News Summary

Atlanta’s City Council has approved a significant update to the city’s tree protection ordinance, the first in 25 years. The new policy aims to restore the tree canopy coverage to 50% by increasing removal costs and fines for illegal tree removal. Supporters argue it balances development and conservation, while critics remain concerned about the preservation of existing trees. The ordinance will fund urban reforestation efforts and establish a foundation for future policies to monitor the city’s tree canopy.

Atlanta City Council Approves Comprehensive Update to Tree Protection Ordinance for the First Time in 25 Years

Atlanta has taken a significant step toward protecting its urban forest as the City Council unanimously approved a new tree protection ordinance on Monday. This new policy is the first update in 25 years and aims to restore the city’s tree canopy coverage to 50%, addressing concerns raised by environmental advocates and the development community alike.

The new ordinance, driven by the sponsorship of City Council member Michael Julian Bond and supported by Council member Matt Westmoreland, is set to alter the costs associated with tree removal. Starting January 1, 2026, the cost to clear trees will increase dramatically, from a previous fee structure of $100 plus $30 per inch of diameter to a flat rate of $140 per diameter inch. For instance, the cost for removing a 6-inch tree will surge from approximately $280 to around $840, reflecting a 200% increase. This adjustment is significantly more moderate than an earlier proposal that suggested nearly an 800% hike in removal costs.

The updated ordinance includes other key provisions, such as increased fines for illegal tree removal, which will rise from $100,000 to $200,000 per acre. Additionally, there are adjustments in maximum recompense per acre based on zoning classification, which ranges from $12,500 to $35,000. Furthermore, the new TPO allows developers to receive credits for replanting trees, offering a credit of 1.25 times the size of the trees planted, aiming to incentivize urban reforestation.

Concerns and Support

Despite the unanimous approval, the ordinance has drawn mixed reactions. Tree advocates, including some environmental organizations, have expressed concerns that the city has compromised too much to developer interests, fearing the ordinance does not adequately meet sustainability goals. Specific criticisms are directed at the perceived lack of preservation requirements within the new policy.

On the other hand, organizations like Trees Atlanta have stated that the ordinance fails to incorporate sufficient measures for the preservation of existing trees, which is crucial for maintaining the city’s green infrastructure. City officials recognized these concerns while emphasizing that the ordinance is a step in the right direction but acknowledged that continued efforts are necessary to ensure Atlanta’s tree canopy is effectively protected.

Historical Context

According to a study conducted by Atlanta’s Department of Planning and Community Development in collaboration with Georgia Tech in 2018, the city’s tree canopy coverage stood at approximately 46.5%, down from 48% in 2008. The efforts behind the new tree protection ordinance arose from a growing recognition of the need to address this decline and enhance the urban environment. Over the past several years, discussions have intensified regarding the balance between preserving trees and accommodating the city’s housing development demands.

While there was initially a fear that the previous version of the tree protection ordinance could impede housing projects in areas with significant tree coverage, the city council members were careful to create a framework that supports both tree conservation and development efforts.

Future Implications

The approved ordinance is expected to set a foundation for future policies that will monitor the impact of construction and redevelopment on Atlanta’s tree canopy. Council member Bond emphasized that the city is committed to ongoing improvements in tree protections. Plans for further testing and assessment of tree preservation standards will be initiated later this year, reflecting a “trust fall” approach by which the council hopes to foster a more sustainable urban ecosystem.

Additionally, the ordinance allocates $400,000 annually to fund low-income senior assistance programs, demonstrating a broader commitment to community welfare in conjunction with environmental stewardship.

As the city prepares for the implementation of the new TPO in 2026, it confronts the challenge of balancing growth with sustainability, ensuring that Atlanta remains a vibrant city with a robust tree canopy.

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Additional Resources

• Atlanta News First
• 11Alive
• Rough Draft Atlanta
• WSBTV
• Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Wikipedia: Tree Protection
• Google Search: Atlanta Tree Protection Ordinance
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Protection
• Google News: Atlanta City Council Tree Ordinance
• Google Scholar: Urban Forestry