Atlanta has one of the strongest tree protection ordinances in the nation under City Code Chapter 158, Article II. A tree removal permit (arborist permit) is required for the removal of any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 6 inches or greater on private property. The city's Urban Ecology Division administers the program. Atlanta is known as the 'City in a Forest' and the ordinance is designed to protect that canopy.
Any tree with a DBH of 6 inches or greater requires a permit before removal. The permit application requires a tree survey, a site plan, and justification for removal. The city arborist reviews applications and may deny removal if the tree is healthy and can be preserved. If removal is approved, the property owner must pay a recompense fee based on the tree's diameter: $140 per inch of DBH (effective under the updated ordinance). Recompense fees fund the city's tree replanting program. Dead, dying, or hazardous trees may qualify for expedited removal with arborist verification. Emergency removal is allowed for trees posing imminent danger, with a retroactive permit required within 5 business days. Trees in the right-of-way are managed by the city and require separate authorization. The tree canopy ordinance also restricts clearcutting and excessive grading that damages root zones.
Removing a tree of 6 inches DBH or greater without a permit is a violation carrying fines up to $500 per inch of DBH of the removed tree, plus mandatory replanting at a 2:1 ratio. Repeat offenders face escalating penalties. Developers who remove trees without permits may have building permits revoked and face project delays. The city actively investigates tree removal complaints.
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