CITY HALL ONLINE / City Departments / Community Development > Tree RemovalTree Removal
Please contact the City of Alpharetta Arborist Technician with any questions that may not be answered below regarding tree removal at:
(678) 297-6200 or treepermits@alpharetta.ga.us
It is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to remove any SPECIMEN size tree without prior written approval and the receipt of a tree removal permit.
Size Criteria for Specimen trees are defined as:
Understory Trees: 8” in diameter and greater
Overstory Trees: 24” dbh and greater
Pine Trees: 30” dbh and greater
Diameter is measured at 4 ½ feet above the ground and is called diameter at breast height (dbh)
COMMERCIAL TREE REMOVAL
A tree removal permit application must be submitted and a tree removal permit will be issued for any commercial tree removals.
Removal of trees within common areas of residential neighborhoods such as clubhouses, tennis courts, pools, neighborhood entrances, etc will be treated as commercial properties.
In most cases trees that are removed will need to be replaced on site to comply with zoning requirements as well as maintain the minimum density requirement for commercial properties at 20 units per acre.
RESIDENTIAL TREE REMOVAL
A tree removal permit application must be submitted to the City of Alpharetta prior to the removal of any tree dead or alive from a single family residential property.
Tree removals will not cause a property to go below the minimum density requirements as stated in the Tree Protection Ordinance. For example a typical residential lot of 15,000 square feet is required to have 6 Over-story Trees, 12 Understory trees, or a combination of Overstory and Understory trees equal to the requirement spread over entire lot area.
EMERGENCY TREE REMOVALS
Emergency tree removals will be handled on a case by case basis. During normal business hours call the Arborist Technician prior to any emergency removals. If an emergency removal must occur during non-business hours provide the Arborist Technician with a voice message, fax, or email as soon as possible. Take pictures to document the removal and submit a completed application and any supporting documentation by the next business day.
