Acworth, GA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

The ordinance, codified at chapter 98 of the Acworth Code, defines a protected zone as all land outside a parcel's buildable area, required open space, designated buffers, tree-save areas, or conditions of zoning approval (§ 98-32). Any activity that requires a land disturbance permit, other than building an individual single-family detached or duplex home, must include a tree preservation and/or replacement plan reviewed by the city's arborist within seven days of submittal (§ 98-62). Under § 98-63, trees inside the protected zone cannot come down unless the owner or developer documents an economic hardship in preserving them, and the article never authorizes removing vegetation from a buffer required as a condition of zoning.

An 'exceptional tree,' one over 36 inches in diameter, can only be removed with the city's express written consent. Where trees are absent from the protected zone or part of it must be disturbed, the developer must replant to reach a density factor of at least 15 replacement units per acre (§ 98-64), and those trees must survive one full growing season after final inspection before another removal permit is needed (§ 98-65). The public works director enforces the article and can suspend, stop, or modify a land disturbance permit, and the city can withhold building permits and certificates of occupancy until the site complies (§ 98-35). Permit and inspection fees are set in the city's fee schedule on file with the city clerk (§ 98-41).