Atlanta – the "City in a Forest" – protects every tree on private property 6 inches DBH or larger under City Code Chapter 158. Removal of a healthy tree requires a permit from the Arborist Division, a 15-day public posting, and either on-site replacement or payment into the Tree Recompense Fund at appraised value.
Atlanta City Code Part III, Chapter 158 – the Tree Protection Ordinance – is among the most comprehensive in the southeast. Every tree on private property measuring 6 inches DBH or larger is regulated, including dead and diseased trees that require an arborist sign-off before removal. Removal of any healthy tree requires a permit from the Arborist Division, an arborist inspection, a 15-day public posting on the tree, and either on-site replacement at 1:1 caliper-inch ratio or payment into the city Tree Recompense Fund. Heritage Trees – species and specimens of exceptional size, age, or historic value, formally designated by the City Arborist – carry doubled recompense and have additional removal restrictions. Construction projects must submit a Tree Protection Plan and post a refundable tree-protection bond.
Removing a regulated tree without a permit is a violation of §158-29 carrying fines from $500 up to $1,000 per tree per day, plus mandatory payment into the Tree Recompense Fund at the tree's appraised value (often $5,000–$50,000 for mature specimens). Heritage Tree violations are doubled. Repeat violators face Municipal Court prosecution and may be required to plant replacements at 2:1 caliper inches.
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