A site survey is a comprehensive examination of a specific location, gathering detailed information about its physical features, dimensions, boundaries, and existing conditions to assess its suitability for a project or purpose

Property needs to have a site survey was completed in the pass five years.

What is Tree Protection?

A defined area surrounding the trunk intended to protect the. roots and soil to ensure future tree health and stability.

How to Measure a Tree?

Tree diameter is usually measured at 4.5 feet (ft) above ground level. Sometimes referred to as DBH.

Tree protection zones (or TPZ) can be found by dividing the trees circumference in half, then converting to feet.

Let's Practice:

• If a tree is 14” inches in circumference, how large should the TPZ be? Is a permit needed for removal?
  
  7 feet, No
• If a tree is 21” inches in circumference, how large should the TPZ be? Is a permit needed for removal?
  
  ‍10.5 feet, Yes
• If a tree is 30” inches in circumference, how large should the TPZ be? Is a permit needed for removal?
  
  15 feet, Yes

If a protected tree has a circumference under 16” inches, it does not require a permit for removal.

If a protected tree has a circumference between 16” inches - 23” inches, then a permit is necessary for removal.

• There may be certain accommodations requested for approval to be granted. For example, the City/Town may require the homeowner to donate to the Tree Protection Fund or mitigate (meaning planting other trees to replace the one being removed)

If a tree is 24” inches or greater it will be considered a Grand Tree and can not be removed.

• The only time permission for removing a Grand Tree is granted is upon special circumstance (ex. The tree is rotting or deceased)
  

• This will require a licensed arborist to evaluate and write a letter to the City/Town that there is something wrong with the tree and is a hazardous.

• Setbacks: are unobstructed, unoccupied open areas between a structure and property lines.
• Critical Lines: delineate the boundary of critical areas like coastal waters, tidelands, and beach/dune systems, requiring permits for activities within them.
• Lot Coverages: the percentage or portion of a lot that can be covered with impervious surfaces included but not limited to houses, accessory buildings, driveways, porches, and walkways. Old Village (Mt P), Sullivans Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah, Johns Island, Daneil Island
  
• Septic Tanks: designed to receive wastewater from homes and other buildings that aren't connected to a municipal sewer system. Cannot build a pool on top of a septic tank, and pool shells must have 3-5 feet of space between the tank and the pool shell.
  
• Other Utilities: note any powerlines or other utilizes that may be buried and require relocation.
  
• Site Access: the systematic management of entry and exit points within a construction site.
  
• Elevations: the height of specific points or features on the ground relative to a reference point, often sea level, and are crucial for understanding the terrain's shape and slope.
  

At Atkinson Pools, we offer comprehensive design services for a fee ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, which covers the creation of a complete set of project documents. This fee includes:

• 2D Conceptual Plan
• 3D Renderings
• Design Revisions
• Set of plans suitable for permit submission
• Coordination with the town/city and HOA to ensure the design is meets all requirements
• Engineering Plans (if required)
• Landscape Plans (if required)

Our team will handle the necessary approvals and coordination on the homeowner's behalf.