§ 9.3.3. Tree Removal

A.

Tree Removal Permit Required  

1.

Except as set forth in Sec. 9.3.3.B, a Tree Removal Permit is required when any of the following trees are removed or 25% or more of the critical root zone is disturbed by any intentional activities of the property owner or the owner's agent or employees:

a.

Any Protected Tree, Setback Tree, Boundary Tree or Landmark Tree;

b.

Any tree located within 2,000 feet of the banks of the Chattahoochee River; and

c.

Any tree in a required stream buffer.

2.

All permit requirements in this Article are deemed cumulative, with the most restrictive being operative regarding any particular application.

3.

For Tree Removal Permits not associated with building or land disturbing activities, the applicant shall submit to the City Arborist documentation (e.g., photographs, drawings, or similar documentation deemed acceptable by the City Arborist) showing the location of all existing trees on the property. Such documentation shall show the location, species, and approximate diameter at breast height (DBH) of all existing trees, noting with specificity the Landmark Trees, Protected Trees and Buffer Trees that are proposed to be removed pursuant to this section.

B.

Tree Removal Permit Not Required No Tree Removal Permit is required in the following circumstances:

1.

Normal tree maintenance, including the removal of dead wood and branches or limbs that endanger life or property, provided that the tree is not limbed, topped or pruned in a manner so as to deprive the tree of continued viability.

2.

Removal of a hazardous tree, provided the owner of the property must immediately notify the City Arborist of the removal of the tree and provide documentation that the removed tree was a hazardous tree. Hazardous tree means a tree that is at risk for failure because it is dead or structurally defective, and where that failure could result in personal injury or property damage.

C.

Site/Tree Conservation Plan  

1.

As part of the application for a Tree Removal Permit, a Site/Tree Conservation Plan is required in conjunction with any activity requiring the issuance of a building permit (other than a building permit for a deck, open air patio, fence or interior renovations), demolition permit, land disturbance permit, or erosion and grading permit by the City.

2.

Whenever an application for a building permit or land disturbance permit requires a Site/Tree Conservation Plan, the process is as follows:

a.

Concurrently with the building permit or land disturbance permit application, the applicant must submit a Site/Tree Conservation Plan prepared by a qualified professional for review by the City Arborist.

b.

The Site/Tree Conservation Plan must document the following:

i.

Tree species, DBH, critical root zone, and location of all existing trees and existing tree canopy on the property;

ii.

The location, species, and caliper size of all proposed mitigation planting trees;

iii.

The location of all proposed building construction and land development activities, including grading, drainage, proposed utility locations and all proposed tree protection measures;

iv.

All trees proposed for removal; and

v.

Calculation of the tree canopy on the property prior to and following the implementation of the tree removal/replacement activity set forth in the Site/Tree Conservation Plan.

c.

If the proposed tree removal causes the canopy to fall below the minimum canopy requirement, the applicant is required to:

i.

Pay into the Tree Bank for the deficient canopy as set forth in Sec. 9.3.8.D; and

ii.

Install trees of a similar species to bring the site into compliance with the minimum canopy requirement.

d.

The Site/Tree Conservation Plan must document standard details for tree protection and tree planting in compliance with the Technical Manual.

e.

The Site/Tree Conservation Plan must document compliance with the parking and landscape requirements of this Development Code in compliance with the Technical Manual.

f.

The Site/Tree Conservation Plan must document all Boundary Trees, their critical root zones, and the calculated percentages of impact to the critical root zones.

D.

Replanting Location Incentive When meeting canopy requirements with replanted trees, the Site/Tree Conservation Plan must document compliance with the following:

1.

Each large canopy tree planted along the street frontage receives mitigation credit for 1.25 trees.

2.

Each large canopy tree planted between 50 feet and 75 feet of a stream buffer receives mitigation credit for 1.25 trees.

E.

Payment and Assurances Required A Site/Tree Conservation Plan approval will not be issued until both:

1.

Payment of any required amounts by cashier's check have been received by the Sandy Springs Tree Bank; and

2.

The City has been provided adequate assurances of any required canopy replacement (such as a tree planting schedule).

F.

Field Verification  

1.

The qualified professional submitting the Site/Tree Conservation Plan must field verify the accuracy of the Site/Tree Conservation Plan prior to submittal.

2.

A certificate of occupancy may be issued after final site inspection by City Staff to verify compliance.

3.

The City Arborist must validate submitted Site/Tree Conservation Plans for field accuracy and compliance as deemed appropriate by the Director.

( Ord. of 4-17-2018(7) , §§ 9-18—9-20)