Smyrna, GA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Street tree type
- Overstory tree along a public right-of-way or private street
- Private property street trees
- Within 20 feet of the public right of way
- Townhome street tree spacing
- Every 40 to 50 feet on center, both sides of the street
- Townhome landscape zone
- Eight feet from back of curb
- Site density factor
- 100 inches per acre
- Approving official
- Community development director
Summary
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, a street tree is any overstory tree along a public right-of-way or private street. Where planting space or safety is limited, the community development director can place it at the back of the sidewalk or in a landscape easement, and street trees on private property must be planted within 20 feet of the public right of way.
Street/streetscape tree means any overstory tree located or proposed to be located along a public right-of-way or private street. The actual location will be determined by the specific zoning district or overlay. In situations where there is limited planting space in the right-of-way and/or safety concerns, street trees may be located at the back of the sidewalk or within the landscape easement on private property at the discretion of the community development director. An understory tree may be planted as a street tree with the presence of overhead utilities by approval of the community development director. ... Street trees on private property must be planted within 20 feet of the public right of way.
Full Breakdown
The Smyrna Tree Ordinance defines a street or streetscape tree in section 106-29 as any overstory tree located or proposed along a public right-of-way or private street. The actual location is set by the specific zoning district or overlay. Where planting space in the right-of-way is limited or safety is a concern, the community development director can approve placement at the back of the sidewalk or within the landscape easement on private property. An understory tree can serve as a street tree where overhead utilities are present, with approval of the director.
Section 106-32(d) ties street trees to the Smyrna Tree Bank. Donations to the bank pay for maintenance, education and planting of trees on public property, and bank funds can also pay for street trees on private property through a city-sponsored program approved by the city council. Those street trees must be planted within 20 feet of the public right of way. Section 106-31 lets a street tree or parking lot tree planted after a site has met its minimum density count toward recompense for specimen trees. The site density factor is 100 inches per acre, and planted trees are counted by caliper inches.
The zoning ordinance sets firmer numbers for townhomes. Section 515.7(4) requires street trees on both sides of every street inside the development, planted in the required landscape zones, every 40 to 50 feet on center along public and private streets. Those streets carry an eight-foot landscape zone between the back of curb and the sidewalk.
Species come from the tree planting list in the technical standards, and the director can approve species not on the list. Species on the undesirable and invasive tree species list are prohibited for shading and landscaping compliance. Under section 106-51(c), any work in public rights-of-way or utility easements needs a two-year tree maintenance bond equal to the restoration cost of the existing trees.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Article II is punishable under section 106-49 by a fine not exceeding $1,000.00, up to six months in the city jail, probation of up to six months, community service of up to 30 days, or a combination, and each continuing violation is a separate offense. Trees not properly maintained during the two-year period after the certificate of occupancy must be replaced under section 106-51(a).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a street tree under the Smyrna Code?
Can a street tree be planted on my private lot?
How far apart do townhome street trees go?
Can an understory tree be a street tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Smyrna
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