A tree removal permit may be required to remove a tree within the city limits of Marietta Georgia. Below you will find specific details and information regarding Marietta tree ordinance statutes, and the process for acquiring a removal permit when needed.
Tree Removal Permit Regulations for Residential Private Property
According to this Marietta tree service single family property owners within the City of Marietta ARE NOT required to acquire a tree removal permit or notify the City of the removal of trees on their property. However, there are a few situations to be mindful of:
Troubled, Diseased, Dead or Dying Trees – These trees must be addressed. Failing to address trees in these conditions is considered negligence. In the event they fall, the property owner (which it fell from) may be held responsible for all resulting / related damages and repair costs. If a neighbor is being negligent, send them a certified letter stating and advising they address the situation. In the event the tree falls, they can be held liable for damage and expenses.
Tree (on City Property) Falls Onto Private Property – The City of Marietta will remove the portion of the fallen tree up to the property line. Counterintuitively, removal of the remaining portion that encroached on private property is the responsibility of the property owner, unless the property owner previously documented and reported the tree as a hazard to the City’s Streets Department.
If the City determined the tree in question to be a hazard and took no action prior to its falling, the property owner may have the right to have the City remove the remainder of the fallen tree and recover any subsequent damages as well.
Tree (on Private Property) Falls Onto City Property – The property owner is responsible for the portion of the tree up to the property line.
The Streets Department (Public Right-of-Way), or the City’s Parks and Open Space Manager (Parks and City Owned Land) should be immediately notified of the fallen tree and its location.
Tree (on Private Property) Falls Onto Adjacent Private Property – The property owners are responsible for the portion of the tree that is on their respective property. Where the tree(s) originated is irrelevant, and a common misconception, unless the property owner previously documented and reported the tree as a hazard to the City.
A Permit Is Required for Commercial and Multi-Family Property
Within the City of Marietta, notification of tree removal intent and the acquisition of a tree removal permit ARE REQUIRED for commercial properties, multi-family dwellings, and/or apartment building properties.
Non-Emergency Tree Removal – All non-emergency tree removals on commercial property and multi-family dwelling properties require authorization from the Marietta Department of Development Services.
Landscape Improvement and Threatening Trees – For landscape improvement, or when a dead or dying tree is in need of removal, you must complete and submit a tree removal permit application form (follow the process and download the form below).
NOTE: Special consideration is given for the preservation of specimen trees. See below for further information.
City of Marietta Tree Removal Permit Application Process
The following steps will assist you in the lawful removal of dead, dying, diseased, or hazardous trees from commercial or multi-family properties.
Step 1 – Download the Marietta Tree Removal Permit Application form
Step 2 – Fill out the form in its entirety
Step 3 – Attach required information and documentation
a. Site plan showing location of tree(s) to be removed.
b. Report from arborist or landscape architect documenting health of trees to be removed.
c. Diameter of tree measured 4 1/2 feet above ground level (DBH)
d. Species of tree(s)
e. Photos of tree(s)
Step 4 – Delivery options
In each of the following, correspondence should be addressed to the attention of:
Shelby Little
Planning & Zoning Office Manager
a. Hand deliver to:
205 Lawrence Street (Second Floor)
Marietta Ga 30060
8am – 5pm Monday – Friday
b. Mail to:
P.O. Box 609
Marietta Ga 30061-0609
c. Fax to: (770) 794-5655
d. Email to: slittle@mariettaga.gov
NOTE: City staff will verify the project and condition of your tree(s), and issue a decision within 10 days from receipt of all required documentation.
Handling Emergency Trees – Power Lines, Public Property, Sidewalks, City Streets
Dead, dying, or hazardous trees on City property or the public right-of-way should be addressed as follows:
Emergency Tree Removal from the Street or Public Property – When storm-damaged limbs or a fallen tree is encountered in the roadway or on public property, it should be reported to the City of Marietta Streets Division at (770) 794-5607 for removal.
Power Line or Utility Interfering Tree – Trees that pose a hazard to utilities and power lines should be reported to Marietta Power & Water Tree Trimming at (770) 794-5244. The Power & Water Division will dispatch a service crew to trim back or remove the tree.
NOTE: Never make contact with a tree that is touching power lines, as they may become energized and cause serious harm.
Notification of Nuisance Trees – When anyone identifies a troubled, diseased, dead, or dying tree on public property, they should notify the Streets Department at (770) 794-5607. They will send an arborist to assess the situation and take the necessary action. When the tree is located on private property, the property owner should be notified via certified mail.

Inaction and Negligence – As previously mentioned, not taking action on a diseased, dying, or dead tree is considered negligence. In the event the tree falls onto public property, the property owner may be held accountable for its entire removal and all related damages.
City of Marietta Land Development, Construction, Planning & Permit Divisions
Major land work within the City of Marietta Georgia requires the completion of a Land Disturbance Activity Application. The tree removal permits are not issued until the plans have been reviewed and approved by the Department of Development Services.
For land disturbance, construction, or tree permits, contact the relevant office below:
Shelby Little
Planning & Zoning Office Manager
Email: slittle@mariettaga.gov (email tree removal permit applications here)
Phone: 770-794-5671
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
City of Marietta Tree Protection Ordinance – Specimen Trees
The City of Marietta gives special consideration for the preservation of specimen trees on commercial and multi-family dwelling properties. Additional density credit is given for each specimen tree that is successfully protected during land disturbance and construction projects.
Specimen trees are defined as follows:
Large Hardwoods – 18” diameter or larger
Large Softwoods – 24” diameter or larger
Understory Trees – 9” diameter or larger
and,
Life Expectancy – is greater than 15 years
Tree Trunk – is sound with no extensive decay
Dead Limbs – no more than one major dead limb (hardwoods only)
Tree Health – no major insect or pathological problem.
For further information regarding specimen trees or to examine the full City of Marietta ordinance (which governs the protection, preservation, removal, and relocation of trees in Marietta) is located in its entirety here – City of Marietta Tree Protection and Landscaping Ordinance
Some information was provided courtesy of Todd’s Marietta Tree Services. View its original version here: www.toddsmariettatreeservices.com/removal-permit-ordinance/marietta-ga/
Source:
http://mariettaga.gov
For tree removal permit and ordinance info regarding other cities in Georgia visit: www.treeremovalpermit.com/georgia/