Atlanta City Council Approves Historic Tree Ordinance Changes Amid Ongoing Environmental Concerns
On Monday, October 23, 2023, the Atlanta City Council unanimously voted to increase tree removal fees and implement significant changes to the city's tree ordinance, marking the most substantial updates in 25 years. While Council member Michael Julian Bond acknowledged the need for further tree protections, he emphasized that this legislation is just the beginning of ongoing efforts to safeguard Atlanta's tree canopy, which has been shrinking. The new ordinance, which includes a raised tree removal fee of $140 per diameter inch and caps on developer fees, will take effect on January 1, 2024, but has drawn criticism from tree advocates who argue it still allows for excessive tree clearing.
June 17, 2025
