Near Buckhead: Brookhaven Considers Clearer Tree Ordinance

The City of Brookhaven may soon adopt a new tree ordinance that will provide more clarity and guidelines for property owners in city limits, according to Reporter Newspapers.

The new ordinance, which could be approved as soon as July 22, would allow owners of single family, owner-occupied properties to remove up to five trees per calendar year that are greater than 10 inches in diameter, provided the subject tree is not a specimen tree. These removals would require a permit, which is a departure from the previous ordinance.

Additionally, residential properties must maintain a density of 50 inches of tree diameters per acre when applying for removal fee. On properties where land disturbance permits are being applied for, 100 inches of tree diameters per acre must exist outside of building setbacks.

Property owners who choose not to comply with the ordinances can instead pay into a tree fund, which will raise funds for potential projects as tree surveys, education, and maintenance programs.