Avoid Fines: Alpharetta Tree Ordinance Basics for Owners

Thinking about removing a tree or doing major pruning on your Alpharetta property? A small misstep can lead to stop‑work orders, fines, or costly replanting requirements. You want your yard to look great and stay safe, and you also want to stay compliant. In this guide, you’ll learn when a permit is likely required, how specimen trees are treated, what mitigation and replanting could look like, and a simple checklist to use before you call a contractor. Let’s dive in.

Alpharetta tree rules at a glance

Cities like Alpharetta regulate tree work to protect canopy, manage stormwater, and preserve neighborhood character. The rules usually treat trees differently based on location and purpose. You’ll see three common categories: public right‑of‑way and street trees, private property trees tied to development or land disturbance, and private property trees for routine, non‑development work like removals or pruning.

City staff, often a City Arborist or a Planning & Zoning/Permit Center, review applications and issue permits. They also set replanting or mitigation conditions when removals are approved. If you are unsure which rules apply, contact the city before hiring a contractor.

When you need a permit

For non‑development work on a single‑family lot, permits are commonly required under specific triggers. While Alpharetta’s exact thresholds must be confirmed with the city, you should expect review if any of the following apply:

• The tree’s trunk diameter meets or exceeds a minimum size measured at 4.5 feet above grade (DBH).
• The tree is considered a specimen, heritage, or protected tree by species or size.
• The tree sits in a setback, landscape buffer, or stream buffer.
• The tree is in, or overhangs, the public right‑of‑way or is a designated street tree.
• The tree was required to be preserved or planted by a previous permit or approved site plan.

Typical exemptions often include routine pruning for health and safety or emergency removal of an imminently hazardous tree. Even in an emergency, you may need to notify the city and provide documentation after the work. When in doubt, ask the City Arborist how to proceed.

Specimen trees explained

Many municipal codes define “specimen” or “protected” trees by species and minimum size. These high‑value trees often receive stronger protection than others. Removal usually requires a special review and documentation, such as an arborist report and photos, and proof that alternatives were considered.

If removal is approved, expect higher mitigation requirements than for non‑specimen trees. The city may require multiple replacement trees, specific species, and set timelines for planting and inspection. Some historic or landmark trees can only be removed under narrow conditions like public safety or irreversible disease.

Mitigation and replanting requirements

When removal is allowed, cities use mitigation to replace lost canopy. You may encounter one or more of these tools:

• On‑site replacement: Plant new trees on your property. The city may specify species, caliper size, spacing, and planting season.
• Off‑site planting: Plant at an approved location if your lot cannot accommodate required replacements.
• Fee in lieu: Pay into a city tree fund that supports citywide tree planting if planting on site is not feasible.
• Mitigation ratios: Replacement can be more than one new tree for every tree removed, especially for specimen trees.
• Replanting agreement and performance guarantee: You might sign an agreement and post a bond or escrow to ensure replacements are planted and survive for a set period. Inspections may occur at planting and at the end of the guarantee window.

These conditions affect cost and timing. Ask about mitigation options early in your planning to avoid surprises.

Enforcement, fines, and appeals

If work proceeds without required approvals, the city can issue a stop‑work order and require remediation. Penalties may include fines per illegally removed tree, additional replacement beyond the normal mitigation, or liens. Most ordinances include an appeals process. If a mistake happens, notify the city quickly and cooperate on a mitigation plan; that can help limit penalties.

Your pre‑contractor checklist

Use this checklist to prepare before you call a tree service.

• Property documents

  • Locate your deed and current plat/survey showing property lines, easements, and any buffers.
  • Pull any prior permits or site plans that might include tree preservation conditions.

• Tree ownership and location

  • Confirm whether the tree is on your lot, in an easement, or in the right‑of‑way.
  • If near a lot line, treat it as a potential boundary tree and coordinate with your neighbor.

• Protected or specimen status

  • Review past site or landscape plans for protected trees.
  • Check any city mapping tools or ask the City Arborist if your tree might be specimen or protected.

• Basic tree data

  • Note the species (or your best guess), approximate diameter at 4.5 feet (DBH), and location relative to structures and the street.
  • Document hazards with photos, including cracks, lean, or visible root damage.

• Project type

  • Decide whether your plan is routine maintenance or part of a bigger project that could be considered development, like a pool, addition, new driveway, or grading.

• City contact and permits

  • Call or email the Permit Center or City Arborist if the tree might be protected, is in a buffer or right‑of‑way, or if you plan to remove several trees or do grading.
  • Ask which permit form, fee, and review timeline apply, and whether you need a tree protection plan or arborist report.
  • Confirm mitigation options, inspection steps, and any guarantee periods for replacement trees.

• Contractor vetting

  • Require an ISA‑certified arborist or equivalent, proof of liability and workers’ comp insurance, and a valid business license if needed.
  • Get a written scope that lists each tree, the removal or pruning method, equipment to be used, and the plan for stump removal, cleanup, and protecting nearby trees.
  • Decide who will apply for the permit. Many cities require the property owner to sign the application.

• Documentation and follow‑through

  • Keep copies of the permit, approved plans, mitigation agreement, invoices, and before‑and‑after photos.
  • Schedule replanting per the approval and request any required inspections.
  • Maintain replacement trees through the guarantee period, replacing failed trees as required.

How a permit can play out

Here are two common scenarios to show how the process often works.

• Removing a storm‑damaged tree

  1. Take photos showing the immediate hazard. 2) Contact the city to ask about emergency removal and required documentation. 3) Hire a qualified, insured arborist for safe removal. 4) Submit any after‑action report or inspection the city requests. 5) If mitigation applies, follow the replacement plan and schedule inspections.

• Removing a healthy tree for a project

  1. Measure the tree’s approximate DBH and note its species and location. 2) Ask the city if a permit is required and whether the tree is protected or in a buffer. 3) If a permit is needed, provide photos, site sketch, and any arborist report the city requests. 4) Review mitigation requirements and choose on‑site replacements or fee in lieu if allowed. 5) Complete the work after approval and finish replanting on schedule.

What to ask the city

Use these questions to stay on track during your first call or email.

• Does my situation require a tree permit for removal or pruning?
• How does the city define specimen or protected trees right now?
• Is my tree in a setback, landscape buffer, stream buffer, or right‑of‑way?
• What documentation will you need from me or my arborist?
• What mitigation options, ratios, and species lists are currently used?
• What inspections and timelines should I plan for?

Work with qualified pros

Tree work can affect structures, utilities, and neighboring trees. Hiring an ISA‑certified arborist with the right insurance helps protect you and your property. A clear, written scope also reduces misunderstandings and ensures the crew protects nearby trees you want to keep. If you are planning a larger home project, coordinate the tree plan with your builder or landscape contractor so your permit, scheduling, and mitigation align.

Next steps

• Walk your property and complete the checklist above.
• Contact the City Arborist or Permit Center if any tree might be protected, large enough to trigger review, or located in a buffer or right‑of‑way.
• Interview ISA‑certified arborists and confirm permitting responsibilities before anyone starts work.

If you’re planning upgrades that involve tree work and want local guidance on timing, resale impact, and neighborhood standards, connect with our team at The Chatham Company. We know North Fulton and can help you align your yard plans with long‑term property goals. Schedule a Personal Consultation.

FAQs

What Alpharetta homeowners should know about tree permits

• For non‑development work, permits are often required for larger trees, protected/specimen trees, trees in buffers, or trees affecting the right‑of‑way; confirm specifics with the city before work begins.

How specimen tree rules affect removal and mitigation

• Specimen or protected trees usually face stricter review, require documentation like an arborist report, and often trigger higher replacement ratios or fees if removal is approved.

What to do about an emergency hazard tree on private property

• If the tree poses an immediate danger, document the hazard with photos and contact the city about emergency removal procedures and any required post‑removal inspection or report.

Who handles street trees and trees near the curb

• Street trees typically fall under city authority, and work that affects the right‑of‑way usually needs city authorization even if part of the canopy overhangs from a private lot.

Whether you must replace trees after a permitted removal

• Many approvals include mitigation such as on‑site replacement, off‑site planting, or a fee in lieu; the exact approach, ratios, and timing depend on current city policy and site conditions.

How to avoid fines during small backyard projects

• Before clearing or grading, verify whether any trees meet protected thresholds or lie in buffers, and confirm permit needs with the city; keep written approvals and hire an insured, certified arborist.