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City staff outlines outreach and proposed responsible-party definition for tree-ordinance enforcement
Summary
Planning and public-works staff reported steps to bolster tree-preservation enforcement including new online FAQs, outreach to contractors who sought permits in the last three years, and a forthcoming zone-text amendment to define a "responsible party" so fines can be assessed against contractors rather than homeowners; a Georgia Forestry technical
City staff gave a brief update on actions underway to strengthen tree-preservation enforcement and education.
Mr. Dunn told council staff has been posting tree-permitting FAQs online, contacting tree contractors who applied for permits in the last three years with detailed guidance about felling, replacement and protection requirements, and preparing a proposed zone-text amendment that would add a responsible-party definition to enable fines or enforcement action to be levied against contractors rather than automatically against homeowners.
Dunn also said the City has again secured technical-assistance funding from the Georgia Forestry Commission to conduct a tree-audit next month to evaluate the current ordinance's effectiveness and recommend improvements for protecting the urban canopy.
Next steps: Staff will bring the proposed zone-text amendment and audit findings to council for further direction.
