Knowledge Article · Customer Self-Service

The Department of City Planning has moved to a completely electronic process for permit applications and issuance. For step-by-step instructions on the process, please review the Digital Permit Submissions guidelines (link below).

The Department of City Planning, Office of Buildings, Arborist Division, is charged with protecting the tree canopy on private property throughout the City of Atlanta. The Arborist Division also enforces the tree ordinance for trees on private property. Permitting for the removal of trees can be done under a building permit or through an application to remove dead, dying, diseased, or hazardous trees.

NOTE: The Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for trees located on City of Atlanta public property and enforces the tree ordinance accordingly. For more information, contact the Office of Parks at 404-546-6813.

Neighborhood Arborists –

Arborist Division field inspectors are assigned for each zip code in the City of Atlanta. Inspectors investigate private property issues such as dead, dying, diseased and hazardous trees, and illegal tree destruction or removal. To determine the inspector for an area, utilize the Arborist Contacts list (link below).

Forms and Checklists –

Visit the Arborist Division webpage (link below) to obtain forms and checklists, including –

• Application for tree removal

• Tree protection plan checklist

• Landscaping plan checklist

• Sign posting request form

• Final inspection request form

For status updates on submitted permits, visit the Accela Citizen website (link below).

The Office of Buildings, Arborist Division is located at –

55 Trinity Ave. SW

3rd Floor – Suite 3800

Atlanta, GA 30303