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Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my own property?
Any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of six inches or greater requires a permit for removal; pines 12” or greater.
What is diameter at breast height (DBH)?
Diameter at breast height is a forestry measurement that is taken at 4.5 feet from the soil grade. Diameter can be determined by measuring the circumference of the tree with a tape measure and dividing by 3.14.
How do I obtain a permit to remove a tree(s) on private property?
Dead, dying, or hazardous tree permit applications are obtained from the City of Atlanta Arborist Division. There is no fee for the application or the permit. The permit may be submitted electronically by Gunnison Tree.
Trees impacted by construction are permitted under the building permit. Plan review by the Arborist Division is required for this permit. Trees may also be removed under a Landscape Permit. Plan review by the Arborist Division is required for this permit.
What is recompense?
Recompense is a dollar amount assigned to give value to a natural resource. It represents the lost public values of the trees removed. The equation that the City of Atlanta uses is
$100(number of trees) + $30(total inches diameter at breast height). The number is positive for trees removed and negative for trees install meeting replacement requirements.
$100 (number of trees removed – number of trees replaced) + $30 (total diameter inches removed – total caliper inches replaced)
Do I need a permit to prune my trees?
No
Do I need a permit for a tree that has fallen over?
A tree that has fallen and is being supported by the earth, another tree or a structure does not require a permit. Take photographs of the downed tree and keep. Contact the Arborist Division to notify the city of removal and the tree’s condition. This is to protect you in the event of complaints of illegal removal.
Is there another way to remove a tree denied as dead, dying or hazardous?
- Another permit process such as landscape or construction may be pursued.
- The denial decision may be appealed to the Tree Conservation Commission by contacting Helen Smith, (404)330-6874.
What are the repercussions of illegal removal?
Violation of the tree ordinance is a criminal offense. For a first offense the minimum fine is $500 and 90 days in jail per violation. For subsequent offenses the minimum fine is $1000 and 90 days in jail per violation. Each day’s continuance of a violation may be considered a separate offense.
What are the criteria for a dead dying or hazardous tree?
The tree must have uncorrectable defects severe enough to pose present danger to people or buildings under normal conditions as determined by the City Arborist or City Forester.
What are the criteria for replacement trees for recompense credit?
- Size – the smallest size accepted is 2.5 caliper inches (diameter of the tree measured 6” above ground level)
- Spacing – overstory/shade trees must be a minimum of 35 feet apart, mid-canopy trees a minimum of 25 feet apart and understory trees a minimum of 15 feet apart
- Species: credit is not given for the following types of trees: Leyland cypress, Bradford pear, crepe myrtle, silver maple, fruiting trees, large shrubs such as Ligustrum, Viburnum etc., Overstory/shade trees required before giving credit for trees maturing at a shorter height or ornamentals.
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