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Metro Atlanta

Decatur has new rules for tree canopy conservation

A new law on tree canopy conservation is in effect in the city of Decatur. (Courtesy of Trees Atlanta)

Credit: Trees Atlanta

Credit: Trees Atlanta

A new law on tree canopy conservation is in effect in the city of Decatur. (Courtesy of Trees Atlanta)
By Carolyn Cunningham – For the AJC
March 29, 2023

Decatur has new rules regarding tree canopy conservation, according to the city’s Facebook page at bit.ly/3YQWIAJ.

Among the changes are:

• Residents may no longer remove three healthy trees every 18 months.

• A minimum tree canopy coverage of 60% is required on single-family residential properties.

• All permitting is now submitted/reviewed online through Community Core permitting.

• A tree permit is required to remove dead, diseased and/or hazardous trees. City arborists are available to assist in permitting the removal of dead trees.

• Any demolition, building or development activity must comply with requirements of the Tree Canopy Conservation Ordinance.

For more information on Decatur’s tree ordinance and Community Core, visit decaturga.com/trees.

Go to decaturga.com/nrg for an updated copy of Decatur’s New Resident Guide.

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Carolyn Cunningham
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