Community Members Demand Clarity on Tree Ordinance and Stream Buffer Protections

The Atlanta City Council's Community Development and Human Services (CDHS) Committee convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss the Tree Protection Ordinance, a significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing tree preservation in the city. The session highlighted various concerns and suggestions from committee members and stakeholders regarding the ordinance's details and implementation.

One of the primary topics of discussion was the need for clearer guidelines on stream buffer protections. Committee members emphasized that preservation standards should be established rather than relying solely on incentives for developers. This reflects a growing concern about the balance between development and environmental conservation in Atlanta.

Howard Katzmann, a speaker at the meeting, acknowledged the efforts made to strengthen the ordinance but pointed out that the lengthy document contains many intricate details that require further clarification. He raised several questions, including the public's ability to inspect permits for tree removal and the potential conflicts between zoning laws and the Tree Protection Ordinance. Katzmann also stressed the importance of ensuring that existing trees are not removed solely for stormwater or green infrastructure projects.

Additionally, Katzmann advocated for the cluster design option, which would provide developers and homebuyers with more flexibility while preserving more trees. He also requested that stream buffer restoration be limited to hand tools to minimize environmental impact.

The committee is expected to release a draft of the ordinance by May 13, 2025, but concerns were raised about the timeline and the potential for delays. Stakeholders expressed a desire for more transparency regarding the changes being made to the ordinance before its release.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the Tree Protection Ordinance is a critical issue for Atlanta, with ongoing discussions aimed at ensuring that the final legislation effectively balances development needs with environmental preservation. The committee's next steps will involve addressing the raised concerns and finalizing the draft for public review.