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Staff outlines tree‑ordinance outreach, proposed responsible‑party definition and upcoming Georgia Forestry Commission audit
Summary
City staff updated council on outreach and enforcement steps related to tree preservation: new website FAQs, letters to tree contractors who sought permits in the past three years, a proposed zoning text amendment to define a "responsible party" for levying fines (so contractors could be fined rather than homeowners), and a Georgia Forestry
City staff gave a brief update on tree‑ordinance actions at the Aug. 18 work session, describing outreach, enforcement adjustments and technical assistance the city is receiving from the Georgia Forestry Commission.
Mr. Dunn told council staff have been posting more information about tree permitting on the city website, maintaining social‑media information and running a dedicated FAQ on tree requirements. He said staff compiled a list of every tree contractor that requested a permit in the city over the last three years and mailed them a letter detailing the city’s requirements for tree felling, replacement and protection during site development.
Dunn said staff plans to bring a zone text amendment to council to provide a responsible‑party definition for levying fines. He noted that neighboring jurisdictions have used responsible‑party definitions to levy penalties against landscape contractors or tree companies that undertake work without permits so that homeowners are not automatically charged for contractor mistakes.
Dunn also said the Georgia Forestry Commission would help the city conduct a tree audit next month under a technical assistance grant; this would be the second consecutive year the commission has provided such assistance. Dunn framed the steps as part of an ongoing effort to protect the urban canopy and better support residents.
What’s next: Staff will return with the proposed zone text amendment and brief council on the Georgia Forestry Commission tree audit results once completed.
