The City of Atlanta will launch Phase 1 of the rewrite of the City’s Tree Protection Ordinance which is set to take effect on April 13, 2023. The overhaul, originally passed in December 2022 (22-O-1829), is the first update to the City’s tree code in 22 years. The updates made to the Tree Protection Ordinance represent the work of a broad group of stakeholders representing several environmental and tree canopy advocacy groups, development trade groups, the Atlanta Tree Conservation Commission, City Council and the Mayor’s Office. Phase 1 is part of an incremental approach to updating the City’s tree codes with changes that give the City Arborist more tools for enforcement and to enhance tree canopies in parking lots.

“As climate change continues to disproportionately impact urban environments, it is imperative that our City’s code is designed to protect and grow our tree canopy—our most powerful nature-based tool for climate resilience,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.“The standards set in the updates to the Tree Protection Ordinance—coupled with initiatives like doubling Downtown’s tree canopy with 8,000 trees over five years and others—will further help reduce energy costs, improve our air and stormwater management and raise the overall quality of life for residents.”

Amendments made to the Tree Protection Ordinance include updating ordinance administration, modifying tree protection and enforcement, amending the tree planting section and updates to the tree trust fund. These updates have the potential to increase tree preservation and Atlanta’s tree canopy, allowing more trees to be planted on a site resulting in faster canopy cover than prior standards.

The April 13 launch sets the stage for Phase 2 updates to the Tree Protection Ordinance rewrite in early summer. The changes made during Phase 2 are expected to encompass tree preservation, recompense, and an income-sensitive tree replacement program with a draft ready by Fall or Winter 2023.

For more information, visit https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/tree-protection-ordinance