Atlanta’s Tree Protection Ordinance Could See Significant Changes

A child swings from a tree atop a hill along the Atlanta BeltLine in Atlanta. As of 2014, Atlanta had 47 tree percent canopy cover. The city’s goal is to have 50 percent. 

David Goldman / Associated Press

Atlanta is beginning to revisit its tree protection ordinance.

The rule is meant to guide property owners and developers, but there’s been frustration with it. For years, the city has said it’s going to revisit the ordinance. Now, the Planning Department says it will redo the rule this summer.

Drive around Atlanta, and it’s easy to see that trees are getting cut down. As Atlanta has bounced back from the recession and development has increased, more land has been cleared. The greatest losses, according to a Georgia Tech analysis, are on private property, including many single-family lots.