Under UDC §12.1, trimming a regulated tree (3 inches DBH or larger) requires a permit just as removal does. Heavy pruning that compromises tree health is treated as removal and triggers the $1,000-per-tree penalty if unpermitted.
Roswell's tree protection is unusual in that trimming - not just removal - falls under the permit requirement when it affects a regulated tree (3 in DBH+, species reaching 15+ ft mature height). Light pruning of small branches generally falls below the threshold, but heavy crown reduction, topping, or root pruning during construction is regulated. The Roswell Arborist evaluates whether proposed work threatens tree health and can require modified techniques or replacement guarantees. Tree-care companies operating in Roswell are expected to know the permit rules; homeowners are still on the hook for unpermitted work even if a contractor does it.
Unpermitted heavy pruning of a regulated tree can be treated as removal and trigger the $1,000-per-tree penalty plus replacement obligations. Topping (an arboriculturally damaging practice) is specifically discouraged.
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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