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.
DeKalb County homeowners may remove up to 5 healthy non-specimen trees per calendar year with written notification to the County Arborist. Removal of more than 5 trees or any specimen tree requires a formal Notice of Tree Removal with an ISA-certified arborist's health/risk assessment. Specimen trees: hardwoods ≥30 inch DBH; small trees ≥10 inch DBH.
DeKalb County's Tree Protection Ordinance (Ch. 14) allows residential homeowners to remove up to 5 healthy non-specimen trees per calendar year by sending written notification to the County Arborist (404-371-2685 or planninganddevelopment@dekalbcountyga.gov) before removal. Removal of more than 5 trees, or any specimen tree, requires a formal Notice of Tree Removal with an ISA-certified arborist's health/risk assessment and Environmental Plan Review. Specimen trees: large hardwoods (oaks, hickories, tulip poplars) ≥30 inch DBH; large softwoods ≥30 inch DBH; small trees (dogwoods, redbuds, sourwoods) ≥10 inch DBH. Violations may require replacement plantings.
Removing protected trees without proper notification or permits may require mandatory replacement plantings.
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See how DeKalb County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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