Tree removal permit rules in Clayton County, GA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
In unincorporated Clayton County, a single-family homeowner may remove three or fewer trees under 30 inches diameter per calendar year without a tree permit, unless land disturbance is involved. Larger removal or development clearing requires a permit and replacement.
Section 86-60(a) of the Tree Protection Ordinance exempts the removal of three or fewer trees under 30 inches diameter breast height on single-family residential property within one calendar year, unless the work is subject to a building permit allowing land disturbance. Owners cannot remove developer-preserved or planted trees within two years of the certificate of occupancy. Beyond the exemption, removal on development sites needs a land-disturbance permit and must meet the 20-unit-per-acre tree density standard (section 86-73), with replacement or payment into the county tree bank fund.
Removing protected trees in violation brings misdemeanor penalties up to $1,000 per day under section 86-67, and the removed tree is designated for mandatory replacement.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Clayton County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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