Tree Protection in Cobb County, GA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Cobb County, Georgia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Cobb County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Tree Removal Permits

Cobb County Tree Preservation Ordinance (§134-Art. XXII) requires tree-protection plan for any development or removal of protected trees (8" DBH+ hardwoods, 12" pines). Residential lot-by-lot clearing strictly regulated. Fines up to $500/inch of unauthorized removal.

tree-protection/tree-removal-permits

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Heritage & Protected Trees

Cobb County designates specimen trees at 24" DBH (hardwood) or 30" DBH (pine). Heritage/specimen trees cannot be removed without variance from Cobb Tree Ordinance Administrator. Protected root zone (1 ft per 1" DBH) must be fenced during construction.

tree-protection/heritage-trees

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Replacement Requirements

Cobb County Tree Ordinance uses a Tree Density Unit (TDU) replacement formula. Sites must maintain minimum 20–30 TDU/acre post-construction. Replacement trees 2"–3" caliper, from Cobb-approved native list. Fee-in-lieu paid into Cobb Tree Bank.

tree-protection/tree-replacement

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Cobb County ordinances

See every category we cover for Cobb County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Cobb County Ordinance Hub →