DeKalb County, GA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in DeKalb 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
- No permit needed
- 5 or fewer trees/year
- More than 5
- Arborist approval required
- Applies to
- Single-family residential lots
- Exemption excludes
- Specimen trees
Summary
Property owners in unincorporated DeKalb County may remove up to five non-specimen trees per calendar year on a single-family lot without county approval; removing more requires county arborist sign-off tied to construction or tree health.
(c)Exemptions.(1)a.The removal of five (5) or fewer trees, other than specimen trees, on any single-family residential property, within a single calendar year.b.The removal of more than five (5) trees, other than specimen trees, from an owner-occupied, single-family lot may be approved by the county arborist if the owner must remove trees in order to build a newly permitted structure, or to build an addition to or make improvements to an existing structure, or to improve the health of other trees in the landscape.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 14-39(c)(1) exempts the removal of five or fewer trees, other than specimen trees, from any single-family residential lot within a single calendar year. Removing more than five non-specimen trees from an owner-occupied single-family lot needs county arborist approval, granted only if the owner is removing trees to build a newly permitted structure or addition, make improvements to an existing structure, or improve the health of remaining trees. Larger or non-residential removals fall under the full tree protection plan and permit process. Applies only to unincorporated DeKalb County land; incorporated cities regulate tree removal under their own codes.
Violations & Fines
Removing trees beyond the five-tree exemption without arborist approval violates the tree protection ordinance; each tree is a separate offense and violators must replace removed significant trees with equivalent-value caliper trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trees can I remove without approval in DeKalb County?
What if I need to remove more than five trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeKalb County
Compare DeKalb County to another location·View the Georgia landscaping rules overview
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