Port Wentworth 2023 Zoning Ordinance (PDF). portwentworthga.gov
  5. City of Richmond Hill Unified Development Ordinance, Sec. 15.6 Tree Protection (PDF). www.richmondhill-ga.gov
  6. City of Richmond Hill, Development and Review Fees, Article K (approved 4-1-2025). www.richmondhill-ga.gov
  7. Garden City zoning code Ch. 90 Art. VIII, text copy (Zoneomics). www.zoneomics.com
  8. Angi, How much does it cost to clear land? (2026 data). www.angi.com
  9. Town of Thunderbolt Code Sec. 5-329, tree ordinance (copy hosted by the Savannah Tree Foundation, PDF). www.savannahtree.org
  10. ISA (TreesAreGood.org), Verify an arborist credential. www.treesaregood.org