Fulton County, GA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Fulton County, GA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Bond amount
- 125% of tree replacement cost
- Applies to
- Approved clear-cutting projects only
- Bond release
- After replanting is complete
- Forfeiture trigger
- No activity within six months
Summary
Fulton County requires a performance bond worth 125% of tree replacement cost before approving clear-cutting on a development site in the unincorporated county.
The required bond amount will be 125 percent of the total cost for replanting trees to satisfy the density standards for the project site. A tree replacement cost obtained from a plant nursery will be provided to Fulton County with the clear-cut request and the bond amount will be based on the tree replacement cost. Fulton County reserves the right to request additional replacement cost if deemed appropriate. Fulton County will hold the bond until the project activity, including tree replacement to satisfy the site density requirements, is completed. If upon issuing the land disturbance permit, the property is clear-cut and there are no construction or development activities conducted within six months, Fulton County will attempt to contact the property owner (via certified mail) for a project update. Should the property owner not respond within 30 days of receipt of the status request, the bond will be used to revegetate the project site. (Ord. No. 14-0662, § I, 9-3-14)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 57).
Full Breakdown
Section 26-407 lets the county evaluate a clear-cutting request and, if approved, requires a bond equal to 125 percent of the nursery cost to replant trees to the site's required density. The county holds the bond until replanting is complete and will use it to revegetate the site if construction hasn't started within six months and the owner doesn't respond to a status request within 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Failing to revegetate a clear-cut site as bonded lets Fulton County use the forfeited bond to hire a contractor for replanting at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every land disturbance permit need this bond?
What happens to the bond money?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
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