Atlanta could triple penalties for illegal tree removals in major ordinance overhaul

The Atlanta City Council is considering a comprehensive overhaul of its tree protection ordinance, tripling penalties for illegal tree removals and enacting strict preservation requirements across all development types in a move to protect the city’s diminishing canopy.

The legislation, introduced by Councilmember Michael Julian Bond, replaces the city’s decades-old rules with a detailed regulatory framework that governs how trees must be preserved, removed, replaced, or compensated for in construction and landscaping projects.

Atlanta tree ordinance's stronger penalties

What we know:

The new ordinance would increase the maximum fine for unpermitted tree removal from $60,000 to $200,000 per acre in cases where the number of trees cut down cannot be determined. Individual violations now result in a $500 fine for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense, along with a payment to cover tree replacement. Tree removal fees have also increased to $140 per diameter inch of the tree trunk.

Tree service companies operating within city limits must now register with the city, a move aimed at improving accountability.

Arborist oversight

What's next:

Developers would be required to minimize tree loss through intentional design. The ordinance empowers the city arborist to deny permits if plans unnecessarily impact healthy trees, fail to avoid root zones, or cannot justify tree removals. Key provisions include:

  • Trees can only be classified as "saved" if 80% of their critical root zone (CRZ) and 100% of their structural root plate (SRP) remain undisturbed.
  • Limited root zone impacts may be allowed only with arboricultural mitigation plans.
  • Construction techniques such as root bridging, directional boring, and pier foundations are encouraged to minimize tree damage.

The arborist may also require site plan modifications to preserve tree stands or environmentally sensitive areas and may halt projects that do not comply with protection measures.

Removing trees in Atlanta

All proposed tree removals would be required to undergo a multi-step review process, including:

  • Arborist review and preliminary approval or denial.
  • Public notice and signage on site.
  • A window for appeals to the Tree Conservation Commission, which now includes 15 members with backgrounds in arboriculture, conservation, and development.
  • Final approval after appeal resolution or expiration of the notice period.

Developers must provide scaled site plans with tree surveys and maps, proposed fencing, species data, construction access routes, and replanting calculations.

The ordinance sets minimum tree density standards by zoning district, requiring all new development to meet replanting thresholds based on preserved canopy and newly planted trees. 

All single-family projects must plant front-yard trees every 40 feet and preserve as many trees as practical within 50 feet of land disturbance. Projects that do not remove or impact any trees and fall below cost thresholds may be exempt.

New subdivisions and planned developments must submit tree replacement plans for all common areas and street frontages. Land disturbance permits may only clear space for roads, stormwater systems, and infrastructure; individual lots must follow separate tree preservation standards when built out.

Commercial and mixed-use developments face their own density requirements and must follow strict planting and design rules for parking lots, including placing a tree within 45 feet of every parking space.

Conservation tools and Tree Trust Fund Use

By the numbers:

The ordinance also allows developers to receive credit for preserving trees through conservation easements or permanent land donations. It also allocates funds from the Tree Trust Fund, including:

  • $400,000 annually to assist low-income and senior homeowners with hazardous tree removal or maintenance.
  • $100,000 annually for public education and outreach.
  • Additional funds for city arborist staffing, field crews, and administrative support.

No fixed canopy mandate

Local perspective:

Although the City Council previously set a goal of maintaining a 50% citywide tree canopy, the ordinance does not require a minimum canopy percentage. Instead, it relies on preservation, density requirements, and monitoring to gradually rebuild the urban forest.

What they're saying:

Supporters say the new ordinance reflects modern arboricultural science and addresses long-standing environmental justice concerns.

The law highlights the ecological benefits of urban trees—reduced heat, better air and water quality, and increased property values—and emphasizes equity by reducing financial burdens on affordable housing developers and residents facing hazardous tree issues.

What's next:

The ordinance was approved by a City Council committee and must now be approved by the City Council. 

The Source: The Atlanta City Council is the source for this article. The article has been updated to reflect that the ordinance still needs to be voted on by the City Council itself. 

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