Starting Jan. 1, it will get a little bit easier for Peachtree City residents to remove a tree from their property.
The city will allow bigger trees to be cut down, up to six inches in diameter, so long as they are not in a protected stream, wetland buffer, watershed buffer or conservation easement. Residents will be able to discern such trees easily by getting a copy of their plat from city hall or their personal records.
The plat will be required as part of the submittal package for the tree removal permit.
The new ordinance on tree removal permits was approved unanimously by the City Council Thursday night.
The changes are being made to free up staff time of code enforcement officers, but it also will allow the city a chance to make a plea to homeowners to save some of the larger trees if they can somehow be rescued or pruned to avoid a hazard, said City Planner David Rast.
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.
