DeKalb County designates specimen trees including oaks, hickories, and native hardwoods above specified DBH thresholds. Removal requires arborist review and significant mitigation.
DeKalb County's Tree Preservation Ordinance protects specimen trees: hardwoods (oaks, hickories, maples, sweetgums, yellow poplars, beeches) at 27-inch DBH or greater, pines at 27-inch DBH, and certain landmark species (dogwood, Georgia native magnolia) at smaller thresholds. A specimen tree can only be removed under narrow exceptions (dead, diseased, hazardous, or where no reasonable development alternative exists) and only with the county arborist's approval. Removal triggers replacement in accordance with the DeKalb Tree Density Factor. Heritage-quality trees along Ponce de Leon Avenue in Druid Hills, along LaVista Road, and throughout older neighborhoods like Kirkwood and Oak Grove are a local priority. Atlanta Tree Conservation Commission parallels apply where the City of Atlanta overlaps southwest DeKalb.
Unauthorized specimen removal: $500 to $1,000 per DBH inch plus 3:1 replacement or fee-in-lieu to the DeKalb Tree Bank. Construction damage: restoration and mitigation costs.
DeKalb County, GA
Construction noise in unincorporated DeKalb County is regulated under Ch. 16, Art. VII, §16-304. Construction and demolition activities (pile drivers, pneuma...
DeKalb County, GA
DeKalb County noise ordinance §16-304 specifically limits animal vocalizations in residential areas: pets may not vocalize continuously for more than 15 minu...
DeKalb County, GA
DeKalb County noise ordinance (Ch. 16, Art. VII) applies to unincorporated areas. Quiet hours: 11:00 PM–7:00 AM in residential areas — it is unlawful to crea...
DeKalb County, GA
Dekalb County regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 applies to unreasonable dis...
DeKalb County, GA
Recreational vehicles and trailers in residential zones of unincorporated DeKalb County are subject to zoning ordinance (Ch. 27) standards. Long-term RV stor...
DeKalb County, GA
Street parking in unincorporated DeKalb County follows Georgia vehicle code and county ordinances. No parking within 15 feet of fire hydrants, no blocking dr...
See how DeKalb County's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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