Peachtree City is expected to relax its tree removal rules somewhat at Thursday night’s City Council meeting.
The new ordinance will require permits for trees larger than six inches in diameter compared to the current regulations which require a permit for any tree three inches in diameter.
The city will still prevent the cutting down of trees that are in a protected stream, wetland buffer, watershed buffer or conservation easement. Under the new requirements, residents will be required to provide a copy of the plat for their home which will show such protected areas; the plats can be found at City Hall for those who don’t have theirs, according to city staff.
The new ordinance, if approved, would also allow residents to avoid the tree removal permit process if:
• The trees are in a hazardous or dangerous condition requiring immediate removal because of a danger to public health, welfare and safety;
• The trees were damaged in a severe weather event; or
• The trees are found to be diseased or insect infested by the county extension service, the state forestry commission, an arborist or an urban forester.
There will be no fee for the new tree removal permit, but the city will no longer be visiting each site for compliance, instead doing spot checks as necessary.
City staff is hoping to free up time for code enforcement officers by 75 to 80 percent with the changes.
Citizens will have more responsibility when they file for a tree removal permit, providing photo documentation of each tree being removed, general photos of the property, and a certification that all trees to be removed are on the applicant’s property.
Also the city will require authorization from the homeowners’ association or community association if applicable.
Residents will be able to file their permit application online if they choose, which will help expedite the process, officials said.
In other business, council will discuss a request from the Atlanta division of The Kroger Company to amend the city alcohol ordinance to allow wine tasting events.
No such ordinance amendment has been prepared yet, but if council is agreeable with the concept, staff will present an amendment at a meeting early next year.
The suggestion is to have each business file for a separate permit to conduct a wine tasting event, officials said. To qualify for the permit, the business must already have a license to sell alcohol by the package, according to the informal proposal from city staff.
Kroger in its petition to the city provided detailed information about a similar ordinance in place in Dalton, Ga.
In other business, council will consider a bid for the replacement of a rescue truck for the fire department and the naming of two access roads leading to recreation areas: the Meade Field sports complex and the Kedron Pool and Fieldhouse.
Council also is slated to hear a setback variance request for a home at 110 Lanyard Bend in the Fisher’s Bank subdivision to allow construction of a covered, screened porch. The encroachment into the setback would be 7.6 feet into the required 30-foot setback.
