Council committee approves substitute tree protection ordinance, raises recompense and funds senior assistance program

The Community Development and Human Services Committee approved a substituted tree protection ordinance during its June meeting after extensive public comment from developers, tree advocates and neighborhood groups.

The substitute ordinance updates multiple enforcement and funding provisions in Atlanta's tree code and was adopted by committee vote (4 ayes, 1 nay, 1 abstention). The committee substituted and advanced the ordinance for further processing while staff test its interaction with the forthcoming zoning code.

Why it matters: Atlanta's tree canopy and the rules that govern tree removal have been the subject of years-long debate. The substitute touches on fees, enforcement and programs intended to reduce the cost burden on some homeowners while expanding enforcement and staffing; opponents argue it does not yet deliver the stronger preservation standards they seek.

The committee vote advanced a modified version of the measure described in the May draft. Key, enacted changes in the substitute include raising the recompense (the city fee levied when…