Smyrna, Georgia

Find your regulatory agency for Tree Removals:
Within city limits: Georgia City Limits Map
Within county limits: Atlanta Counties Map

Tree Removal Permit Required: YES

Key Submission Items:

Number of trees > 24” DBH for removal (size, species, descriptive location)
DDH status of trees for removal(Properties within Stream Buffer)
A Tree Survey showing minimum density requirement is met after removal (OR) a Tree Replacement Plan.
Site plan or aerial image showing location of trees for removal. (Commercial sites)

Submission Portal:
A Tree Removal Affidavit must be completed and submitted through the City of Smyrna Project Portal.
City Website: https://www.smyrnaga.gov/departments/departments/community-development-economic-development

Quick facts:

All individual trees over 24” DBH require a Tree Removal Permit. Individual trees less than 24” DBH do not require a permit for removal.
Any healthy tree 24” DBH or more that is removed shall be replaced with either a minimum 2-inch caliper tree or shall pay recompense into the Tree Bank at $400 per healthy tree removed. Once the replacement tree(s) is replanted on-site, the applicant shall request an arborist inspection.
Tree removal permits require a $100 fee. Multiple trees on a site can be included on a single permit application.
Trees removed underneath a tree removal permit are required to be replaced with a 2-inch caliper tree of a similar species on site (OR) the property owner may pay $400 into the City’s Tree Bank. Planted trees must be approved before a permit is closed.
Trees over 24” DBH that are deemed Dead, Dying, or Hazardous (DDH) by a qualified professional still require a Tree Removal Permit, but the $100 application fee is waived.
Trees over 24” DBH removed without a permit are required double the recompense (2 trees planted OR $800 Tree Bank contribution).
All reasonable efforts should be made to preserve Specimen Trees.
Commercial properties are subject to the minimum tree density requirements of 100” DBH/acre. Individual tree removals on commercial sites must be submitted with a Tree Survey showing density calculations that meet minimum site density or a Tree Replacement Plan.
Trees being removed within a 50' undisturbed stream buffer will require a site plan indicating trees for removal and approval from the City Engineer.

Specimen Tree Definition:

10” DBH: Small trees or other ecologically similar trees of the following Genus: Cherry, Dogwood, Fringe, Magnolia other than Southern Magnolia, Ornamental Maple, Persimmon, Redbud and Sourwood;
20” DBH: Coniferous trees or other ecologically similar trees of the following Genus: Aborvitae, Baldcypress, Cedar, China Fir, Eastern Hemlock and Eastern Red Cedar;
24” DBH: Overstory trees or other ecologically similar trees of the following Genus: Ash, Beech, Birch, Blackgum, Elm, Gingko, Hickory, Oak, Pecan, Poplar, Red and Sugar Maple, Southern Magnolia, Spruce and Sweetgum;
36” DBH: Overstory trees or other ecologically similar trees of the following Genus: Pine

Dead, Dying, Hazardous (DDH) Definition
A tree posing immediate hazard or danger to a person or property due to imminent failure in part or whole.

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