Mount Paran Northside Citizens Association

Atlanta Tree Protection Ordinance

What Every Citizen Needs to Know

Did you know that the City of Atlanta has a Tree Protection Ordinance?

The scope of this ordinance applies to all private property, public school, and public housing property within the city.


GOALS OF THE TREE PROTECTION ORDINANCE

When you hear the chainsaws you may be too late to make a difference – but don’t hesitate to notify the City Arborist, 404-330-6874.

Community involvement is the best protection for our trees. Attend Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) and neighborhood association meetings to become aware of development activity that may destroy the tree cover in your community. (NPU Information: 404-330-6145)

Watch for City of Atlanta signs posted on property announcing rezoning or subdivision hearings, variances, or tree removal. Be aware of important dates such as appeal filing deadlines. Act promptly.

Let your City Council representative know of your concerns,call 404-330-6030.

Contact the Planning Department, 404-330-6145, to review developer's plans before they are approved. Visit the Bureau of Buildings and meet with the Arborist, 404-330-6874, to review tree replacement plans being considered. If you do not agree with the plans for tree removal or replacement, file an appeal.

Construction Projects and Non-Construction Projects on private property– No tree six inches or greater in diameter at breast height shall be destroyed or removed from any property without first obtaining a permit from the Bureau of Buildings, 404-330-6874.

For removal of any size tree or to address tree issues on public property (parks, rights-of-way, lots owned by the City, etc.), contact the Bureau of Parks Work Order Clerk at 404-817-6813.

Fines up to $1000 per tree may be imposed upon the property owner and the tree cutter for tree cutting without a permit.

Removal of or damage to a tree in the City’s right-of-way constitutes a felony. In order to determine where the public right-of-way falls on your property, consult a survey as it varies from parcel to parcel.

Trees six inches or greater in diameter at breast height that are removed must be replaced on site inch for inch, where feasible to allow for mature growth.

If you believe the requirements of the Tree Protection Ordinance are being violated, or if you wish to obtain a copy of the Tree Protection Ordinance, contact the Tree Conservation Commission at 404-330-6070.

Any citizen of Atlanta has the right to file an appeal to the Tree Conservation Commission 404-330-6070. The right to appeal applies whether you (a) object to any proposed tree cutting or tree replacement plan or if you (b) believe you have been unfairly denied a permit to cut down a tree or trees on your property.

The Tree Protection Ordinance is Section 158-64 of the Atlanta City Code (1995).

The Appeal Process

To file an appeal contact the Clerk of the Tree Conservation Commission (404-330-6070) within fifteen (15) days of the decision of the city official approving or denying the cutting of trees.

All activity at the subject property shall cease until the Tree Conservation Commission has heard the appeal.

The appeal hearing will be held at City Hall Council Chambers on the third Wednesday of the month at 6 PM after the appeal has been advertised for a minimum of fifteen (15) days.

The Commission will rule on the appeal at said hearing and parties will be notified of the decision in writing

The Tree Conservation Commission

The City of Atlanta Tree Conservation Commission is composed of volunteer citizens, nominated by the Mayor or a City Council member and approved by the City Council. The Commission holds regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of every month at 8:30 A.M. on the eighth floor of City Hall East (675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE). All meetings are open to the public and concerned citizens are invited to attend.