Atlanta Tree Removal & Pruning - Rights-of-Way Ordinance
In Atlanta, Georgia, property owners and contractors must follow city rules when requesting removal or pruning of trees in public rights-of-way. This guide explains who enforces those rules, how to apply for permits or requests with the City of Atlanta Urban Forestry program, what to expect during inspection, and how appeals work.
When a request is required
Requests are typically needed for any work on street trees or trees in the public right-of-way that could affect public safety, visibility, utilities, or the urban forest canopy. Private property tree work that does not affect the public right-of-way is governed separately.
- Request removal or pruning when work affects the public sidewalk, street, or utilities; contact Urban Forestry for guidance Urban Forestry Division[1].
- Report hazardous or fallen trees immediately to the City for emergency response via Urban Forestry Urban Forestry Division[1].
How to request removal or pruning
Follow these general steps to submit a request to City of Atlanta Urban Forestry. Exact application names or forms appear on the City's permit pages; see the tree permit resources for the current application and fee schedule.
- Gather location details: address, nearest intersection, and photos of the tree and any damage.
- Complete the official street-tree or right-of-way permit or request form provided by the City Tree Permits & Applications[2].
- Submit the form and pay any required fee as directed by Urban Forestry; include contractor license and insurance if required.
- Wait for an inspection or written decision from Urban Forestry. Do not start work until the City authorizes it.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement responsibility for trees in public rights-of-way rests with the City of Atlanta Urban Forestry program and associated code enforcement units. Specific fines, escalation, and exact statutory references are best confirmed in the city code and Urban Forestry enforcement pages cited below.
- Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code and Urban Forestry enforcement guidance for amounts Atlanta Code of Ordinances - Trees[3].
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences guidance is not specified on the cited page; consult the City code referenced above Atlanta Code of Ordinances - Trees[3].
- Non-monetary sanctions may include stop-work orders, restoration orders, and civil court action; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page Atlanta Code of Ordinances - Trees[3].
- Enforcer: City of Atlanta Urban Forestry Division handles inspections and initial enforcement; contact via the Urban Forestry Division page Urban Forestry Division[1].
- Appeals and review: procedures and time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page; check the municipal code or contact Urban Forestry for appeal deadlines Atlanta Code of Ordinances - Trees[3].
Applications & Forms
The City publishes a street-tree or right-of-way permit or request form for removal/pruning requests; the current official application and fee schedule are available on the City's permit pages. If no form is required for emergency removals, Urban Forestry will document and advise next steps.
- Official permit or request: available on the City's Tree Permits & Applications page Tree Permits & Applications[2].
Common violations
- Removing a street tree without City authorization.
- Pruning that damages or destabilizes a public tree or harms utilities.
- Failing to comply with a restoration or replacement order.
Action steps
- Document the tree and issue with photos and location details.
- Use the City tree permit/request form and follow submission instructions Tree Permits & Applications[2].
- Contact Urban Forestry for inspection scheduling and questions Urban Forestry Division[1].
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to prune or remove a tree in the public right-of-way?
- Yes. Work affecting street trees or trees in the public right-of-way generally requires a City permit or written authorization from Urban Forestry. Contact Urban Forestry for specifics and the current application.[1]
- How long does approval take?
- Inspection and review times vary; the City does not specify a uniform timeline on the cited pages. Contact Urban Forestry for an estimate.[1]
- What if a tree is an immediate hazard?
- Report hazardous trees to Urban Forestry immediately; for imminent danger to life or property also call 911 and the relevant utility if power lines are involved.[1]
- Are there fees for permits?
- Fee amounts and schedules are published with the permit application on the City tree permits page; see the Tree Permits & Applications resource for current fees.[2]
How-To
- Identify the tree and take clear photos showing the tree and nearby public features.
- Download or request the City street-tree/right-of-way permit from the official Tree Permits page and complete all fields.[2]
- Submit the completed form and any fees as instructed; schedule an inspection if required.
- Receive written authorization before work begins; if authorized, follow any required restoration or replacement conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Always contact City Urban Forestry before altering trees in the public right-of-way.
- Use the official permit or request form and wait for City authorization to avoid penalties.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Atlanta - Urban Forestry Division
- City of Atlanta - Tree Permits & Applications
- Atlanta Code of Ordinances (Trees)
- Atlanta Office of Development Services