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Council approves changes to tree ordinance; raises specimen thresholds and adds recompense option
Summary
Council voted 5–2 to amend the tree preservation ordinance, allowing homeowners more authority to remove trees on developed single-family lots, raising specimen-tree diameter thresholds, and adding a recompense option requiring a replacement tree for each healthy specimen removed.
Director Song summarized the proposed tree preservation ordinance amendments aimed at simplifying the code and creating permissive rules for developed single-family lots. Song said the revision raises specimen tree thresholds (large hardwoods/softwoods from 24" to 32"; small natives from 10" to 12") and adds a recompense option: a property owner removing a fair-or-better-condition specimen may plant a 15-gallon or 1.5-inch-caliper replacement tree for each removed specimen.
Council discussion focused on which properties are in protected zones (including the 2,000-foot Chattahoochee River Corridor), how inspections are triggered (generally by complaint), and concerns from at least two members before the measure passed 5–2. Several councilors said the cleanup and simplification will help residents navigate tree rules.
