Landscaping Rules in Chatham County, GA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Chatham County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Savannah you may prune trees on your own private lot, but no one may trim, prune, or remove any tree on public property or right-of-way without written approval from the city administrator (arborist).
Tree Trimming Rules in Chatham County / Savannah
Some RestrictionsSavannah Code § 8-11005(2)(a)
Unless otherwise permitted by an applicable city permit or license, no person shall trim, prune, or remove any tree on public property without procuring the written approval of the administrator.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
The City of Savannah protects many trees: on undeveloped land any tree over two inches in diameter, and on developed land any tree 12 inches or larger (except single-family lots). Protected trees may not be removed without an approved permit or waiver.
Which Trees Are Protected in Savannah / Chatham County
Some RestrictionsSavannah Code § 8-11005(4)
The following trees are protected within the City of Savannah and shall not be removed unless a permit has been approved or the requirement waived. On undeveloped property, any tree greater than two inches diameter at breast height (dbh). On developed property, any tree equal to or greater than 12 inches (dbh), except for single-family residential lots.
Weed Ordinances
In unincorporated Chatham County, it is unlawful to allow overgrown grass or weeds to reach a height of eighteen (18) inches or more, per Property Maintenance Ordinance §21-502. Owners get written notice with ten days to cut before the county mows and bills them.
Grass and Weed Height Limit in Chatham County
Some RestrictionsCode of Chatham County §21-502(1)(d)
Any overgrown grass or weeds of a height of eighteen (18) inches or more or any other unkempt vegetation in any yard, front, side or rear.
Water Restrictions
Georgia's statewide Water Stewardship Act limits landscape irrigation to the hours between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m., year-round, for anyone on an EPD-permitted water system. This schedule applies across Chatham County, including Savannah.
Outdoor Watering Schedule in Chatham County
Some RestrictionsO.C.G.A. § 12-5-7 (Water Stewardship Act of 2010)
It allows daily outdoor watering for purposes of planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, shrubs, or other plants only between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. by anyone whose water is supplied by a water system permitted by the Environmental Protection Division.
Rainwater Harvesting
Georgia encourages rainwater harvesting. Under the state Water Stewardship Act, capturing and reusing rainwater and stormwater is allowed any day at any time, even during watering restrictions. Chatham County and Savannah set no ban on residential rain barrels.
Rainwater Harvesting Rules in Chatham County
Some RestrictionsO.C.G.A. § 12-5-7 (Water Stewardship Act of 2010)
Capture and reuse of cooling system condensate or storm water in compliance with applicable local ordinances and state guidelines
All Chatham County ordinances
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