Commission recommends changes to tree ordinance to hold tree contractors accountable and clarify fines

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended City Council approve a zoning-text amendment to clarify enforcement of the city’s tree-preservation ordinance and to add a defined “responsible party” so that fines for unpermitted tree removals can be directed at tree contractors as well as property owners.

Planner Cameron Dunn told commissioners the change responds to an increase in tree-removal enforcement cases in which homeowners often said they had relied on contractors and did not know a permit was required. The proposed amendment adds a responsible‑party definition (used by other Metro Atlanta jurisdictions), clarifies and removes duplicative fine language and separates tree-removal fines (assessed on an inch-by-inch basis) from other violations (which would carry a flat $500 fine).

Staff reported it has already compiled contact information for tree contractors that have worked in Woodstock, sent outreach emails explaining permit requirements and penalties, created a public web page (woodstockga.gov/trees) containing FAQs and permit forms, and added warning language to forthcoming online permit forms to notify applicants of permitting obligations and the potential for contractor responsibility.

Commissioners praised the outreach and the aim of protecting homeowners who hire contractors; Commissioner Laney moved the recommendation and Commissioner Greg seconded. The motion passed unanimously and will be forwarded to City Council for adoption. Staff noted the Georgia Forestry Commission is completing a technical review and additional code updates may follow based on that work.