Tree removal permit rules in Roswell, GA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Roswell UDC §12.1 requires a tree removal permit before removing, poisoning, damaging, trimming, or transplanting any tree with a 3-inch trunk diameter at breast height (DBH) on residential property. Removal without a permit triggers a $1,000-per-tree penalty.
Article 12 of the Unified Development Code (Environmental Protection) makes Roswell one of the stricter tree-protection cities in metro Atlanta. The permit threshold is 3 inches DBH for any tree that normally reaches mature height of 15+ feet. Specimen and heritage trees - those of unusual size, species, or condition - get extra protection: removal of a specimen tree may require special assessment and a contribution to the City Tree Bank. Permit applications must include a site plan, tree-protection plan, and replacement plan as applicable. Dead or hazardous trees can be removed after notifying the City Arborist and documenting condition - typically with a certified arborist's report. The City Landscape Architect (770-594-6293) administers the program.
Removing a regulated tree without a permit results in an automatic $1,000-per-tree penalty plus possible replacement requirements (replanting on-site or paying into the Tree Bank at the market value of removed canopy). Repeat violations can be referred to Municipal Court for higher fines.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Roswell, GA
Industrial property in Roswell is held to higher decibel caps than residential under §8.8.3, reflecting industrial-district ambient levels. Even so, noise cr...
Roswell, GA
Outdoor amplified music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues must comply with the §8.8.3 property-line decibel caps. Roswell explicitly prohibits ampl...
Roswell, GA
Roswell §8.8.3 sets numerical decibel caps that vary by receiving land use. Residential property limits are 70 dBA day / 60 dBA night; commercial and industr...
Roswell, GA
Roswell does not restrict the number of vehicles parked on a residential driveway, but vehicles must be operable and currently registered. Parking on unpaved...
Roswell, GA
Roswell does not require neighbor consent for a property-line fence as long as the fence is entirely on the owner's property. Georgia state law (O.C.G.A. §44...
Roswell, GA
Roswell's UDC §10.2.10 allows wood, vinyl, metal, masonry, and decorative materials for screening walls and fences. Chain-link fencing in front yards is rest...
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