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Cut a tree in PTC? It’s free

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Peachtree City residents now need a permit from the city to cut down any tree with a trunk bigger than three inches in diameter, but at least it’s free.

City staff proposed charging a $25 fee for most tree removal permits, but the City Council lopped off that requirement before approving the city’s new tree preservation ordinance Thursday night.

The ordinance does not set any limits on how many or what type of trees residents can take down, officials said.

Another part of the ordinance is aimed at protecting the city’s greenbelts, which residents sometimes mistakenly clear because they think it’s a part of their property.

Previously, the tree permits were required by a city policy; now as part of the city ordinances, the requirement can be enforced, along with a $50 fine for anyone who removes trees with trunks bigger than three inches in diameter.

City Planner David Rast, who also serves as the city’s arborist, said the fee was proposed because of the staff time involved with code enforcement personnel making site visits for each tree removal permit received.

If the tree is large and healthy, staff may try to convince the homeowner into keeping the tree, Rast said.

“But sometimes there’s nothing we can do,” Rast added.

Council made several changes to the ordinance, including the addition of a provision that requires homeowners to remove a tree felled by a storm within 30 days of it falling down.

One requirement, that each tree removal contractor be licensed by the state, was removed because the state doesn’t have such a program.

The ordinance didn’t just focus on residential lots. Developers of retail, commercial and industrial parcels will be required to adhere to upgraded parking lot design and landscaping standards, and more detailed landscape plan requirements.

Also included are maintenance criteria and plant guarantee requirements for new and existing landscaping. For example, planting areas in front of buildings must be irrigated and planted with groundcover, shrubs or grass.

The ordinance also addresses how mechanical equipment and dumpsters should be screened from view.