A permit / authorization may be required to remove a tree if you are located in the City of Marietta Georgia. Below are the details and information regarding Marietta tree ordinance statutes, and the process for acquiring a removal permit.
City of Marietta Permit Information
PRIVATE PROPERTY – (single family dwelling) within Marietta City limits, notification of tree removal and tree removal permits ARE NOT required for the removal of trees on that property. However, here are a few things to be mindful of:
- Troubled, diseased, dead or dying trees must be addressed. Failing to address these trees is considered negligence and in the event they fall, the property owner may be held fully responsible for all resulting and subsequent damage and repairs.
- Should a tree (on City property) fall onto private property. The City of Marietta will only remove the section of the tree up to the property line. The remaining portion of the tree is the responsibility of the property owner, unless the property owner had previously reported the tree as a hazard to the City’s Streets Department. If the City determined the tree to be a hazard and took no action to remedy the situation, the homeowner may have the right to have the City remove the remainder of the fallen tree and recover damages as well.
- Should a tree (on private property) fall onto City property. The property owner is responsible for the portion of the tree up to the property line. The Streets Department (for public right of way) or the City’s Parks and Open Space Manager (for parks and City owned land) should be immediately notified of the fallen tree and its location.
- Should a tree (on private property) fall onto adjacent private property. Each property owner is responsible for the portion of the tree on his/her property.
COMMERCIAL & MULTI-FAMILY – Within the City of Marietta, notification of tree removal and tree removal permits ARE required for commercial property, multi-family dwelling and/or apartment building properties.
- All non-emergency tree removals on commercial property and multi-family dwelling properties require authorization from the Department of Development Services staff.
- If you wish to improve your landscape, or have a dead or dying tree, you must submit a notification and Tree Removal Permit Application form.
- City staff will verify the condition of your tree and issue a decision no later than 10 days from receipt of all required documents.
*As a service to our clients, we can handle the permit process on your behalf.
Ordinance Regarding Specimen Trees
The City of Marietta requires special consideration for the removal of these types of trees from commercial properties:
- large hardwoods: 18” diameter or larger
- large softwoods: 24” diameter or larger
- Understroy trees: 9” diameter or larger
Below are conditions of “specimen” trees:
- their life expectancy is greater than 15 years
- their trunks are sound with no extensive decay
- they have no more than one major dead limbs (hardwoods only)
- they have no major insect or pathological problem.
For more info regarding specimen trees or the City of Marietta Ga code requirements, check out the Tree Protection and Landscaping Zoning Ordinance.
Issuance of Removal Permit
Major land work requires the completion of a Land Disturbance Activity Application, and tree removal permits are not issued until the plans have been reviewed and approved by the Department of Development Services. Find contact info for the relevant offices below:
Rusty Roth
Department of Development Services
Planning & Zoning
Email: rroth@mariettaga.gov
Phone: 770-794-5670
Rich Deckman
Parks and Open Space Manager
Email: rdeckman@mariettaga.gov
Phone: 770-794-5607
Donnie Lyle
Street Supervisor
Phone: 770-794-5678
Other Ordinance and Permit Information
If your property is located in another jurisdiction, visit our ordinance and permit page, or the City of Marietta Planning & Zoning for additional development regulations and resources.