HomeMy WebLinkAboutORDINANCE NO. 06-11-68ORDINANCE NO. 06-11-68
STATE OF GEORGIA
"'` COUNTY OF FULTON
AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT THE CITY OF MILTON TREE PRESERVATION
ORDINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES
The Council of the City of Milton hereby ordains while in special session on the 30 lb day of
November, 2006 at a.m. as follows:
SECTION 1. That the City of Milton desires to cultivate and encourage a high level of
tree preservation throughout the City; and
SECTION 2. To promote the general provisions within this ordinance and develop
detailed provisions within the administrative guidelines in order to implement the
regulations set forth to preserve, maintain, and replant trees within the City; and
SECTION 3. That the benefits to the City's citizens from this ordinance include control
of soil erosion, enhanced habitat for wildlife, reduction of noise and glare, aesthetics and
scenic amenity, and increased property value; and
SECTION 4. That the existing Fulton County Tree Preservation Ordinance and
Administrative Guidelines will serve as its official guide in preserving trees in the City of
Milton; and
SECTION 5. Therefore the Mayor and City Council have determined that it should adopt
"®" the existing Fulton County Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines as
its own ordinance to be known from this day forward as the City of Milton Tree
Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines; and
SECTION 6. The Mayor and City Council hereby adopt the City of Milton Tree
Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines; and
SECTION 7. That this Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption.
ORDAINED this the 30th day of November, 2006.
Approved:
Joe Lockwood, ayor
Attest:
404,
Jeana R. Marchiafava, City Clerk +4f--
( eal)
Page 1 of 1
FULTON COUNTY
TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
AND
ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES
ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS: DECEMBER 1, 1999
EFFECTIVE DATE: JANUARY 1, 2000
�,` *% REVISED: JANUARY 2003 BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY
**-6e1e/1ped under the Authority DEVELOPMENT, PLAN REVIEW DIVISION
of the City Council by the City Manager's
Office and approved by Ordinance
on November 30, 2006.
ORDINANCE NO. 06-11-68
TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
AND ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES
FOR
AGRICULTURE LAND USE DISTRICTS
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL LAND USE DISTRICTS
COMMERCIAL & ALL OTHER NON -SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE DISTRICTS
UNINCORPORATED FULTON COUNTY, GEORGIA
The 2000 Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines was revised by the Department of
Environment and Community Development, Plan Review Division
First Printing, January 1986
Revised January 1992
Revised December 1999
Revised January 2003
Owen Winters
Dale Nesbit
Becky Wynn
Jack Richey
Judy Webb
Bill Huff
Ron Comacho
Gary Davis
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Tree Preservation Revision Committee
Abby Jordan
Deanne Meningall
H. Thomas Williams
George Hart
Hank Wiley
Ray McGee
Felton Alexander
Carolyn Kayne
Ken Collier
Edith Ladipo
Swain Guzzardi
David Gehle
Lynn Gude
Doug Crawford
Rose McCain
Lamont Carr
George Berkow
Jody Huneycutt
Juanita Gardner
Charlie Roberts
Brad Nestor
Mary Darian Gilbert Thompson
Fulton County Citizens Commission on the Environment (FCCCE)
Tochie Blad Linda Jordan Clayton Shepard
Linda Brooks Robert Peoples Brian Tulley
Na'Taki Osborne John Sherrill
Greater Atlanta Home Builders
Bettie Sleeth
Roger Festa
Michael Kilgallon
Fulton County Developers Advisory Committee
John Schiavone
Woody Snell
Scofield Timber Company, Inc.
Jay C. Bear
Fulton County Planning Commission
E. F. Morey
Roger Rupnow
Georgia Forestry Commission
Joe Burgess
United States Department of Agriculture
Ed Macie
Acknowledgements
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLEOF CONTENTS................................................................................................................................. i
APPENDICES.............................................................................................................................................. iv
SECTION I. FULTON COUNTY TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE
I.
Purpose............................................................................................................................................1
11.
Authority And Applicability................................................................................................................1
III.
Definitions.........................................................................................................................................2
IV.
Permit Procedures............................................................................................................................7
V.
Removal of Trees.............................................................................................................................
7
VI.
Violations..........................................................................................................................................
8
VII.
Enforcement.....................................................................................................................................
8
VIII.
Inspections.......................................................................................................................................8
IX.
Notice of Violation.............................................................................................................................9
X.
Stop Work Orders.............................................................................................................................9
XI.
Modification, Revocation, Suspension, Voidance of Permit............................................................10
XII.
XIII.
Bonding..........................................................................................................................................10
Fines and Penalties........................................................................................................................10
XIV.
Appeals...........................................................................................................................................10
XV.
Effective Date.................................................................................................................................11
XVI.
Validity............................................................................................................................................11
SECTION II. ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES FOR AGRICULTURE DISTRICTS
A. PROCEDURES..............................................................................................................................12
1. Land Disturbance Permits..............................................................................................12
2. Rezoning and Special Use Permits................................................................................13
3. Timber Harvesting Permit Requirements........................................................................14
4. Residential Erosion & Sedimentation and Tree Protection Agreement Form.................16
B. TREE PROTECTION......................................................................................................................16
1. Standards for Specimen And Heritage Trees And Stands of Trees...............................16
2. Methods of Tree Protection............................................................................................17
a. Planning Consideration........................................................................................17
b. Protective Barriers................................................................................................17
Table of contents -!
IN
C. REVEGETATION............................................................................................................................18
1. Tree Replacement..........................................................................................................18
2. Procedures for Calculating Required Tree Replacement Density Factors ..................... 21
a. Conversion Tables................................................................................................ 22
3. Standards for Selecting Quality Replacement Stock ...................................................... 23
4. Planting Minimum Requirement Table........................................................................... 24
5. Transplanting Standards................................................................................................ 27
D. LANDSCAPE STRIP AND BUFFER STANDARDS........................................................................29
1. Landscape Strips............................................................................................................29
2. Planting Within Right-of-way..........................................................................................31
3. Buffers............................................................................................................................32
SECTION III. ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES FOR SINGLE FAMILY DISTRICTS
A. PROCEDURES.............................................................................................................................. 34
1. Land Disturbance Permits.............................................................................................. 34
2. Rezoning and Special Use Permits................................................................................35
3. Timber Harvesting Permit Requirements........................................................................ 36
4. Residential Erosion & Sedimentation and Tree Protection Agreement Form.................37
B. TREE PROTECTION......................................................................................................................38
1. Standards For Specimen And Heritage Trees And Stands of Trees .............................. 38
2. Methods of Tree Protection............................................................................................ 38
a. Planning Consideration........................................................................................38
b. Protective Barriers................................................................................................ 39
C. REVEGETATION............................................................................................................................40
1. Tree Replacement..........................................................................................................40
2. Procedures for Calculating the Required Tree Replacement Density Factor.................43
a. Conversion Tables................................................................................................44
3. Standards for Selecting Quality Replacement Stock......................................................45
4. Planting Minimum Requirement Tables..........................................................................46
5. Transplanting Standards................................................................................................ 49
D. LANDSCAPE STRIP AND BUFFER STANDARDS........................................................................51
1. Landscape Strips............................................................................................................51
2. Planting Within Right-of-ways.........................................................................................53
3. Buffers............................................................................................................................ 53
Table of contents i
[0,
SECTION IV. ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES FOR COMMERCIAL AND ALL OTHER
NON-RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
A. PROCEDURES..............................................................................................................................56
1. Land Disturbance Permits.............................................................................................. 56
2. Rezoning and Special Use Permits................................................................................57
3. Timber Harvesting Permit Requirements........................................................................ 58
4. Residential Erosion & Sedimentation and Tree Protection Agreement Form.................60
B. TREE PROTECTION......................................................................................................................60
1. Standards For Specimen And Heritage Trees And Stands of Trees..............................60
2. Methods of Tree Protection............................................................................................ 61
a. Planning Consideration........................................................................................61
b. Protective Barriers................................................................................................ 61
C. REVEGETATION............................................................................................................................62
1. Tree Replacement..........................................................................................................62
2. Procedures for Calculating the Required Tree Replacement Density Factor.................65
a. Conversion Tables................................................................................................66
3. Standards for Selecting Quality Replacement Stock ..................................................... 67
4. Planting Minimum Requirement Tables.......................................................................... 68
5. Transplanting Standards................................................................................................ 71
D. LANDSCAPE STRIP AND BUFFER STANDARDS........................................................................73
1. Landscape Strips............................................................................................................73
2. Planting Within Right-of-ways.........................................................................................75
3. Buffers............................................................................................................................75
Table of contents iii
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A.
Typical Root Protection Zone.........................................................................................
78
APPENDIXB.
Tunneling........................................................................................................................79
APPENDIX C.
Grade Changes..............................................................................................................80
APPENDIX D.
Checklist For Landscape & Tree Protection Plans.........................................................
81
APPENDIX E.
Tree Species Selection List............................................................................................84
APPENDIX F.
Sample Tree Density Calculation...................................................................................85
APPENDIX G.
Multi -Trunked Tree Calculations.....................................................................................86
APPENDIX H.
Tree and Site Related Disturbances...............................................................................87
APPENDIX I.
Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control and Tree Protection Agreement..............89
APPENDIX J.
Acceptable Evergreen Plant Material For Undisturbed Buffers ......................................
90
APPENDIX K.
Recommended Shade Trees for Parking Lots...............................................................91
APPENDIX L.
Protective Tree Fencing Detail.......................................................................................92
APPENDIX M.
Sample Tree Protection Plan.........................................................................................93
Im
-iv-
SECTION I.
Fulton County
Tree Preservation Ordinance
14
A-Ift-
Section I. Fulton County Tree Preservation Ordinance
I. Purpose
A. The purpose of this ordinance is to cultivate and encourage a high level of tree preservation, to
promote the general provisions within this ordinance, and to develop detailed provisions within
the administrative guidelines in order to implement the regulations set forth to preserve,
maintain, and replant trees within unincorporated Fulton County, Georgia. The intent of the
Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines is to provide standards for the preservation of trees
as part of the land development, building construction and timber harvest processes. It is not
the intent of this ordinance to regulate individual properties where activities do not require a
land disturbance, building construction or timber harvest permit.
B. Benefits to Fulton County citizens derived from tree protection and replanting include:
1. Improved control of soil erosion.
2. Moderation of storm water runoff and improved water quality.
3. Interception of airborne particulate matter and the reduction of some air pollutants.
4. Enhanced habitat for desirable wildlife.
5. Reduction of noise and glare.
6. Climate moderation.
7. Aesthetics and scenic amenity.
8. Increased property value.
II. Authority and Applicability
A. Standards for tree preservation established hereunder supersede and replace those contained
in the former Fulton County Tree Preservation Ordinance, adopted and approved on January
8, 1986, codified as § § 26-396 through 26-403, Fulton County Code of Laws (1997).
B. Terms and provisions of the Tree Preservation Ordinance and the Administrative Standards
established herein, shall apply to all activity which requires the issuance of a land disturbance
permit on any real property within unincorporated Fulton County. No land disturbance permit
shall be issued by the Department of Environment and Community Development, (or any
successor to that Department) without it being determined that the proposed development is in
conformance with the provisions of these regulations.
C. The terms and provisions of these regulations shall also apply to construction of new single
family detached and duplex dwellings, including additions, renovations and/or alterations to
existing single family detached and duplex dwellings.
D. The terms and provisions of these regulations shall also apply to timber harvesting activities.
Tree Preservation Ordinance .q.
III. Definitions
All words in these standards have their customary dictionary definitions except as specifically defined
herein. The words "shall" and "must' are mandatory, and the words "may" and "should" are permissive.
1. Agent(s), designated or authorized: an individual or entity authorized to administer and
enforce the standards set forth in the Fulton County Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines.
2. Buildable Area: The portion of a parcel of land where a building may be located and which
shall contain enough square footage to meet the minimum required by the zoning district. That portion
which is not located in the minimum setbacks, utility corridors, driveways, slopes to build streets, tree
save areas, landscape strips, specimen tree areas, state water buffer, tributary buffers, zoning buffers,
wetlands, storm water and sanitary sewer easements.
3. Buffer:
State Waters Buffer: An area along the course of any State waters to be maintained in
an undisturbed and natural condition.
Tributary Buffer: A protection area adjoining the tributaries of the Chattahoochee
River. Tributary buffer specifications are contained in Part D. of each prospective land
use section of the Fulton County Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines.
C. Zoning Buffer: A natural undisturbed portion of a lot, except for approved access and
utility crossings, which is set aside to achieve a visual barrier between the use on the
lot and adjacent lots and/or uses. Buffer is achieved with natural vegetation and must
be replanted subject to the approval of the Director of the Department of Environment
and Community Development or his/her designated agent(s) when sparsely vegetated.
Cleaning of undergrowth from a buffer is prohibited except when accomplished under
the supervision of the Director of the Department of Environment and Community
Development or his/her designated agent(s).
4. Caliper: The standard for trunk measurements of nursery stocks. Caliper of the trunk shall be
taken 6 inches above the ground for up to and including 4 inch caliper size and 12 inches
above the ground for larger sizes.
5. Cambium: Tissue within the woody portion of trees and shrubs which gives rise to the woody
water and nutrient conducting system and the energy substrate transport system in trees.
Cambium growth activity results in a tree's radial development, i.e., increase in diameter.
6. Cambial Dieback: The irreparable radial or vertical interruption of a tree's cambium, usually
caused by mechanical damage, such as "skinning bark" or from excessive heat.
Tree Preservation Ordinance
-2-
7. Clear Cutting: The removal of all trees from a property, whether by cutting or other means,
excluding stream buffer requirements.
Coniferous: Belonging to the group of cone -bearing evergreen trees or shrubs.
County Arborist: The agent(s) of Fulton County assigned to the Department of Environment
and Community Development having the primary responsibilities of administration and
enforcement of the Tree Preservation Ordinance.
10. Critical Root Zone: The area of tree roots within the crown dripline. This zone is generally
defined as a circle with a radius extending from a tree's trunk to a point no less than the
furthest crown dripline. Disturbances within this zone will directly affect a tree's chance for
survival.
11. Crown Drip Line: A vertical line extending down to the ground from the end of a tree's longest
branches.
12. Deciduous: Not persistent; the shedding of leaves annually.
13. D.B.H.: Diameter -at -breast -height is a standard measure of tree size, (for trees existing on site)
and is a tree trunk diameter measured in inches at a height of 4 % feet above the ground. If a
tree splits into multiple trunks below 4 % feet, refer to chart in Appendix I.
14. Density Factor for the Site (DFS): A unit of measure used to prescribe and calculate required
tree coverage on a site. Unit measurements are based upon tree size.
a.) Site acreage multiplied by (15) for Agricultural Districts = DFS.
b.) Site acreage multiplied by (20) for Single Family Residential Districts = DFS.
c.) Site acreage multiplied by (30) for Commercial Districts and all other Non -Single
Family Districts = (DFS).
15. Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance: The ordinance adopted by the County that
regulates soil erosion and its transportation to the County's lakes, rivers, and streams (latest
revision).
16. Improvement Setback: An area adjacent to a zoning buffer in which no improvements and/ or
structures shall be constructed. No development activity such as tree removal, stump removal
or grinding, land disturbance or grading is permitted without the approval of the Director of the
Environment and Community Development.
Tree Preservation Ordinance .3.
17. Land Disturbing Activity: Any activity which may result in soil erosion from water or wind and
movement of sediments into state water or onto lands within the state, including, but not limited
to, clearing, dredging, grading, excavating, transporting, and filling of land but not including
agricultural practices as described in Fulton County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Ordinance of 1996, Fulton County Code of Laws § 26-38(5) (1997), as amended.
18. Land Disturbance Permit: A permit issued by the Department of Environment and Community
Development that authorizes the commencement of alteration or development of a given tract
of land or the commencement of any land disturbing activity.
19. Landscape Plan: A plan that identifies areas of tree preservation and methods of tree
protection within the protected zone, as well as all areas of replanting. Within replanting areas,
the common and botanical names of the proposed species, the number of plants of each
species, the size of all plant materials, the proposed location of all plant materials, and any
unique features of the plant materials shall be indicated.
20. Landscape Strip: An area required by this ordinance, by the Fulton County Zoning Resolution
or any condition of zoning, use permit or variance approval, which is reserved for the
installation and/or maintenance of plant materials.
21. Minimum Setback: The minimum yards as specified in the regulations related to the zoning
districts or use permit categories. A minimum required space between a property line and a
structure. An area identified by a building line.
22. Protected Zone: Includes but is not limited to the following:
1.) Critical root zone plus an additional 3 feet; all areas of a parcel required to remain in open
space; all areas required as landscape strips and/or buffers (including zoning buffers, state
water buffers and tributary buffers); tree save areas according to provisions of the Fulton
County Zoning Resolution, conditions of zoning, use permit or variance approval, and/or the
Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines.
23. Revegetation: The replacement of trees and landscape plant materials to satisfy the minimum
tree density and landscape requirements, as determined by the Fulton County Zoning
Resolution, condition of zoning, use permit or variance approval, or the Tree Preservation
Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines.
24. Roots:
a. Feeder Roots: A complex system of small annual roots growing outward and
predominantly upward from the system of "transport roots". These roots branch four or
more times to form fans or mats of thousands of fine, short, non -woody tips. Many of
these small roots and their multiple tips are 0.2 to 1 mm or less in diameter and less
than 1 to 2 mm long. These roots constitute the major fraction of a tree's root system
surface area and are the primary sites of absorption of water and nutrients.
Tree Preservation Ordinance .4.
b. Major Woody Roots: First order tree roots originating at the "root collar" and growing
horizontally in the soil to a distance of between 3 and 15 feet from the tree's trunk.
' These roots branch and decrease in diameter to give rise to "rope roots". The primary
functions of major woody roots include anchorage, structural support, the storage of
food reserves, and the transport of minerals and nutrients.
C. Rope Roots: An extensive network of woody second order roots arising from major
woody roots, occurring within the surface 12 to 18 inches of local soils, and with an
average size ranging from .25 to 1 inch in diameter. The primary function of rope roots
is the transport of water and nutrients and the storage of food reserves.
d. Transport Roots: The system or framework of tree roots comprised of major woody
roots and rope roots.
25. Root Collar: The point of attachment of major woody roots to the tree trunk, usually at or near
the groundline and associated with a marked swelling of the tree trunk.
26. Root Respiration: An active process occurring throughout the feeder root system of trees and
involving the consumption of oxygen and sugars with the release of energy and carbon -
dioxide. Root respiration facilitates the uptake and transport of minerals and nutrients essential
for tree survival.
27. Setback: A space between a property line and the line to which a building or specified
e0*1 structure may be constructed.
28. Soil Compaction: A change in soil physical properties which includes an increase in soilweight
per unit volume and a decrease in soil pore space. Soil compaction is caused by repeated
vibrations, frequent traffic and weight. As related to tree roots, compacted soil can cause
physical root damage, a decrease in soil oxygen levels with an increase in toxic gasses, and
can be impervious to new root development.
29. State Waters: Any and all rivers, streams, creeks, branches, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, drainage
systems, springs, wells, and other bodies of surface or subsurface water, natural or artificial,
lying within or forming a part of the boundaries of the State which are not entirely confined and
retained completely upon the property of a single individual, partnership, or corporation.
30. Thinning: Selective cutting or removal of timber. The basal unit of (30) units per acre for
Commercial Districts and all other non single family districts; (20) units per acre for Single
Family Residential Districts; (15) units per acre for Agricultural Districts shall be maintained
after selective cutting, or removal of timber has occurred.
31. Timber Harvesting: The felling of timber products (pulp wood, etc). The term "timber
harvesting" may include both clear cutting and thinning of timber.
Tree Preservation Ordinance .5.
32. Tree:
a. Tree: Any self supporting woody perennial plant which has a trunk diameter of 2 inches
or more measured at a point 6 inches above the ground level and which normally
obtains a height of at least 10 feet at maturity, usually with one main stem or trunk and
many branches.
b. Heritage Tree: A tree which is designated upon approval by the Director of the
Department of Environment and Community Development or authorized agent(s) to be
of notable historical value or interest because of its age, size, or historical association.
C. Specimen Tree: Any tree which has been determined by the County Arborist to be of
high value because of its type, size, age, or other professional criteria, and has been
so designated according to administrative standards established by the Department of
Environment and Community Development.
d. Stand of Specimen Trees: A contiguous grouping of trees which has been
determined to be of value by the Director of the Environment and Community
Development Department or authorized designee(s). (a.) A relatively mature even
aged stand. (b.) A stand with purity of species composition or of a rare or unusual
nature. (c.) A stand of historical significance. (d.) A stand with exceptional aesthetic
quality.
33. Tree Bank: A site such as a school or public park, where the owner/developer shall donate
and plant the required trees when it is not feasible to plant the required trees within their site's
project area.
34. Tree Preservation Ordinance: This Ordinance, approved and adopted by the Fulton County
Board of Commissioners to provide standards for the protection, preservation and replacement
of trees regulated and enforced by the County Arborist in conjunction with the Department of
Environment & Community Development or designated agent(s) through development and
construction permits and processes.
35. Tree Save Area: All areas designated for the purpose of meeting tree density requirements,
saving specimen trees, and/or preserving natural buffers.
36. Tributary: Any perennial stream (or portion thereof) within the affected area that is portrayed
as a solid blue line on the United States Geological Survey 7.5 Quadrangle Maps, 1968
edition, or other perennial streams as identified by Fulton County.
37. Wetlands: Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support,
a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands
generally include swamps, marshes, bog, and similar areas.
Tree Preservation Ordinance .g.
38. Zoning Regulations: The Zoning Resolution of Fulton County as amended or such regulations
subsequently adopted by the Board of Commissioners inclusive of conditions of zoning, use
permit or variance approval established pursuant thereto.
39. All other terms: All other words or phrases as appropriate to the context of their uses shall be
interpreted as defined in the Zoning Regulations.
IV. Permit Procedures
A. All applications for a Land Disturbance Permit shall provide a landscape plan and other
documentation as required and as applicable for all areas of the tract of land within a protected
zone. All applications and required supplemental information shall be submitted to the Director
of the Department of Environment and Community Development.
B. All landscape plans and related documentation shall be reviewed by the County Arborist for
conformance to the provisions of these regulations and either approved, returned for revisions,
or denied within 30 days of receipt. If denied or returned for revisions the reasons for denial or
revision shall be annotated on the landscape plan or stated in writing.
C. Issuance of a valid Land Disturbance Permit shall constitute an approval of the required
landscape plan and shall indicate conformance to the provisions of these regulations.
D. For issuance of any residential building permit, applicant must sign and agree to abide by the
Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control Tree Protection Agreement, (see Appendix H. to
the Administrative Guidelines). This shall also apply to parcels upon which a land disturbance
permit has been previously issued with a tree protection plan approved by the County Arborist.
The Director of the Department of Environment and Community Development, or his/her
designee, is authorized to execute such Agreements on behalf of Fulton County.
E. For issuance of a Timber Harvesting Permit, applicant agrees to maintain a 25 foot undisturbed
buffer along the entire perimeter of the property. This buffer must be maintained for the
duration of the timber harvesting activity.
V. Removal of Tree(s)
A. If the owner/developer proposes to remove any tree(s) in the protected zone, then the
owner/developer must document a hardship such as but not limited to economic or zoning
restrictions and submit it as part of the application for a Land Disturbance Permit. The
application shall be subject to the approval of the Director of the Department of Environment
and Community Development or designated agent before any trees are to be removed from
the site. Nothing in these regulations shall be construed to allow the removal of vegetation in a
natural, undisturbed buffer required by the Zoning Regulations.
B. When no trees are present in the protected zone or when disturbance of any portion of the
protected zone is approved, it shall be the responsibility of the owner/developer to revegetate
Tree Preservation Ordinance J,
said areas (in which improvements are not constructed) with trees or other plant materials
subject to zoning regulations or, in lieu thereof, administrative standards established by the
Department of Environment and Community Development.
C. Not withstanding any of the other requirements of these regulations, it shall be unlawful to
remove a specimen tree without the express written permission of the County Arborist or
authorized agent(s). Administrative standards have been established by the Director of the
Departmentof Environment and Community Development for the identification, preservation
and protection of specimen trees.
VI. Violations
Citations for any of the following violations, by authorized Fulton County enforcement agent(s) may
constitute issuance of an immediate stop work order.
A. Land disturbance and/or tree removal within state water, tributary, or zoning buffer(s) .
B. Land disturbance and/or tree removal within tree save area(s).
C. Illegal removal or disturbance of specimen tree, heritage tree or stand of trees.
D. Improper installation of tree fencing.
E. Other violations of any provision(s) of this Ordinance or the Administrative Guidelines
established pursuant thereto, including Appendices.
VII. Enforcement
A. It shall be the duty of the Department of Environment and Community Development and
designated agent(s) to enforce this Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines. The
Departmentof Environmentand Community Developmentand designated agent(s) shall have
the authority to modify, revoke, suspend, or void any Land Disturbance Permit and shall have
the authority to suspend all work on a site or any portion thereof.
B. The Departmentof Environmentand Community Development and designated agent(s) is the
issuing authority and shall have the power to withhold all permits, including, but not limited to,
final certificates of occupancy, building permits and all permits on the subject site until it is
determined by the issuing authority that the site complies with this ordinance and the
provisions of the formal plan approved by the county.
VIII. Inspections
A. The Department of Environment and Community Development is the issuing authority and may
cause inspection of compliance to be made periodically by its designated agent(s) during the
course of the project and shall make a final inspection following the completion of the work.
Applicants shall cooperate with the issuing authority in conducting such inspections.
B. The Department of Environment and Community Development shall have the power to conduct
such investigations as it may reasonably deem necessary to carry out its duties as prescribed
in this Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines, including but not limited to the power to enter
at reasonable times upon any property, public or private, for the purpose of investigating and
inspecting the sites of any land disturbing or tree removal activities.
Tree Preservation Ordinance .$.
C. The Department of Environment and Community Development is authorized to design and
implement an inspection program involving private inspectors acceptable to the Department.
D. No person shall refuse entry or access to any authorized representative or agent who requests
entry for the purpose of inspection and who presents appropriate identification, nor shall any
person obstruct, hamper or interfere with any such representative while in the process of
carrying out his official duties.
IX. Notice of Violation
A. If, through inspection, it is determined that a person, firm, or corporation has 1.) engaged in
land disturbing or other activities, which have resulted in the removal of trees; or 2.) failed to
comply with the terms and conditions of a validly issued permit, then a written notice of
violation shall be served upon the property owner or the agent of record.
B. Where a person, firm, or corporation has engaged in land disturbing or tree removal activities
without having first secured a permit therefore in violation of this Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines, notices under the provisions of this section may be served upon the person in
charge or any person representing the person in charge on the site. All construction and land
disturbance activity shall be discontinued until the necessary measures to achieve compliance
have been fulfilled.
C. The notice shall set forth the measures necessary to achieve compliance with the permit and
shall state the time within which such measures must be completed.
D. If the person, firm, or corporation engaged in land disturbing activity fails to comply within the
time specified, he/she shall be subject to citation for violation of this Ordinance and
Administrative Guidelines.
X. Stop Work Orders
A. Upon notice from the Department of Environment and Community Development, work on any
project that is being done contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines shall be immediately stopped, until such time that the violation has been remedied
to the satisfaction of the Director of the Department of Environment and Community
Development. Prior to remediation a plan shall be submitted to and approved by the County
Arborist
B. Such Notice:
1. shall be in writing.
2. shall state the specific violation(s).
3. shall be given to the applicant, owner, the authorized agent of either, or the person in
charge, or any person representing the person in charge of the activity on the subject
property.
4. shall state the conditions under which work may be resumed.
5. where an emergency exists, no written notice shall be required.
6. shall allow only erosion control work to continue while stop work is in effect
Tree Preservation Ordinance .g.
XI. Modification, Revocation, Suspension, Voidance of Permit
A land disturbance permit and/or other permit(s) required by this Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines may be modified, revoked, suspended, or voided by the Department of Environment and
Community Development upon finding that the holder is in violation of the terms of the permit or any
portion of this Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines.
XII. Bonding
Fulton County will evaluate all development projects (excluding timber harvesting) requesting property
clear cutting. If upon completion of the site evaluation, the Department of Environment and Community
Development deems it appropriate to allow property clear cutting activities, a bond will be required. The
bond will be required by Fulton County as a mechanism to cover any potential cost associated with
revegetation of the clear-cut property in the event of property abandonment.
The required bond amount will be 125 percent (%) of the total cost for replanting trees to satisfy the
density standards for the project site. A tree replacement cost obtained from a plant nursery will be
provided to Fulton County with the clear-cut request and the bond amount will be based on the tree
replacement cost. Fulton County reserves the right to request additional replacement cost if deemed
appropriate. Fulton County will hold the bond until the project activity, including tree replacement to
satisfy the site density requirements, is completed. If upon issuing the land disturbance permit, the
property is clear cut and there are no construction or development activities conducted within six (6)
months, Fulton County will attempt to contact the property owner (via certified mail) for a project
update. Should the property owner not respond within thirty (30) days of receipt of the status
request, the bond will be used to revegetate the project site.
XIII. Fines and Penalties
A. Any person, firm, corporation or other entity violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance
shall be liable for a fine of up to a maximum $1000.00 dollars per violation per day. Each
calendar day a violation exists shall be considered a separate offense. There are no maximum
limitations to the accrual of fines.
B. Each owner of any property wherein a violation exists shall be jointly and severally responsible
for said violations. Each offense will be tried in the Fulton County Magistrate Court
("Environmental Court").
XIV. Appeals
A. Any person aggrieved or affected by any decision of the County Arborist relating to the
application of these regulations may file an appeal within thirty (30) days of the decision with
the Director of the Department of Environment and Community Development for relief or
reconsideration.
B. Any person aggrieved or affected by any decision of the Director of the Department
Environment and Community Development relating to the application of these regulations may
file an appeal within thirty (30) days of the decision with the Board of Zoning Appeals through
the Director of Environment and Community Development.
C. Appeals shall only be granted for errors of interpretation or where the unique natural features
of the site are such that application of these regulations would create an undue hardship to the
Tree Preservation Ordinance -10-
property owner, and in other instances where an undue hardship is created for the owner of
the property.
XV. Effective Date
This Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines shall become effective thirty (30) days after its approval
by the Board of Commissioners of Fulton County and shall replace the former Fulton County Tree
Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines, §§26-396 through 25-403, Fulton County
Code of Laws (1997). All land disturbance, building construction, and timber harvest permit
applications submitted prior to the approval date of this ordinance and administrative guidelines and
within the thirty (30) day effective date grace period shall not be required to adhere to this Tree
Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines; however, such applications shall be required to
comply with the above -referenced Fulton County Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines which is being replaced by this Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines. All land
disturbance, building construction, and timber harvest permit applications submitted beyond the thirty
(30) day effective date grace period, shall be required to adhere to all requirements of this Tree
Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines.
XVI. Validity
Should any section or provision of this Ordinance, or Administrative Guidelines promulgated
hereunder, be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision shall not affect
the validity of the Ordinance in whole or any part thereof other than the part so declared invalid.
BE IT SO RESOLVED, THIS first day of December, 1999.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
OF FULTON COUNTY, GEORGIA
XORED
enn, Chai
A
Ju 'ne Boyd, clerk to Com #�GRML1J A.M.—REGUIAR KONG
Tree Preservation Ordinance -11-
SECTION II. ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES FOR AG -1, AGRICULTURE DISTRICT
This set of guidelines shall apply to land uses within Unincorporated Fulton County's Agriculture
District. The Agriculture District is intended to encompass lands devoted to a wide range of uses
including single family subdivisions, agricultural and closely related land uses.
A. PROCEDURES
Land Disturbance Permits
a. Step 1. Application Forms
Filing application forms and obtaining Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines
information.
b. Step 2. Tree Protection Plan
A tree protection plan, (TPP) shall be submitted with other permit drawings as part of
the land disturbance permit process. This plan may either be a separate drawing or
part of the landscape plan and shall include the following information:
1. Tree Protection Details, detail drawings of tree protection measures and
landscape strips (whichever is applicable or both).
• Protective tree fencing.
• Erosion control fencing.
• Tree protection signs.
• Transplanting specifications.
Tree wells.
• Staking specifications.
Other applicable drawings.
• Landscape installation plans, planting details, plant list
2. Spatial Limits
Definition of spatial limits.
` Limits of land disturbance, clearing, grading and trenching.
` Tree protection zones.
` Specimen trees or stands of trees.
• Areas of revegetation and tree density calculations.
` State waters buffers and/or tributary buffers.
3. Implementation Schedule
ew*l • Procedures and schedules for the implementation, installation and maintenance
L%W of tree protection measures.
Administrative Guidelines —Agriculture District -12-
C. Step 3. Review Process
These plans shall be reviewed by the County Arborist or his designated agent(s) for
conformance with:
` Applicable Overlay District Regulations
' Fulton County Zoning Resolution
' Applicable Zoning, Use Permit and/or Variance Conditions
' Tree Preservation Ordinance & Administrative Standards
' Any and all Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines dealing with natural
resources
' Plans will be either approved, denied or returned for revisions.
' Reasons for denial shall be stated in writing on the tree protection plan.
Step 4. Tree Protection Measures
All tree protection measures shall be installed by the contractor and then inspected by
the County Arborist or designated agent(s) prior to any land disturbance.
e. Step 5. Land Disturbance Permit
Issuance of the land disturbance permit is contingent upon approval of the Tree
Protection Plan.
Step 6. Follow-up
The County Arborist will conduct follow-up site inspections for enforcement of the Tree
Preservation Ordinance and its Administrative Guidelines.
2. Rezoning and Special Use Permits
a. Step 1. Application Forms
Filing application forms and obtaining Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines
information.
b. Step 2. Case Review
The County Arborist may conduct a preliminary review of all rezoning cases and
special use permit applications.
C. Step 3. Field Review
A field review of cases may occur under the following conditions:
1. For community unit plans and major development cases.
2. For cases within the Chattahoochee River Corridor.
3. For cases within overlay districts.
4. Other cases as determined necessary by the preliminary review.
d. Step 4. Conditions
Conditions to rezoning may be required as found necessary by the preliminary review.
These conditions may either be general or specific in nature and will reflect the
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -13-
standards or provisions of the Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines and the Zoning Resolution.
e. Step 5. Verification
Compliance with these conditions will be verified by review of a revised site plan prior
to the issuance of a land disturbance permit.
3. Timber Harvesting Permit Requirements
Agriculture (AG -1) Land Uses
A timber harvest permit is required when more than 2 acres of land is clear cut or thinned.lf 2
acres or less of land is clear cut or thinned a timber harvest permit will not be required, but site
tree density still has to be met. Clear cutting is allowed on AG -1 zoned land only. Thinning is
allowed in all zoning/land use categories. This permit does not allow any clearing, thinning or
disturbance to state water, tributary, or wetland buffers. Clear cutting is cutting trees down flush
with the ground; stump removal is prohibited. Any portion of land clear cut or thinned under this
provision is still required to meet the minimum site density of 15 units per acre, which may
require replanting some trees.
Step 1. Application Form and Site Plan
A filled -out timber harvest application form must be accompanied with a site plan.
KK b. Step 2. Application and Site Plan Review
The County Arborist will conduct review of all timber harvesting applications and site
plans. The review of applications and site plans will be based on meeting minimum
standards.
Pi
Site Plan Minimum Standards
1. Note stating that no stump removal or grading is allowed under this permit;
2. All areas of existing trees shall be shown;
3. All areas of trees to be cleared -cut or thinned shall be shown;
4. All areas of trees to be saved shall be shown;
5. All streams, creeks, lakes, wetlands and applicable buffer areas shall be
shown;
6. Investigation must be conducted by a forester registered in the state of
Georgia. Plan must be designed by a forester registered in the state of
Georgia. The plan must be affixed with the forester's registered seal.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -14-
Other Minimum Standards
Timber Harvesting under this provision shall be in compliance with the following
standards:
State Waters / Tributary Buffers prescribed by the Chattahoochee River Corridor
Tributary Protection Area Resolution, South Fulton CountyTributary Protection
Ordinance and Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance of 1996.
2. Erosion control prescribed by the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Ordinance of 1996.
Stream crossing prescribed by the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Ordinance of 1996.
4. A 25 foot undisturbed buffer shall be provided and maintained along the entire
perimeter of the property, including road frontages, during the timber
harvesting activity, except for authorized access crossings.
The property shall be required to meet a tree density standard of 15 units per
acre, not including the 25' buffer, upon completion of the authorized timber
harvesting activities.
6. The owner/developer shall utilize the recommended Best Management
Practices as established by the Georgia Forestry Commission.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Concerning the best management practice of SMZ'S, or
stream side management zones, no timber harvesting can occur within the 25
foot State Waters Buffer (North Fulton) the 35 foot blueline Tributary Buffer
(North Fulton) or the 75 foot State Waters Buffer (South Fulton). All buffers are
measured from the top of the bank on both sides of a stream or creek that has
been delineated by Fulton County as State Waters.
7. As part of the process of obtaining a timber harvest permit on property zoned
AG -1 in unincorporated Fulton County, it shall be the responsibility of the
property owner to notify the Department of Environment and Community
Development in writing of the following information:
• Location of the property by road name, land lot, district, and address, if any;
• The name, address and phone number of the property owner;
• A letter written by the property owner authorizing timbering or logging
operations to be conducted on their property;
• The name, address, and phone number of the logging firm or logger harvesting
the timber; and
• The estimated starting and completion dates.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: Large Pine Trees 24" d.b.h. or greater shall be excluded from specimen tree protection
requirements in timber harvesting operations on AG -1 zoned land. Specimen hardwood trees, however, will not
be excluded and are to be protected with tree fence out to a distance of 3' beyond the edge of their root
g.
protection zone.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -15-
e
4. Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control and Tree Protection Agreement Form
Step 1. Application Form: Obtain a Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control and
Tree Protection Agreement Form; fill out and submit allong with application for
a building permit.
Step 2. Requirements: Must protect enough trees somewhere on the lot to meet the
Fulton County minimum of 15 tree units per acre.
See Appendix I. to review a copy of the Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control & Tree
Protection Agreement Form.
B. TREE PROTECTION
1. Standards For Specimen And Heritage Trees And Stands of Trees
Specimen and Heritage Tree: Any tree in fair or better condition which equals or exceeds the following
diameter sizes.
Large hardwoods 27" d.b.h. Oak, Hickory, Yellow
Poplar, Sweetg u m, etc.
Large hardwood 24" d.b.h. Beech
Large softwoods 24" d.b.h. Pine, Deodar Cedar
Small Native Flowering 10" d.b.h. Dogwood, Redbud, Sourwood
A tree in fair or better condition must meet the following minimum standards:
a. A life expectancy of greater than 10 years.
b. A relatively sound and solid trunk with no extensive decay or hollow, and less than 20
percent radial trunk dieback.
C. No more than one major and several minor dead limbs (hardwoods only).
d. No major insect or pathological problem.
e. A lesser sized tree can be considered a specimen if it is a rare or unusual species, of
exceptional quality, or of historical significance.
f. A lesser size tree can be considered a specimen if it is specifically used by a builder,
developer, or design professional as a focal point in a project or landscape.
Specimen Tree Stands: A contiguous grouping of trees which has been determined to
be of value by the Director of Environment & Community
Development or Authorized designee(s). Determination is
based upon any one or more of the following criteria:
a. A relatively mature even -aged stand.
b. A stand with purity of species composition or of a rare or unusual nature.
C. A stand of historical significance.
d. A stand with exceptional aesthetic quality.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District
-16-
2. Methods of Tree Protection
a. Planning consideration
Root space is the most critical factor in tree protection throughout the development
process. The root system of trees easily goes beyond the dripline of the tree canopy.
Disturbance within the root zone can directly affect a tree's chances for survival. To
protect the root zone the following standards shall apply:
The use of tree save areas is encouraged. This will facilitate overall site
organization as related to tree protection.
The root protection zone of specimen trees, heritage trees, undisturbed buffers,
stands of trees or otherwise designated tree save areas shall include no less
than the area of a circle with a radius that extends one foot out for every inch of
trunk diameter, or the area of a circle with a radius extending from a tree's trunk
to a point no less than the end of a tree's longest branch, whichever is
greater. In some instances, the County Arborist or authorized agent(s) may
require an additional area of no disturbance upt to 10 feet outside the root
protection zone. (See Appendix A. Typical Root Protection Zone)
3. Layout of the project site utility and grading plans must accommodate the
required tree protective zones. Utilities must be placed along corridors
between protective zones.
4. Construction site activities such as parking, material storage, bury pits,
concrete washout, bumhole placement, etc., shall not be allowed within tree
protection zones.
No disturbance shall occur within the protection zone of specimen and
heritage trees or stands of trees.
Protective Barriers
Protective tree fencing shall be installed a minimum of 3 feet beyond the outer
edge of the root protection zone for all specimen trees, heritage trees, stands
of trees, or otherwise designated tree protection zones, prior to any land
disturbance.
2. Acceptable Tree Fencing Procedures
A minimum of 4 feet high, constructed in a post and rail configuration. A
2 inch x 4 inch post and a double 1 inch x 4 inch rail is recommended.
Four foot orange polyethylene laminar safety fencing.
Any deviation from the two acceptable tree fencing methods listed above
must be authorized by the County Arborist or designated agent(s).
All tree protection fences must be accompanied by "Stay Out" and "Tree
Save"signage. Tree protection signs are available at the Fulton County
.► Government Center in the Department of Environment and Community
Development, Suite 2085 for $3.00 each.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District .17.
3. A stop work order or notice of violation will be issued if project is found to be
out of compliance with the Tree Protection/Landscape Plan.
4. All specimen trees, heritage trees, stands of trees or otherwise designated
tree protection zones must be protected from silt.
' Silt fencing reinforced with wire mesh fencing must be placed along the
outer uphill edge of tree protection zones at the land disturbance
interface.
' Silt fencing should be backed by 12 gauge, 2 inch x 4 inch wire mesh
fencing in areas of steep slope. (Steep slopes are defined as greater
than 3HA V).
' All erosion control measures must comply with Fulton County Erosion
Control Standards.
5. All tree fencing and erosion control barriers must be installed prior to and
maintained throughout the land disturbance process and building construction
and may not be removed until the certificate of occupancy is approved and
issued by the Director of the Department of Environment and Community
Development or a designated agent(s).
C. REVEGETATION
1. Tree Replacement
r a. The replacement of trees to satisfy the conditions of zoning, requirements of the Fulton
County Zoning Resolution or the Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines, may occur under the following situations:
' To establish the minimum tree density requirements for the site, where
grading occurs outside the buildable area of the lot.
' If the lot's buildable area leaves no protected zone.
' If no trees are present within an existing protected zone.
' Where specimen trees or stands of trees and trees within otherwise
designated tree protection zones have been irreparably damaged or removed
through land disturbance or construction activities.
NOTE: Unless enough exisitng trees are saved on site to satisfy density
requirements, proposed replacement trees will have to be bonded off prior
to issuance of the Land Disturbance Permit.
b. The quantity of replacement trees into a site must be sufficient so as to produce a total
site tree density factor of no less than 15 units per acre. If it has been determined by
the County Arborist or designated agent(s) during the initial site visit that the property
in question is completely barren of trees and has been for a long time (i.e., pasture
land), then the units for replacement trees will be doubled. (For example, a 4 inch
replacement tree is currently equivalent to 0.7 units; at a site determined to be barren
of trees, the replacement units will be equivalent to 1.4 instead of 0.7 units.) The site
will still be required to meet the 15 unit per acre site tree density requirement.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -18-
(Note: the terms unit and tree are NOT interchangeable). Procedures for determining
the site density requirements and the subsequent tree replacement requirements are
provided in Table 1.0 and Table 2.0 in the next section. No more than 30% of the
replacement trees can be pines. At least 70% of replacement trees must be hardwoods
of at least 4 different species.
C. The spacing of replacement trees must be compatible with spatial limitations and with
responsible consideration towards potential species size.
d. Where the County Arborist or designated agent(s) has determined that site spatial
constraints result in the inability to provide for all the required trees, as many trees as
possible must be planted on site. The remaining balance of required trees must be
planted on public properties using the Tree Bank alternative or the installed cost of the
remaining balance of required trees must be contributed to the Tree Replacement
Fund in the form of a certified check. A Conservation Easement on a greenspace
can also be deeded to the County as compensation for specimen trees removed or to
meet site tree density. (Contact senior arborist for details on conservation easement.)
2. Specimen Tree Recompense
a. Any and all healthy specimen trees that the Fulton County Arborist allows a
developer/builder/homeowner to remove must be compensated for. Specimen
hardwood trees have to be compensated for with either 2" or 4" caliper hardwood
0010' trees. Specimen evergreen trees have to be compensated for with either 2" or 4"
*AW. caliper Southern Magnolias, Deodar Cedars, Canadian Hemlocks, or Cryptomerias.
Specimen native flowering trees have to be compensated for with either 2" or 4" caliper
hardwood trees. Four (4) different species (minimum) of recompense trees must be
used if the number of recompense trees required is forty (40) or greater. For purposes
of recompense trees off, the unit value of a 2" caliper recompense tree will be .35
units, not its usual .5 unit value. Any and all specimen trees that are slated for removal
must have their recompense trees bonded off prior to issuance of the land disturbance
permit.
If a specimen tree or trees are removed or have their root protection zones disturbed
without permission, the unit value of the specimen tree is doubled and that becomes
the unit value that must be compensated for. For example: A 30" DBH tree is normally
worth 14.7 units. If it is removed or its root protection zone disturbed without
permission its unit value will double to 29.4 units. Thus 29.4 units of 2" or 4" caliper
trees will have to be replaced at the project site. Recompense trees cannot be used to
satisfy any other landscape requirement such as parking lot shade trees, landscape
strip, undisturbed buffer or detention pond buffer trees. They can, however, count
toward the required tree density for the site. 2" caliper recompense trees that are
counted for density will be worth .35 units per tree.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -19-
TREE BANK
Arrangements will be made through the County Arborist. If the tree bank is an
alternative for your development, then the following criteria must be observed:
' The tree bank site location must be in the same planning area of the county
(defined in the Comprehensive Plan) as the project site. (North Fulton, Sandy
Springs, South Fulton, SW Fulton)
' Four different species needed if total quantity of trees to be banked is 40 or
greater.
' Each tree bank tree must be 2 inch caliper size at a minimum; 2 inch or 4 inch
caliper required for recompense trees.
' All tree bank trees must be grade "A" quality trees with straight trunks and
dense foliage and free from injury, pests, disease or nutritional disorders.
' All tree bank trees are to be guaranteed for 1 full year after planting by the
developer. Any trees that die within this time period must be replaced by the
developer.
' The following notes must be shown on the approved tree protection plan:
WHEN THE OWN ER/DEVELOPER/CONTRACTOR CALLS THE ARBORIST'S
OFFICE (770) 777-6509 (NORTH FULTON) OR (404) 730-7532 (SOUTH FULTON
AND SANDY SPRINGS) FOR A FINAL INSPECTION, THE OWNER/DEVELOPER/
CONTRACTOR SHALL INFORM THE ARBORIST THAT THE SITE VISIT INCLUDES
A SITE VISIT TO A PUBLIC PROPERTY TO INSPECT TREES THAT HAVE BEEN
TREE BANKED.
ANY CHANGES IN TREE VARIETY MUST BE APPROVED IN WRITING BY THE
FULTON COUNTY ARBORIST'S OFFICE AT (404) 730-7532 OR (404) 730-7531.
PLANTING MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE OWNER/DEVELOPER AND THE
PLANTING MUST BE INSPECTED AND APPROVED BY THE FULTON COUNTY
ARBORIST OR SENIOR ARBORIST PRIOR TO THE ARBORIST'S OR SENIOR
ARBORIST'S SIGN -OFF ON THE CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY OR FINAL PLAT
RECORDING FOR THE PROJECT.
TREE REPLACEMENT FUND
Arrangements will be made through the County Arborist. If the tree banking alternative
is not desirable, then the tree replacement fund is another alternative to help your
development meet its tree density or recompense tree requirements. If the Tree
Replacement Fund is an alternative for your development, then the following criteria
must be observed:
' Tree replacement cost estimates obtained from three landscape contractors
must be provided to Fulton County's Arborist for approval and the trees
replacement cost will be based on an average of the three estimates.
' The required replacement fee will be 100 percent (%) of the total cost to plant
the balance of trees that were unable to be planted to satisfy the site density
requirement or recompense tree requirements.
' Species selected for replacement must be grade "A" quality, healthy trees and
must be ecologically compatible with the specifically intended growing site.
Standards for transplanting and selecting quality replacement stock are
provided in Transplanting Standards Section. A site specific tree list will be
provided by the County Arborist upon request.
Administrative Guidelines —Agriculture District .20.
R
2. Procedures for Calculating the Required Tree Replacement Density Factors (The Tree Density
Factor Requirement for property located within Agricultural Districts is 15 units per acre. )
Step 1
Calculate the density factor for the site (DFS) by multiplying the number of site acres by 15.
EXAMPLE: A 2.2 acre site has a DFS of 2.2 x 15= 33.
Step 2
Calculate the existing density factor (EDF) of trees which will remain on the site to be protected during construction. EDF is determined by
converting the D.B.H. of individual existing trees to density factor units, using Table 1.0. These units are then totaled to determine the EDF for
the site.
EXAMPLE: A total of 5 trees will remain on the 2.2 acre When converted to density factor units using Table 1.0, we arrive at the
site in Step 1. These trees include: following values:
The sum total of units, 30.7, is the EDF, existing density factor.
Step 3
Calculate the required replacement density factor (RDF) by subtracting the existing density factor,
(EDF) in (Step 2) from the density factor for the site (DFS) in (Step 1).
Step 4
The RDF can be converted back to caliper inches using Table 2.0. Any number or combination of transplantable size trees can be used so long
as their total density factor units will equal or exceed the RDF.
On the 2.2 acre site the followinq number and size of trees will be
3 2" PINE 0.5 3x0.5= 1.50
2 3" RED MAPLE 0.6 2 x 0.6 = 1.20
2.70 is the sum of the transplantable trees for the site. Because the sum of the transplantable trees for the site is greater than the
RDF, which is 2.30, the project's site density has been satisfied.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District
-21-
Pq
Conversion Tables
TABLE 1.0 — EXISTING TREES TO REMAIN
TABLE 2.0 — REPLACEMENT TREES
Conversion from call er to densU factor units for re lacement trees.
Container grown pine trees are given replacement credit as follows:
01
The use of 3 gallon pines is permitted only with
7 Gallon 0.4 prior approval
3 Gallon* 0.2
Tree relocation: Replacement units may be granted to trees relocated on site. Tree relocation is subject to the Senior Arborist's or
designated agent(s) approval.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -22-
a 3
8
1.3
2
0.5
10
1.7
4
0.7
12
2.1
,.�.m-
��4 �u
�r '���
��k
14
2.5
Container grown pine trees are given replacement credit as follows:
01
The use of 3 gallon pines is permitted only with
7 Gallon 0.4 prior approval
3 Gallon* 0.2
Tree relocation: Replacement units may be granted to trees relocated on site. Tree relocation is subject to the Senior Arborist's or
designated agent(s) approval.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -22-
3. Standards for Selecting Quality Replacement Stock
a. Trees selected for planting must meet the minimum requirements as provided in
Tables 3.0 through 8.0 provided at the end of this section.
b. Trees selected for planting must be free from injury, pests, disease, or nutritional
disorders.
C. Trees selected for planting must be of good vigor. The determination of vigor is a
subjective evaluation and dependent upon species variability. The following criteria
are generally used for the determination of vigor:
Foliage should have a green or dark green color. Vigorous trees will have large
leaves and dense foliage when compared to trees with poor vigor.
2. Shoot growth for most vigorous trees will be at least 1 foot per year. At least %
of the branches should arise from points on the lower 2/3 of a trunk.
3. Bark texture can denote vigor. Smooth or shiny bark on the trunk and branches
of a young tree usually signifies good vigor, conversely, rough and dull bark
could indicate poor vigor.
4. Trunk taper: the trunks of vigorous trees will generally have an increase in
diameter with a decrease in height. Trees with reverse tapers or no taper
should be avoided.
5. Root color: young roots of most trees will be light in color.
d. Trees selected for planting must be free of root defects. Two types of root defects
generally occur:
Kinked roots, in which taproots, major branch roots, or both are bent more than
90 degrees with less than 20 percent of the root system originating above the
kink. A tree with such roots will probably bend at the soil line when released
from a supporting stake.
Circling or girdling roots which circle 80 percent or more of the root system by
360 degrees or more. A tree with such roots would ultimately have less than 20
percent of its system available for support.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -23-
19
4. Planting Minimum Requirement Tables
Table 3.0 - CALIPER TO HEIGHT RATIOS FOR DECIDUOUS TREES
5/16
-
-
2 To 3
7/16
-
-
3 To 4
9/16
-
-
4 To 5
11/16
-
-
5To6
7/8
-
-
6 To 8
%To%
5To6
8
3.5
-
3/To1
6To8
10
4
-
1 To %
8 To 10
11
5.5
-
1 1/4 To 1 %
8 To 10
12
6.5
-
1%To1%
10 To 12
14
6.5
-
13/To2
10 To 12
14
6.5
-
2To2%
12 To 14
16
8
-
2Y2To3
12 To 14
16
8
-
3To3Y2
14 To 16
18
9.5
-
3%To4
14 To 16
18
9.5
-
4 To 5
16 To 18
22
10.5
-
5 To 6
18 AND UP
26
12
-
Table 4.0 - HEIGHT TO SPREAD RATIO FOR CONIFEROUS NURSEY TREES
Generally the Height: Spread ratio should be no less than 2:1.
Administrative Guidelines —Agriculture District -24-
IN
Table 5.0 — CONTAINER SIZE TO RATIO HEIGHT
Table 6.0 — MINIMUM ROOT SPREAD AND BALL DIAMETER FOR DECIDUOUS TREES
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District
-25-
Im
Table 7.0 — RECOMMENDED BALL DIMENSIONS FOR LARGE TREES
Table 8.0 — RECOMMENDED MINIMUM BALL DIAMETERS FOR BALL AND BURLAP
CONIFEROUS TREES
w.:
1'/2 To 2
10
2To3
12
3To4
14
4To5
16
5 To 6
20
6To7
22
7To8
24
8 To 9
27
9 To 10
30
10 To 12
34
12 To 14
38
14 To 16
42
18 To 20
50
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District
-26-
5. Transplanting Standards
a. The transplanting of new trees can result in major injury to their root system. If proper
transplanting techniques are employed, conditions will be more favorable for tree
recovery, and the rate of attrition for newly planted trees will be reduced.
b. Transplanting procedures shall follow standards established by the International
Society of Arboriculture in the "Trees and Shrub Transplanting Manual". The
following is a summary of several of the more important considerations provided in
the manual.
' Pre -Planting Considerations
' Only healthy trees with a well developed root system and a well formed top,
characteristic of the species, should be planted. Standards for selecting
quality stock are provided in Section C. Revegetation.
• Trees selected for planting must be compatible with the specific site
conditions. A site specific tree list will be provided by the County Arborist upon
request.
.. • The ability of a species to regenerate a new root system and to become
reestablished should be considered. Deciduous and evergreen trees should
be planted between November and February. Trees planted outside of this
time period will NOT be accepted by Fulton County unless a bond is
submitted to guarantee their replanting if they die.
Planting procedures
' Planting holes should be no less than 1 foot wider than the root ball or bare
roots of the tree being planted. A planting hole 3 times the width of the root
ball is recommended.
• Trees should not be planted deeper than they were in their former location or
container.
' Spade compacted bottom and sides of the planting hole should be roughed or
scarified to allow the penetration of developing roots.
• Good water drainage from the bottom of the planting hole is essential for root
regeneration.
Administrative Guidelines —Agriculture District -27-
' Once the transplanted tree is set, the hole should be backfilled with soil of
good texture and structure. Traditionally, backfill material is comprised of a
mix of native soil, organic matter such as peat, and inorganic material such as
pearlite or vermiculite in a 1:1:1 ratio. A back fill with native soil alone is
adequate if the soil is of good quality.
' The addition of fertilizer to backfill soil can cause root injury, and is therefore
not recommended. If fertilizer must be added, a low rate should be used.
Approximately 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard of back fill is
recommended for bare root plants, and 2.5 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard
of back fill for balled and burlaped trees.
' The back fill should be gently tamped (but not compacted), and soaked for
settling.
• The soil should be slightly mounded to allow for settling; a ridge or dike
around the perimeter of the hole can facilitate watering.
d. Post -planting procedures
' Pruning. The amount of pruning necessary for newly planted trees depends
upon the trees' response to planting. A decrease in leaf surface area from
pruning can result in a reduction of the production of food, thus ultimately
inhibiting root development. Pruning for vigor or to train young trees should
therefore be delayed until after the first growing season.
' Pruning is recommended during the first growing season if the tree is showing
"transplant shock" or drought symptoms (wilting), or for the removal of weak,
broken, or diseased branches. For correct prunning of trees, always follow the
ANSI A300 standard practice for prunning.
• The use of commercially available anti-transpirants is recommended for
deciduous trees transplanted while in foliage, if the trees begin to wilt. Anti-
transpirants are chemical foliage sprays that reduce water loss through the
leaf surface.
' Staking should be used on newly planted trees only where determined
necessary. The extent of staking will depend upon tree strength, form and
condition at planting, expected wind conditions, the amount of vehicle or foot
traffic, and the level of follow-up maintenance. Staking can cause tree
damage. Periodic follow-up inspections are required to prevent serious tree -
staking problems. Staking should be removed as soon as the tree is capable
of providing its own anchorage and support. Recommended types and uses of
staking are as follows:
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District .28.
1. Protective staking is used to provide a barrier from foot traffic, mowers,
vehicles, etc., for trees able to stand without support.
2. Anchor staking is used to hold a root ball in place during the period of
reestablishment for trees with otherwise adequate support.
Support staking is used for trees with weak trunks or oversized crowns
and unable to stand without support or in wind.
4. Guying is recommended where necessary for large transplanted trees
(4" D.B.H. or greater) to provide both anchorage and support.
5. Mulching newly planted trees will reduce competition from weeds and
moderate soil moisture and temperature extremes.
6. Fertilizer application should begin after the tree's first full growing
season.
7. Water availability for the newly planted tree should be monitored and
adjusted according to the species water requirements and the site
conditions.
D. LANDSCAPE STRIP AND BUFFER STANDARDS
1. Landscape Strips
a. The width of landscape strips must, as a minimum, conform with the requirements of
the conditions of zoning or the requirements of the Zoning Resolution, which ever is
greater. The width is measured from the newly dedicated right-of-way, or from the
property lines of contiguous parcels, as applicable.
No permanent structures are permitted within landscape strips. This includes, retaining
walls, curbing, dumpsters, detention facilities, etc. Monument signs, drainage
structures, and sidewalks may be allowed with pre -approval.
C. Curb stops must be used to prevent vehicle overhang into required landscape strips
and parking lot landscape islands. One curb stop per parking stall is required.
d. Signs within required landscape strips are subject to the approval of the Department of
Environment & Community Development or designated agent(s). These signs may
only be located in areas of turf or groundcover and must not conflict with the growth
potential of trees and shrubs. Signs are not permitted within required undisturbed
buffers.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District
-29-
e. The deposition of storm water runoff into drainage swales through landscape strips is
generally not permitted. Exceptions will be considered only if this standard will create
an undue hardship to the property owner. Under no circumstances may the width of a
drainage easement through a landscape strip exceed the width of the strip.
f. Parking lot landscape islands must, at a minimum, conform to the requirements of the
Zoning Resolution. These islands must be planted with at least one 2 inch caliper
(minimum) shade tree. Stormwater runoff into parking lot landscape islands may be
permitted upon approval by the County Arborist.
g. When fencing is required as a condition of rezoning, the finished surface of the fence
must face externally to the project. The exact location for fence placement within the
landscape strip will be determined on a case by case basis by the County Arborist or
designated agent(s).
h. All species within required landscape strips must be ecologically compatible with the
intended growing site. If ornamental trees are used to satisfy landscape strip
requirements, they will not count for satisfying tree density requirements. All plant
materials are subject to Department of Environment & Community Development or
designated agent(s) approval.
i. Trees within required landscape strips shall be provided as follows:
1. Landscape strips 25 feet wide or less; a minimum of one tree for every 30
linear feet of landscape strip.
€ 2. Landscape strips 25 feet wide or more; a minimum of one tree for every 20
linear feet of landscape strip.
3. Clumping is permitted.
All required landscape strips must be designed with at least 60% coverage in trees
and shrubs, with no more than 40% coverage in grass or ground cover. Landscape
strip coverage will be calculated as follows:
1. Calculate the total spatial area of the landscape strip.
2. Count the number of trees within the landscape strip and multiply by 100
square feet for trees less than 6" caliper and 200 square feet for trees 6" or
greater (This will allow some credit for the spatial coverage of the tree
canopy).
3. Calculate the coverage provided by the shrubs planted on center:
b l Y' �^ �2�0 r i'
II(I A� d(iWn
I�C wI'�^r�'�Nwnjk�rtiq.�I
*3 feet
=
9 square feet
*4 feet
=
16 square feet
*5 feet
=
25 square feet
*At maturity, shrubs must attain this width. Shrub species and spacing is subject to Arborist's
approval.
4. Grass or ground cover may not exceed 40 % coverage within the strip.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -30-
2. Planting Within Rights -of -Way
Approval from the Department of Environment and Community Development, Department of
1140, Public Works and the Department of Transportation (D.O.T), where applicable, is required, as
planting is generally not permitted in the rights-of-way. Where approval is received, the
following conditions must be met:
a. Indemnification and maintenance agreements must be recorded with the Fulton County
Superior Court Clerk, Room 106, (404) 730-5371, prior to permitting irrigation or
planting within County rights-of-way.
' These agreements must be recorded in the name of a homeowner's association (along
with documentation attesting to that association's existence), for subdivisions.
' These agreements must be recorded in the property owner's name for all other types
of projects.
b. Trees planted within rights-of-way cannot be counted toward the tree density
requirement for a site.
' Prior to planting trees in rights-of-way, a shoulder cross-section must be provided
indicating the placement of the trees in relation to the curb, and underground utilities.
Placement and species are subject to the approval of the County Arborist and the
Director of Public Works.
Drawings for irrigation system within rights-of-way must indicate the location of lines,
heads, spray radius, shut off valves, timers and a 24 hour emergency contact phone
number.
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -31-
OR
3. Buffers
a. Required undisturbed buffers must remain undisturbed and actively protected in
perpetuity under the auspices of the Tree Protection Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines.
b. Buffers must be replanted where sparsely vegetated or where disturbed for approved
access and utility crossings. The buffers should be replanted to meet the following
standards:
• Must provide a visual barrier. To accomplish this screening, the plant materials must
be a minimum 5 feet in height at time of planting, moderately growing evergreen and
have branching all the way to the ground. Slower growing trees may be used if larger
materials are planted. All buffer plant materials are subject to the County Arborist or
designated agent(s) approval. Please see Appendix J for the list of acceptable
evergreen plant material for undisturbed buffers.
' The number of planting rows for tree replacement in buffers is determined by the buffer
width:
' Drainage within or through buffers is subject to the approval of the Department of
Environment & Community Development or designated agent(s).
' Encroachment into buffers for the construction of retaining walls, footings, or wall
supports, is not permitted unless otherwise specified in the conditions of rezoning.
Encroachments into buffers shall require zoning modifications or variances as
applicable.
' All buffers require a 10 foot improvement setback interior and adjacent to the buffer. No
grading is allowed in this improvement setback unless permission is obtained from the
Director of the Department of Environment and Community Development. (Contact
Arborist office for details.)
State Water Buffers
The Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance of 1996 as adopted by the
Fulton County Board of Commissioners, requires an undisturbed natural buffer
extending 25 feet from the tops of banks on all State Waters. The Fulton County
Arborists are the official delineators of State Waters in unincorporated Fulton County.
Administrative Guidelines —Agriculture District -32-
2. Land Disturbance within State Water Buffers is only permitted if a variance is granted.
For information about how to apply for a variance, contact the Department of
Environment and Community Development at (404) 730-7545.
Chattahoochee River Corridor Tributary Protection Area
1. The Chattahoochee River Corridor Tributary Protection Area of February 1984, was
amended in February of 1998 to require a 35 foot buffer on the blueline tributaries in
North Fulton County. This buffer must be actively protected as a tree protection zone.
North Fulton County is unincorporated Fulton County north of the corporate limits of
the City of Atlanta.
2. Land disturbance within tributary buffers is subject to the Director of the Department of
Environment and Community Development approval, under the following conditions:
• State water buffer variance for streams with a 25 foot buffer and variance request to
the Board of Zoning Appeals for proposed encroachment into the 35 foot blue -line
tributary buffer.
• As part of the land disturbance permit application, the applicant must demonstrate the
extent of proposed disturbance, including the general type and extent of vegetation to
be removed and replaced.
• The applicant must clearly demonstrate the need for the proposed disturbance.
• Additional information may be required on a case by case basis.
• Tributary Buffer replanting standards will be provided upon request. Disturbed areas
' within the buffer must be replanted to County standards using indigenous riparian
vegetation.
e
South Fulton County Tributary Buffer
The South Fulton County Tributary Protection Ordinance of August 1998 requires a 75 foot
natural vegetative buffer with a 15 foot impervious surface setback and a 10 foot non -
improvement setback to be maintained on each side of all tributaries within affected areas.
South Fulton County is unincorporated Fulton County south of the corporate limits of the City of
Atlanta. (Reference South Fulton County Tributary Buffer Protection Ordinance and
Administrative Guidelines)
Administrative Guidelines — Agriculture District -33-
SECTION III. ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES FOR SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
This set of guidelines shall apply to land uses within Unincorporated Fulton County's Single
Family Residential District. The Single Family Residential District is intended to encompass lands
devoted to residential uses and closely related land uses. (Please see Fulton County Zoning
Resolution if you need more detail regarding land uses within this Land Use District).
A. PROCEDURES
1. Land Disturbance Permits
a. Step 1. Application Forms
Filing application forms and obtaining Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines
information.
b. Step 2. Tree Protection Plan
A tree protection plan, (TPP) shall be submitted with other permit drawings as part
of the land disturbance permit process. This plan may either be a separate
drawing or part of the landscape plan and shall include the following information:
1. Tree Protection Details, detail drawings of tree protection measures and
landscape strips (whichever is applicable or both).
•
Protective tree fencing.
•
Erosion control fencing.
•
Tree protection signs.
•
Transplanting specifications.
Tree wells.
Staking specifications.
•
Other applicable drawings.
Landscape installation plans, planting details, plant list
M
2. Spatial Limits
• Definition of spatial limits.
Limits of land disturbance, clearing, grading and trenching.
• Tree protection zones.
Specimen trees or stands of trees.
• Areas of revegetation and tree density calculations.
• State waters buffers and/or tributary buffers.
3. Implementation Schedule
Procedures and schedules for the implementation, installation and
maintenance of tree protection measures.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -34-
Im
C. Step 3. Review Process
These plans shall be reviewed by the County Arborist or designated agent(s) for
conformance with:
' Overlay District Regulations
' Fulton County Zoning Resolution
' Applicable Zoning, Use Permit and/or Variance Conditions
' Tree Preservation Ordinance & Administrative Standards
' Any and all Ordinances and Administrative Guideliness dealing with natural
resources
1. Plans will be either approved or returned for revisions.
2. Reasons for denial shall be stated in writing on the tree protection plan.
d. Step 4. Tree Protection Measures
All tree protection measures shall be installed by the contractor and then inspected by
the County Arborist or designated agent(s) prior to land disturbance.
e. Step 5. Land Disturbance Permit
Issuance of the land disturbance permit is contingent upon approval of the Tree
Protection Plan.
f. Step 6. Follow-up
The County Arborist will conduct follow-up site inspections for enforcement of the
Tree Preservation Ordinance and its Administrative Guidelines.
2. Rezoning and Special Use Permits
a. Step 1. Application Forms
Filing application forms and obtaining Ordinance and Administrative Guideline
information.
b. Step 2. Case Review
The County Arborist may conduct a preliminary review of all rezoning cases and
special use permit applications.
C. Step 3. Field Review
A field review of cases may occur under the following conditions:
1. For community unit plans and major development cases.
2. For cases within the Chattahoochee River Corridor.
3. Other cases as determined necessary by the preliminary review.
4. For cases within overlay districts.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -35-
d. Step 4. Conditions
Conditions to rezoning may be required as found necessary by the preliminary
review. These conditions may either be general or specific in nature and will reflect
the standards or provisions of the Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative
Guideline and/or the Zoning Resolution.
e. Step 5. Verification
Compliance with these conditions will be verified by review of a revised site plan
prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit.
3. Timber Harvesting Permit Requirements
For Non Agriculture Land Uses
A timber harvest permit is required when more than 2 acres of land is thinned. If 2 acres or
less of land is thinned a timber harvest permit will not be required, but site density still has to
be met. Only thinning shall be allowed on property zoned other than AG -1 and shall be
conducted only after a timber harvest permit has been approved. This permit does not allow
any thinning or disturbance of state water, tributary, or wetland buffers. Any portion of land
thinned under this provision is still required to meet the minimum site density of 20 units per
acre, which may require replanting some trees.
a. Step 1. Application Form and Site Plan
A filled -out timber harvest application form must be accompanied with a site plan.
b. Step 2. Application and Site Plan Review
The County Arborist will conduct review of all timber harvesting applications and site
plans. The review of applications and site plans will be based on meeting minimum
standards listed below.
Site Plan Minimum Standards
1. Note stating that no stump removal or grading is allowed under this permit;
2. All areas of existing trees shall be shown;
3. All areas of trees to be thinned shall be shown;
4. All areas of trees to be saved shall be shown;
5. All streams, creeks, lakes, wetlands, applicable buffer areas and tree save
areas shall be shown;
6. Investigation must be conducted by a forester registered in the state of
Georgia. Plan must be designed by a forester registered in the state of
Georgia. The plan must be affixed with the forester's registered seal.
Other Minimum Standards
Timber Harvesting under this provision shall be in compliance with the following
standards:
1. State Waters / Tributary Buffers prescribed by the Chattahoochee River
Corridor Tributary Protection Area Resolution, South Fulton
CountyTributary Protection Ordinance and Soil Erosion and Sedimentation
Control Ordinance of 1996.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -36-
2. Erosion control prescribed by the Fulton County Soil Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Ordinance of 1996.
3. Stream crossing prescribed by the Fulton County Soil Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Ordinance of 1996.
4. A 25 foot undisturbed buffer shall be provided and maintained along the
entire perimeter of the property, including road frontages, during the timber
harvesting activity, except for authorized access crossings.
5. The property shall be required to meet a tree density standard of 20 units
per acre, not including the 25 foot buffer, upon completion of the authorized
timber harvesting activities.
6. The owner/developer shall utilize the recommended Best Management
Practices as established by the Georgia Forestry Commission.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Concerning the best management practice of SMZ'S, or
stream side management zones, no timber harvesting can occur within the 25
foot State Waters Buffer (North Fulton) the 35 foot blueline tributary buffer
(North Fulton) or the 75 foot state waters buffer (South Fulton). All buffers are
measured from the top of the bank on both sides of a stream or creek that has
been delineated by Fulton County as State Waters.
7. As part of the process of obtaining a timber harvest permit on property zoned
Single Family Residential in unincorporated Fulton County, it shall be the
responsibility of the property owner to notify the Department of Environment
and Community Development in writing of the following information:
Location of the property by road name, land lot, district, and address, if any;
The name, address and phone number of the property owner;
A letter written by the property owner authorizing timbering or logging
operations to be conducted on their property;
The name, address, and phone number of the logging firm or logger harvesting
the timber; and
The estimated starting and completion dates.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: Large pine Trees 24" d.b.h. or greater shall be excluded from the specimen tree
protection requirements in timber harvesting operations on residentially owned land. Specimen hardwood
trees, however, will not be excluded and are to be protected with tree fence 3' beyond the edge of their root
protection zone.
4. Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control and Tree Protection Agreement Form
Step 1. Application Form: Obtain a Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control and Tree
Protection Agreement Form, fill out and submit along with application for a building
permit.
Step 2. Requirements: Must protect enough trees somewhere on the lot to meet the Fulton
County minimum of 20 tree units per acre. See Appendix I. to review a copy of the
Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control & Tree Protection Agreement Form.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -37-
B. TREE PROTECTION
1. Standards For Specimen And Heritage Trees And Stands of Trees
Specimen and Heritage Tree: Any tree in fair or better condition which equals or exceeds the following
diameter sizes.
omwkffil� 001",
Large hardwoods
27"d.b.h.
Oak, hickory, yellow poplar,
sweet um, etc.
Large hardwoods
24"d.b.h.
Beech
Large softwoods
24"d.b.h.
Pine, deodar cedar
Small native flowering
10"d.b.h.
Dogwood, redbud, sourwood
A tree in fair or better condition must meet the following minimum standards:
a. A life expectancy of greater than 10 years.
b. A relatively sound and solid trunk with no extensive decay or hollow, and less than
20 percent radial trunk dieback.
C. No more than one major and several minor dead limbs (hardwoods only).
d. No major insect or pathological problem.
e. A lesser sized tree can be considered a specimen if it is a rare or unusual species,
of exceptional quality, or of historical significance.
f. A lesser size tree can be considered a specimen if it is specifically used by a
builder, developer, or design professional as a focal point in a project or landscape.
Specimen Tree Stands: A contiguous grouping of trees which has been determined to
be of value by the Director of Environment & Community
Development or Authorized designee(s). Determination is
based upon any one or more of the following criteria:
a. A mature even -aged stand.
b. A stand with purity of species composition or of a rare or unusual nature.
C. A stand of historical significance.
d. A stand with exceptional aesthetic quality.
2. Methods of Tree Protection
Planning consideration
Root space is the most critical factor in tree protection throughout the development
process. The root system of trees easily goes beyond the dripline of the tree canopy.
Disturbance within the root zone can directly affect a tree's chances for survival. To
protect the root zone the following standards shall apply:
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts _38.
do", 1. The use of tree save areas is encouraged, this will facilitate overall site
organization as related to tree protection.
2. The root protection zone of specimen trees, heritage trees, undisturbed buffers,
stands of trees or otherwise designated tree save areas shall include no less
than the area of a circle with a radius that extends one foot out for every inch of
trunk diameter, or the area of a circle with a radius extending from a tree's trunk
to a point no less than the end of a tree's longest branch, whichever is
rg eater. In some instances, the County Arborist or authorized agent(s) may
require an additional area of no disturbance up to 10 feet outside the root
protection zone. (See Appendix A. Typical Root Protection Zone)
3. Layout of the project site utility and grading plans must accommodate the
required tree protection zones. Utilities must be placed along corridors
between protection zones.
4. Construction site activities such as parking, material storage, bury pits,
concrete washout, burnhole placement, etc., shall not be allowed within tree
protection zones.
5. No disturbance shall occur within the protection zone of specimen and
heritage trees or stands of trees.
b. Protective Barriers
Protective tree fencing shall be installed a minimum of 3 feet beyond the outer
edge of the root protection zone for all specimen trees, heritage trees, stands
of trees, or otherwise designated tree protection zones, prior to any land
disturbance.
2. Acceptable Tree Fencing Procedures
A minimum of 4 feet high, constructed in a post and rail
configuration. A 2 inch x 4 inch post and a double 1 inch x 4 inch
rail is recommended.
Four foot orange polyethylene laminar safety fencing.
Any deviation from the two acceptable tree fencing methods listed
above must be authorized by the County Arborist or designated
agent(s).
All tree protection fences must be accompanied by "Stay Out" and
"Tree Save" signage. Tree protection signs are available at the
Fulton County Government Center in the Department of
Environment and Community Development, Suite 2085 for $3.00
each.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -39-
3. A stop work order or notice of violation will be issued if project is found to
be out of compliance with the Tree Protection/ Landscape Plan.
4. All specimen trees, heritage trees, stands of trees or otherwise designated
tree protection zones must be protected from silt.
' Silt fencing reinforced with wire mesh fencing must be placed along
the outer uphill edge of tree protection zones at the land
disturbance interface.
' Silt fencing should be backed by 12 gauge, 2 inch x 4 inch wire
mesh fencing in areas of steep slope. (Steep slopes are defined as
greater than 3H:1 V).
' All erosion control measures must comply with Fulton County
Erosion Control Standards.
5. All tree fencing and erosion control barriers must be installed prior to and
maintained throughout the land disturbance process and building
construction and may not be removed until the certificate of occupancy is
approved and issued by the Director of the Department of Environment and
Community Development or a designated agent(s).
C. REVEGETATION
1. Tree Replacement
a. The replacement of trees to satisfy the conditions of zoning, requirements of the
Fulton County Zoning Resolution or the Tree Preservation Ordinance and
Administrative Guidelines, may occur under the following situations:
' To establish the minimum tree density requirements for the site, where
grading occurs outside the buildable area of the lot.
' If the lot's buildable area leaves no protected zone.
' If no trees are present within an existing protected zone.
' Where specimen trees or stands of trees and trees within otherwise
designated tree protective zones have been irreparably damaged or
removed through land disturbance or construction activities.
NOTE: Unless enough exisitng trees are saved on site to satisfy density
requirements, proposed replacement trees will have to be bonded off prior
to issuance of the Land Disturbance Permit.
b. The quantity of replacement trees into a site must be sufficient so as to produce a
total site -tree density factor of no less than 20 units per acre. If it has been
determined by the County Arborist or designated agent(s) during the initial site visit
that the property in question is completely barren of trees and has been for a long
time (ie, pasture land), then the units for replacement trees will be doubled. (For
example, a 4 inch replacement tree is currently equivalent to 0.7 units, at a site
where it is determined to be barren of trees, the replacement units will be equivalent
to 1.4 instead of 0.7 units.) The site will still be required to meet the 20 unit per acre
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -40-
site tree density requirement.
(Note: the terms unit and tree are NOT interchangeable). Procedures for determining
the site density requirements and the subsequent tree replacement requirements are
provided in Table 1.0 and Table 2.0 in the next section. No more than 30% of
replacement trees can be pines. At least 70% of replacement trees must be
hardwoods of at least 4 different species.
C. The spacing of replacement trees must be compatible with spatial limitations and
with responsible consideration towards potential species size.
d. Where the County Arborist or designated agent(s) has determined that site spatial
constraints result in the inability to provide for all the required trees, as many trees as
possible must be planted on site. The remaining balance of required trees must be
planted on public properties using the Tree Bank alternative or the installed cost of the
remaining balance of required trees must be contributed to the Tree Replacement Fund
in the form of a certified check. A Conservation Easement on a greenspace can also be
deeded to the County as compensation for specimen trees removed or to meet site tree
density. (Contact senior Arborist for details on conservation easement.)
2. Specimen Tree Recompense
a. Any and all healthy specimen trees that the Fulton County Arborist allows a
developer/builder/homeowner to remove must be compensated for. Specimen
hardwood trees have to be compensated for with either 2" or 4" caliper hardwood
trees. Specimen evergreen trees have to be compensated for with either 2" or 4"
caliper Southern Magnolias, Deodar Cedars, Canadian Hemlocks, or Cryptomerias.
Specimen native flowering trees have to be compensated for with either 2" or 4" caliper
hardwood trees. Four (4) different species (minimum) of recompense trees must be
used if the number of recompense trees required is forty (40) or greater. For purposes
of recompense trees off, the unit value of a 2" caliper recompense tree will be .35
units, not its usual .5 unit value. Any and all specimen trees that are slated for removal
must have their recompense trees bonded off prior to issuance of the land disturbance
permit.
If a specimen tree or trees are removed or have their root protection zones disturbed
without permission, the unit value of the specimen tree is doubled and that becomes
the unit value that must be compensated for. For example: A 30" DBH tree is normally
worth 14.7 units. If it is removed or its root protection zone disturbed without
permission its unit value will double to 29.4 units. Thus 29.4 units of 2" or 4" caliper
trees will have to be replaced at the project site. Recompense trees cannot be used to
satisfy any other landscape requirement such as parking lot shade trees, landscape
strip, undisturbed buffer or detention pond buffer trees. They can, however, count
toward the required tree density for the site. 2" caliper recompense trees that are
counted for density will be worth .35 units per tree.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -41-
TREE BANK
Arrangements will be made through the County Arborist. If the tree bank is an
alternative for your development, then the following criteria must be observed:
' The tree bank site location must be in the same planning area of the county
(defined in the Comprehensive Plan) as the project site. (North Fulton, Sandy
Springs, South Fulton, SW Fulton)
' Four different species needed if total quantity of trees to be banked is 40 or
greater.
' Each tree bank tree must be 2 inch caliper size at a minimum; 2 inch or 4 inch
caliper required for recompense trees.
' All tree bank trees must be grade "A" quality trees with straight trunks and
dense foliage and free from injury, pests, disease or nutritional disorders.
' All tree bank trees are to be guaranteed for 1 full year after planting by the
developer. Any trees that die within this time period must be replaced by the
developer.
' The following notes must be shown on the approved tree protection plan:
WHEN THE OWNER/DEVELOPER/CONTRACTOR CALLS THE ARBORIST'S OFFICE
(770) 777-6509 (NORTH FULTON) OR (404) 730-7532 (SOUTH FULTON AND SANDY
SPRINGS) FOR A FINAL INSPECTION, THE OWNER/DEVELOPER/ CONTRACTOR
SHALL INFORM THE ARBORIST THAT THE SITE VISIT INCLUDES A SITE VISIT TO
A PUBLIC PROPERTY TO INSPECT TREES THAT HAVE BEEN TREE BANKED.
ANY CHANGES IN TREE VARIETY MUST BE APPROVED IN WRITING BY THE
FULTON COUNTY ARBORIST'S OFFICE AT (404) 730-7532 OR (404) 730-7531.
PLANTING MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE OWNER/DEVELOPER AND THE
PLANTING MUST BE INSPECTED AND APPROVED BY THE FULTON COUNTY
ARBORIST OR SENIOR ARBORIST PRIOR TO THE ARBORIST'S OR SENIOR
ARBORIST'S SIGN -OFF ON THE CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY OR FINAL PLAT
RECORDING FOR THE PROJECT.
TREE REPLACEMENT FUND
Arrangements will be made through the County Arborist. If the tree banking alternative
is not desirable, then the tree replacement fund is another alternative to help your
development meet its tree density or recompense tree requirements. If the Tree
Replacement Fund is an alternative for your development, then the following criteria
must be observed:
' Tree replacement cost estimates obtained from three landscape contractors
must be provided to Fulton County's Arborist for approval and the trees
replacement cost will be based on an average of the three estimates.
' The required replacement fee will be 100 percent (%) of the total cost to plant
the balance of trees that were unable to be planted to satisfy the site density
requirement or recompense tree requirements.
' Species selected for replacement must be grade "A" quality, healthy trees
and must be ecologically compatible with the specifically intended growing
site. Standards for transplanting and selecting quality replacement stock
are provided in Transplanting Standards Section. A site specific tree list will
be provided by the County Arborist upon request.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts .42.
2. Procedure for Calculating the Required Tree Replacement Density Factor The Tree Density
Factor Requirement for property located within Single Family Residential Districts is 20 units
per acre•
Step 1
Calculate the density factor for the site (DFS) by multiplying the number of site acres by 20.
EXAMPLE: A 2.2 acre site has a DFS of 2.2 x 20= 44.
Step 2
Calculate the existing density factor (EDF) of trees which will remain on site to be protected during construction. EDF is determined by converting the
D.B.H. of individual existing trees to density factor units, using Table 1.0. These units are then totaled to determine the EDF for the site.
EXAMPLE: A total of 8 trees will remain on the 2.2 acre site in Step 1. When converted to density factor units using Table 1.0, we arrive at the
These trees include:
following values:
The sum total of units, 40.3, is the EFD, existing density factor.
Step 3
Calculate the required replacement density factor (RDF) by subtracting the EDF (Step 2) from the DFS (Step 1).
Example:
Step 4
The RDF can be converted back to caliper inches using Table 2.0. Any number or combination of transplantable size trees can be used so long as
their total density factor units will equal or exceed the RDF.
Example: On the 2.2 acre site the following number and size of trees will be planted:
4.10 is the sum of the trasplantable trees for the site. Because the sum of the transplantable trees for the site is greater than the (RDF), which is 3.70,
the project's site density has been satisfied.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -43-
E a, �
L',h �� �
k €IF 5I {:.i� � i I i�� �'•'It
ll�lk d 5 � .t � ".
I 11'P�i
INA
+
t
3
4"
PINE
0.7
3x0.7=
2.10
2
2"
RED MAPLE
0.5
2 x 0.5 =
1.00
1
6"
OAK
1.00
1 x 1.00 =
1.00
iiMu
4.10 is the sum of the trasplantable trees for the site. Because the sum of the transplantable trees for the site is greater than the (RDF), which is 3.70,
the project's site density has been satisfied.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -43-
e
Conversion Tables
TABLE 1.0 - EXISTING TREES TO REMAIN
Conversion from D.B.H. to density factor units for trees remaining on the site.
TABLE 2.0 - REPLACEMENT TREES
Container grown pine trees are given replacement credit as follows:
�0The use of 3 _gallon pines is permitted only with
7 Gallon 0.4 prior approval
3 Gallon* 0.2
Tree relocation: Replacement units may be granted to trees
relocated on site. Tree relocation is subject to the Senior Arborist's or designated agent(s) approval.
Administrative Guidelines - Single Family Residential Districts -44-
36
21.3
5-7
1.2
60
58.9
re�
38
23.7
10
2.4
62
62.8
40
26.1y
12
3.2
64
67.0
42
28.8
16-20
4.0
66
71.2
44
31.8
,
22
5.2
68
75.6
46
34.5
24
9.3
70
80.1
48
37.8WE
26
11.1
72
84.8
50
40.8
28
12.9
74
89.6
52
44.2
30
14.7
76
94.5
54
47.7
32
16.8
78
99.5
56
51.3
34
18.9
80
104.7
58
55.0
TABLE 2.0 - REPLACEMENT TREES
Container grown pine trees are given replacement credit as follows:
�0The use of 3 _gallon pines is permitted only with
7 Gallon 0.4 prior approval
3 Gallon* 0.2
Tree relocation: Replacement units may be granted to trees
relocated on site. Tree relocation is subject to the Senior Arborist's or designated agent(s) approval.
Administrative Guidelines - Single Family Residential Districts -44-
3. Standards for Selecting Quality Replacement Stock
a. Trees selected for planting must meet the minimum requirements as provided in
Tables 3.0 through 8.0 provided at the end of this section.
b. Trees selected for planting must be free from injury, pests, disease, or nutritional
disorders.
C. Trees selected for planting must be of good vigor. The determination of vigor is a
subjective evaluation and dependent upon species variability. The following criteria
are generally used for the determination of vigor:
Foliage should have a green or dark green color. Vigorous trees will have large
leaves and dense foliage when compared to trees with poor vigor.
2. Shoot growth for most vigorous trees will be at least 1 foot per year. At least'/2
of the branches should arise from points on the lower 2/3 of a trunk.
3. Bark texture can denote vigor. Smooth or shiny bark on the trunk and branches
of a young tree usually signifies good vigor, conversely, rough and dull bark
could indicate poor vigor.
4. Trunk taper: the trunks of vigorous trees will generally have an increase in
... diameter with a decrease in height. Trees with reverse tapers or no taper
should be avoided.
�Yrr+
5. Root color: young roots of most trees will be light in color.
Trees selected for planting must be free of root defects. Two types of root defects
generally occur:
Kinked roots, in which taproots, major branch roots, or both are bent more than
90 degrees with less than 20 percent of the root system originating above the
kink. A tree with such roots will probably bend at the soil line when released
from a supporting stake.
Circling or girdling roots which circle 80 percent or more of the root system by
360 degrees or more. A tree with such roots would ultimately have less than 20
percent of its system available for support.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -45-
LM
4. Planting Minimum Requirement Tables
Table 3.0 - CALIPER TO HEIGHT RATIOS FOR DECIDUOUS TREES
5/16
- _
12 To 15
8 To 12
15 To 18
r
2 To 3
7/16
-
24 To 30
-
30 To 36
3 To 4
9/16
-
48 To 60
-
60 To 72
4 To 5
11/16
-
-
5 To 6
7/8
-
-
6 To 8
%To%
5To6
8
3.5
-
3/4 To 1
6 To 8
10
4
-
1 To '/4
8 To 10
11
5.5
-
1 1/4 To 1 '/2
8 To 10
12
6.5
-
1 '/z To 1 3/
10 To 12
14
6.5
=
13/To2
10 To 12
14
6.5
-
2To2%
12 To 14
16
8
-
2%To3
12 To 14
16
8
-
3To3%
14 To 16
18
9.5
-
3%To4
14 To 16
18
9.5
-
4 To 5
16 To 18
22
10.5
-
5To6
18 AND UP
26
12
-
Table 4.0 - HEIGHT TO SPREAD RATIO FOR CONIFEROUS NURSEY TREES
Generally the Height: Spread ratio should be no less than 2:1.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts
-46-
12 To 15
8 To 12
15 To 18
9 To 15
18 To 24
12 To 18
24 To 30
15 To 21
30 To 36
18 To 24
36 To 48
21 To 30
48 To 60
30 To 36
60 To 72
36 To 48
Generally the Height: Spread ratio should be no less than 2:1.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts
-46-
Table 5.0 — CONTAINER SIZE TO RATIO HEIGHT
t
-,.a.�t.. ..i v�
ate; �.�_,_.v.e. .. ,.✓ ..v.... ,. .m..,.,. ..3 v.o
7-3..�.._3a....� +.
•
WA ffVA
•
OR
z4
c i
..`�u-,.a,�i
"�`Yaa
,. s
P",
Ki'R'fi '� '..., � •i,.-
`+'3�r �";�; '}`�`��� rV .k,�
� � 1
-�
E.�Ln.�+.x�im
MITS
F-110
Table 6.0 — MINIMUM ROOT SPREAD AND BALL DIAMETER FOR DECIDUOUS TREES
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts
-47-
Table 7.0 — RECOMMENDED BALL DIMENSIONS FOR LARGE TREES
Table 8.0 — RECOMMENDED MINIMUM BALL DIAMETERS FOR BALL AND BURLAP
CONIFEROUS TREES
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts .48.
1'/2 To 2
r.
10
2To3
12
3To4
14
4To5
16
5 To 6
20
6 To 7
22
7To8
24
8To9
27
9 To 10
30
10 To 12
34
12 To 14
38
14 To 16
42
18 To 20
50
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts .48.
5. Transplanting Standards
a. The transplanting of new trees can result in major injury to their root system. If proper
transplanting techniques are employed, conditions will be more favorable for tree
recovery, and the rate of attrition for newly planted trees will be reduced.
b. Transplanting procedures shall follow standards established by the International
Society of Arboriculture in the "Trees and Shrub Transplanting Manual". The
following is a summary of several of the more important considerations provided in
the manual.
' Pre -Planting Considerations
' Only healthy trees with a well developed root system and a well formed top,
characteristic of the species, should be planted. Standards for selecting
quality stock are provided in Section C. Revegetation.
' Trees selected for planting must be compatible with the specific site
conditions. A site specific tree list will be provided by the County Arborist upon
request.
The ability of a species to regenerate a new root system and to become
` reestablished should be considered. Deciduous and evergreen trees should
be planted between the end of November and February. Trees planted
outside of this time period will NOT be accpeted by Fulton County unless a
bond is submitted to guarantee their replanting if they die.
P9
C. Planting procedures
' Planting holes should be no less than 1 foot wider than the root ball or bare
roots of the tree being planted. A planting hole 3 times the width of the root
ball is recommended.
' Trees should not be planted deeper than they were in their former location or
container.
' Spade compacted bottom and sides of the planting hole should be roughed or
scarified to allow the penetration of developing roots.
' Good water drainage from the bottom of the planting hole is essential for root
regeneration.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -49-
• Once the transplanted tree is set, the hole should be backfilled with soil of
good texture and structure. Traditionally, backfill material is comprised of a
mix of native soil, organic matter such as peat, and inorganic material such as
pearlite or vermiculite in a 1:1:1 ratio. A back fill with native soil alone is
adequate if the soil is of good quality.
' The addition of fertilizer to backfill soil can cause root injury, and is therefore
not recommended. If fertilizer must be added, a low rate should be used.
Approximately 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard of back fill is
recommended for bare root plants, and 2.5 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard
of back fill for balled and burlaped trees.
• The back fill should be gently tamped (but not compacted), and soaked for
settling.
' The soil should be slightly mounded to allow for settling; a ridge or dike
around the perimeter of the hole can facilitate watering.
Post -planting procedures
' Pruning. The amount of pruning necessary for newly planted trees depends
upon the trees' response to planting. A decrease in leaf surface area from
pruning can result in a reduction of the production of food, thus ultimately
inhibiting root development. Pruning for vigor or to train young trees should
therefore be delayed until after the first growing season.
' Pruning is recommended during the first growing season if the tree is showing
"transplant shock" or drought symptoms (wilting), or for the removal of weak,
broken, or diseased branches. For correct pruning of trees, always follow the
ANSI A300 standard practice for pruning.
' The use of commercially available anti-transpirants is recommended for
deciduous trees transplanted while in foliage, if the trees begin to wilt. Anti-
transpirants are chemical foliage sprays that reduce water loss through the
leaf surface.
• Staking should be used on newly planted trees only where determined
necessary. The extent of staking will depend upon tree strength, form and
condition at planting, expected wind conditions, the amount of vehicle or foot
traffic, and the level of follow-up maintenance. Staking can cause tree
damage. Periodic follow-up inspections are required to prevent serious tree -
staking problems. Staking should be removed as soon as the tree is capable
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -50-
of providing its own anchorage and support. Recommended types and uses of
staking are as follows:
1. Protective staking is used to provide a barrier from foot traffic, mowers,
vehicles, etc., for trees able to stand without support.
Anchor staking is used to hold a root ball in place during the period of
reestablishment for trees with otherwise adequate support.
3. Support staking is used for trees with weak trunks or oversized crowns
and unable to stand without support or in wind.
4. Guying is recommended where necessary for large transplanted trees
(4" D.B.H. or greater) to provide both anchorage and support.
5. Mulching newly planted trees will reduce competition from weeds and
moderate soil moisture and temperature extremes.
6. Fertilizer application should begin after the tree's first full growing
season.
7. Water availability for the newly planted tree should be monitored and
adjusted according to the species water requirements and the site
conditions.
D. LANDSCAPE STRIP AND BUFFER STANDARDS
1. Landscape Strips
a. The width of landscape strips must, as a minimum, conform with the requirements of
the conditions of zoning or the requirements of the Zoning Resolution, which ever is
greater. The width is measured from the newly dedicated right-of-way, or from the
property lines of contiguous parcels, as applicable.
b. No permanent structures are permitted within landscape strips. This includes retaining
walls, curbing, dumpsters, detention facilities, etc. Monument signs, drainage
structures, and sidewalks may be allowed with pre -approval.
C. Curb stops must be used to prevent vehicle overhang into required landscape strips
and parking lot landscape islands. One curb stop per parking stall is required.
d. Signs within required landscape strips are subject to the approval of the Department of
Environment & Community Development or designated agent(s). These signs may
only be located in areas of turf or groundcover and must not conflict with the growth
potential of trees and shrubs. Signs are not permitted within required undisturbed
buffers.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -51-
e. The deposition of storm water runoff into drainage swales through landscape strips is
generally not permitted. Exceptions will be considered only if this standard will create
an undue hardship to the property owner. Under no circumstances may the width of a
drainage easement through a landscape strip exceed the width of the strip.
Parking lot landscape islands must, at a minimum, conform to the requirements of the
Zoning Resolution. These islands must be planted with at least one 2 inch caliper
(minimum) shade tree. Stormwater runoff into parking lot landscape islands may be
permitted upon approval by the County Arborist.
When fencing is required as a condition of rezoning, the finished surface of the fence
must face externally to the project. The exact location for fence placement within the
landscape strip will be determined on a case by case basis by the County Arborist or
designated agent(s).
All species within required landscape strips must be ecologically compatible with the
intended growing site. If ornamental trees are used to satisfy landscape strip
requirements, they will not count for satisfying tree density requirements. All plant
materials are subject to Department of Environment & Community Development or
designated agent(s) approval.
i. Trees within required landscape strips shall be provided as follows:
1. Landscape strips 25 feet wide or less; a minimum of one tree for every 30
linear feet of landscape strip.
2. Landscape strips 25 feet wide or more; a minimum of one tree for every 20
linear feet of landscape strip.
3. Clumping is permitted.
All required landscape strips must be designed with at least 60% coverage in trees
and shrubs, with no more than 40% coverage in grass or ground cover. Landscape
strip coverage will be calculated as follows:
Calculate the total spatial area of the landscape strip.
Count the number of trees within the landscape strip and multiply by 100
square feet for trees less than 6" caliper and 200 square feet for trees 6" or
greater (This will allow some credit for the spatial coverage of the tree
canopy).
Calculate the coverage provided by the shrubs planted on center:
*At maturity, shrubs must attain this width. Shrub species and spacing is subject to Arborist's
approval.
4. Grass or ground cover may not exceed 40 % coverage within the strip.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -52-
NOR
*3 feet
=
9 square feet
*4 feet
=
16 square feet
*5 feet
=
25 square feet
*At maturity, shrubs must attain this width. Shrub species and spacing is subject to Arborist's
approval.
4. Grass or ground cover may not exceed 40 % coverage within the strip.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -52-
n 2. Planting Within Rights -of -Way
Approval from the Department of Environment and Community Development, Department of
Public Works and the Department of Transportation (D.O.T), where applicable, is required, as
planting is generally not permitted in the rights-of-way. Where approval is received, the
following conditions must be met:
H
a. Indemnification and maintenance agreements must be recorded with the Fulton County
Superior Court Clerk, Room 106, (404) 730-5371, prior to permitting irrigation or
planting within County rights-of-way.
' These agreements must be recorded in the name of a homeowner's association (along
with documentation attesting to that association's existence), for subdivisions.
' These agreements must be recorded in the property owner's name for all other types
of projects.
b. Trees planted within rights-of-way cannot be counted toward the tree density
requirement for a site.
' Prior to planting trees in rights-of-way, a shoulder cross-section must be provided
indicating the placement of the trees in relation to the curb, and underground utilities.
Placement and species are subject to the approval of the County Arborist and the
Director of Public Works.
C. Drawings for irrigation system within rights-of-way must indicate the location of lines,
heads, spray radius, shut off valves, timers and a 24 hour emergency contact phone
number.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -53-
3. Buffers
a. Required undisturbed buffers must remain undisturbed and actively protected in
perpetuity under the auspices of the Tree Protection Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines.
Buffers must be replanted where sparsely vegetated or where disturbed for approved
access and utility crossings. The buffers should be replanted to meet the following
standards:
' Must provide a visual barrier. To accomplish this screening, the plant materials must
be a minimum 5 feet in height at time of planting, moderately growing evergreen and
have branching all the way to the ground. Slower growing trees may be used if larger
materials are planted. All buffer plant materials are subject to the County Arborist or
designated agent(s) approval. Please see Appendix J for the list of acceptable
evergreen plant material for undisturbed buffers.
' The number of planting rows for tree replacement in buffers is determined by the buffer
width:
' Drainage within or through buffers is subject to the approval of the Department of
Environment & Community Development or designated agent(s).
' Encroachment into buffers for the construction of retaining walls, footings, or wall
supports, is not permitted unless otherwise specified in the conditions of rezoning.
Encroachments into buffers shall require zoning modifications or variances as
applicable.
' All buffers require a 10 foot improvement setback interior and adjacent to the buffer. No
grading is allowed in this improvement setback unless permission is obtained from the
Director of the Department of Environment and Community Development. (Contact
Arborist office for details.)
State Water Buffers
1. The Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance of 1996 as adopted by the
Fulton County Board of Commissioners, requires an undisturbed natural buffer
extending 25 feet from the tops of banks on all State Waters. The Fulton County
Arborists are the official delineators of the State Waters in unincorporated Fulton
County.
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts
-54-
2. Land Disturbance within State Water Buffers is only permitted if a variance is granted.
For information about how to apply for a variance, contact the Department of
Environment and Community Development at (404) 730-7545.
Chattahoochee River Corridor Tributary Protection Area
1. The Chattahoochee River Corridor Tributary Protection Area of February 1984, was
amended in February of 1998 to require a 35 foot buffer on the blueline tributaries in
North Fulton County. This buffer must be actively protected as a tree protection zone.
North Fulton County is unincorporated Fulton County north of the corporate limits of
the City of Atlanta.
2. Land disturbance within tributary buffers is subject to the Director of the Department of
Environment and Community Development approval, under the following conditions:
' State water buffer variance for streams with a 25 foot buffer and variance request to
the Board of Zoning Appeals for proposed encroachment into the 35 foot blue -line
tributary buffer.
' As part of the land disturbance permit application, the applicant must demonstrate the
extent of proposed disturbance, including the general type and extent of vegetation to
be removed and replaced.
' The applicant must clearly demonstrate the need for the proposed disturbance.
' Additional information may be required on a case by case basis.
' Tributary Buffer replanting standards will be provided upon request. Disturbed areas
within the buffer must be replanted to County standards using indigenous riparian
vegetation.
South Fulton County Tributary Buffer
The South Fulton County Tributary Protection Ordinance of August 1998 requires a 75 foot
natural vegetative buffer with a 15 foot impervious surface setback and a 10 foot non -
improvement setback to be maintained on each side of all tributaries within affected areas.
South Fulton County is unincorporated Fulton County south of the corporate limits of the City of
Atlanta. (Reference South Fulton County Tributary Buffer Protection Ordinance and
Administrative Guidelines)
Administrative Guidelines — Single Family Residential Districts -55-
SECTION IV. ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES FOR COMMERCIAL AND ALL OTHER NOW
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
VOW
This set of guidelines shall apply to land uses within Unincorporated Fulton County's Commercial
Districts, Multiple Use Districts, Industrial Park Districts, Two Family and Multiple Family
Districts,and all other districts other than Agricultural and Single -Family Dsitricts.
A. PROCEDURES
1. Land Disturbance Permits
a. Step 1. Application Forms
Filing application forms and obtaining Ordinance and Administrative Guideline
information.
b. Step 2. Tree Protection Plan
A tree protection plan, (TPP) shall be submitted with other permit drawings as part of
the land disturbance permit process. This plan may either be a separate drawing or
part of the landscape plan and shall include the following information:
1. Tree Protection Details, detail drawings of tree protection measures and
landscape strips (whichever is applicable or both).
•
Protective tree fencing.
AOW*
`
Erosion control fencing.
•
Tree protection signs.
•
Transplanting specifications.
•
Tree wells.
•
Staking specifications.
•
Other applicable drawings.
`
Landscape installation plans, planting details, plant list.
R@
2. Spatial Limits
• Definition of spatial limits.
` Limits of land disturbance, clearing, grading and trenching.
` Tree protection zones.
` Specimen trees or stands of trees.
• Areas of revegetation and tree density calculations.
• State waters buffers and/or tributary buffers.
3. Implementation Schedule
• Procedures and schedules for the implementation, installation and
maintenance of tree protection measures.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -56-
C. Step 3. Review Process
These plans shall be reviewed by the County Arborist or his designated agent(s) for
conformance with:
' Overlay District Regulations
' Fulton County Zoning Resolution
' Applicable Zoning, Use Permit and/or Variance Conditions
' Tree Preservation Ordinance & Administrative Standards
' Any and all Ordinances and Administrative Guideliness dealing with natural
resources
1. Plans will be either approved or returned for revisions.
2. Reasons for denial shall be stated in writing on the tree protection plan.
d. Step 4. Tree Protection Measures
All tree protection measures shall be installed by the contractor and then inspected
by the County Arborist or designated agent(s) prior to land disturbance.
Step 5. Land Disturbance Permit
Issuance of the land disturbance permit is contingent upon approval of the Tree
Protection Plan.
f. Step 6. Follow-up
The County Arborist will conduct follow-up site inspections for enforcement of the
Tree Preservation Ordinance and its Administrative Guidelines.
2. Rezoning and Special Use Permits
a. Step 1. Application Forms
Filing application forms and obtaining Ordinance and Administrative Guideline
information.
b. Step 2. Case Review
The County Arborist may conduct a preliminary review of all rezoning cases and
special use permit applications.
C. Step 3. Field Review
A field review of cases may occur under the following conditions:
1. For community units plans and major development cases.
2. For cases within the Chattahoochee River Corridor.
3. Other cases as determined necessary by the preliminary review.
4. For cases within overlay districts.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts .57.
' d. Step 4. Conditions
Conditions to rezoning may be required as found necessary by the preliminary
review. These conditions may either be general or specific in nature and will reflect
the standards or provisions of the Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines and the Zoning Resolution.
e. Step 5. Verification
Compliance with these conditions will be verified by review of a revised site plan
prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit.
3. Timber Harvesting Permit Requirements For Non Agriculture Land Uses
A timber harvest permit is required when more than 2 acres of land is thinned. If 2 acres or
less of land is thinned a timber harvest permit will not be required, but site density still has to
be met. Only thinning shall be allowed on property zoned other than AG -1 and shall be
conducted only after a timber harvest permit has been approved. This permit does not allow
any thinning or disturbance of state water, tributary, or wetland buffers. Any portion of land
thinned under this provision is still required to meet the minimum site density of 30 units per
acre, which may require replanting some trees.
Step 1. Application Form and Site Plan
A filled -out timber harvest application form must be accompanied with a site plan.
NNW, b. Step 2. Application and Site Plan Review
The County Arborist will conduct review of all timber harvesting applications and site
plans. The review of applications and site plans will be based on meeting minimum
standards listed below.
Site Plan Minimum Standards
1. Note stating that no stump removal or grading is allowed under this permit;
2. All areas of existing trees shall be shown;
3. All areas of trees to be thinned shall be shown;
4. All areas of tree to be saved shall be shown;
5. All streams, creeks, lakes, wetlands, applicable buffer areas and tree save
areas shall be shown;
6. Investigation must be conducted by a forester registered in the state of
Georgia. Plan must be designed by a forester registered in the state of
Georgia. The plan must be affixed with the forester's registered seal.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts .58.
Other Minimum Standards
Timber Harvesting under this provision shall be in compliance with the following
standards:
State Waters / Tributary Buffers prescribed by the Chattahoochee River
Corridor Tributary Protection Area Resolution, South Fulton
CountyTributary Protection Ordinance and Soil Erosion and Sedimentation
Control Ordinance of 1996.
2. Erosion control prescribed by the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Ordinance of 1996.
3. Stream crossing prescribed by the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Ordinance of 1996.
4. A 25 foot undisturbed buffer shall be provided and maintained along the
entire perimeter of the property, including road frontages, during the timber
harvesting activity, except for authorized access crossings.
5. The property shall be required to meet a tree density standard of 30 units per
acre, not including the 25' buffer, upon completion of the authorized timber
harvesting activities.
6. The owner/developer shall utilize the recommended Best Management
Practices as established by the Georgia Forestry Commission.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Concerning the best management practice of SMZ'S, or
stream side management zones, no timber harvesting can occur within the 25
foot State Waters Buffer (North Fulton) the 35 foot blueline tributary buffer
(North Fulton) or the 75 foot state waters buffer (South Fulton). All buffers are
measured from the top of the bank on both sides of a stream or creek that has
been delineated by Fulton County as State Waters.
7. As part of the process of obtaining a timber harvest permit on property zoned
commercial, industrial, multiple use, or non -single family residential in
unincorporated Fulton County, it shall be the responsibility of the property
owner to notify the Department of Environment and Community Development in
writing of the following information:
` Location of the property by road name, land lot, district, and address, if any;
` The name, address and phone number of the property owner;
` A letter written by the property owner authorizing timbering or logging
operations to be conducted on their property;
` The name, address, and phone number of the logging firm or logger harvesting
the timber; and
` The estimated starting and completion dates.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: Large Pine Trees 24" d.b.h. or greater shall be excluded from specimen tree protection
requirements in timber harvesting operations on commercial, industrial, multiple use, or non -single family
residential zoned land. Specimen hardwood trees, however, will not be excluded and are to be protected with
tree fence out to a distance of 3' beyond the edge of their root protection zone.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts .59.
B. TREE PROTECTION
1. Standards For Specimen And Heritage Trees And Stands of Trees
Specimen and Heritage Tree: Any tree in fair or better condition which equals or exceeds
the following diameter sizes.
a q%a^,�- �... aJ}.'iC
k A
sixit
'" �M �Ce ,� p�
�h-"'
.lst`";
A relatively sound and solid trunk with no extensive decay or hollow, and less than
20 percent radial trunk dieback.
C.
Oak, hickory, yellow poplar,
Large hardwoods
27"dbh
e.
A lesser sized tree can be considered a specimen if it is a rare or unusual species,
sweet um, etc.
Large hardwood
24"dbh
Beech
Large softwoods
24"dbh
Pine, deodar cedar
Small native flowering
10"dbh
Dogwood, redbud, sourwood
A tree in fair or better condition must meet the following minimum standards:
a.
A life expectancy of greater than 10 years.
b.
A relatively sound and solid trunk with no extensive decay or hollow, and less than
20 percent radial trunk dieback.
C.
No more than one major and several minor dead limbs (hardwoods only).
d.
No major insect or pathological problem.
e.
A lesser sized tree can be considered a specimen if it is a rare or unusual species,
of exceptional quality, or of historical significance.
f.
A lesser size tree can be considered a specimen if it is specifically used by a builder,
developer, or design professional as a focal point in a project or landscape.
Specimen Tree Stands: A contiguous grouping of trees which has been determined to
be of value by the Director of Environment & Community
Development or Authorized designee(s). Determination is
based upon any one or more of the following criteria:
a.
A relatively mature even -aged stand.
b.
A stand with purity of species composition or of a rare or unusual nature.
C.
A stand of historical significance.
d.
A stand with exceptional aesthetic quality.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -60-
2. Methods of Tree Protection
a. Planning consideration
Root space is the most critical factor in tree protection throughout the development
process. The root system of trees easily goes beyond the dripline of the tree canopy.
Disturbance within this root zone can directly affect a tree's chances for survival. To
protect the root zone the following standards shall apply:
The use of tree save areas is encouraged. This will facilitate overall site
organization as related to tree protection.
The root protection zone of specimen trees, heritage trees, undisturbed buffers,
stands of trees or otherwise designated tree save areas shall include no less
than the area of a circle with a radius that extends one foot out for every inch of
trunk diameter, or the area of a circle with a radius extending from a tree's trunk
to a point no less than the end of a tree's longest branch, whichever is
rg eater. In some instances, the County Arborist or authorized agent(s) may
require an additional area of no disturbance upt to 10 feet outside the root
protection zone. (See Appendix A. Typical Root Protection Zone)
3. Layout of the project site utility and grading plans must accommodate the
required tree protection zones. Utilities must be placed along corridors
between protection zones.
"" 4. Construction site activities such as parking, material storage, bury pits,
concrete washout, burnhole placement, etc., shall not be allowed within tree
protection zones.
No disturbance shall occur within the protection zone of specimen and
heritage trees or stands of trees.
b. Protective Barriers
Protective tree fencing shall be installed a minimum of 3 feet beyond the outer
edge of the root protection zone for all specimen trees, heritage trees, stands
of trees, or otherwise designated tree protection zones, prior to any land
disturbance.
2. Acceptable Tree Fencing Procedures
A minimum of 4 feet high, constructed in a post and rail
configuration. A 2 inch x 4 inch post and a double 1 inch x 4 inch
rail is recommended.
Four foot orange polyethylene laminar safety fencing.
Any deviation from the two acceptable tree fencing methods listed
above must be authorized by the County Arborist by the County
Arborist or designated agent(s).
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -61-
' All tree protection fences must be accompanied by "Stay Out" and
"Tree Save" signage. Tree protection signs are available at the Fulton
County Government Center in the Department of Environment and
Community Development, Suite 2085 for $3.00 each.
3. A stop work order or notice of violation will be issued if project is found to be
out of compliance with the Tree Protection Plan.
4. All specimen trees, heritage trees, stands of trees or otherwise designated
tree protection zones must be protected from silt.
' Silt fencing reinforced with wire mesh fencing must be placed along
the outer uphill edge of tree protection zones at the land disturbance
interface.
' Silt fencing should be backed by 12 gauge, 2 inch x 4 inch wire mesh
fencing in areas of steep slope. (Steep slopes are defined as greater
than 3H:1 V).
' All erosion control measures must comply with Fulton County Erosion
Control Standards.
5. All tree fencing and erosion control barriers must be installed prior to and
maintained throughout the land disturbance process and building construction
and may not be removed until the certificate of occupancy is approved and
issued by the Director of the Department of Environment and Community
Development or a designated agent(s).
C. REVEGETATION
141W 1. Tree Replacement
a. The replacement of trees to satisfy the conditions of zoning, requirements of the Fulton
County Zoning Resolution or the Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines, may occur under the following situations:
' To establish the minimum tree density requirements for the site,
where grading occurs outside the buildable area of the lot.
' If the lot's buildable area leaves no protected zone.
' If no trees are present within an existing protected zone.
' Where specimen trees or stands of trees and trees within otherwise
designated tree protective zones have been irreparably damaged or
removed through land disturbance or construction activities.
NOTE: Unless enough existing trees are saved on site to satisfy density requirements,
proposed replacement trees trees will have to be bonded off prior to issuance the land
disturbance permit
M
b. The quantity of replacement trees into a site must be sufficient so as to produce a total
site -tree density factor of no less than 30 units per acre. If it has been determined by
the County Arborist or designated agent(s) during the initial site visit that the property
in question is completely barren of trees and has been for a long time (ie, pasture
land), then the units for replacement trees will be doubled.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts .62.
(For example, a 4 inch replacement tree is currently equivalent to 0.7 units, at a site
where it is determined to be barren of trees, the replacement units will be equivalent to
1.4 instead of 0.7 units.) The site will still be required to meet the 30 unit per acre site
tree density requirement.
(Note: the terms unit and tree are NOT interchangeable). Procedures for determining
the site density requirements and the subsequent tree replacement requirements are
provided in Table 1.0 and Table 2.0 in the next section. No more than 30% of
replacement trees can be pines. At least 70% of replacement trees must be
hardwoods of at least 4 different species.
C. The spacing of replacement trees must be compatible with spatial limitations and with
responsible consideration towards potential species size.
d. Where the County Arborist or designated agent(s) has determined that site spatial
constraints result in the inability to provide for all the required trees, as many trees as
possible must be planted on site. The remaining balance of required trees must be
planted on public properties using the Tree Bank alternative or the installed cost of the
remaining balance of required trees must be contributed to the Tree Replacement Fund
in the form of a certified check. A Conservation Easement on a greenspace can also be
deeded to the County as compensation for specimen trees removed or to meet site tree
density. (Contact senior arborist for details on conservation easement.)
2. Specimen Tree Recompense
a. Any and all healthy specimen trees that the Fulton County Arborist allows a
developer/builder/homeowner to remove must be compensated for. Specimen
hardwood trees have to be compensated for with either 2" or 4" caliper hardwood
trees. Specimen evergreen trees have to be compensated for with either 2" or 4"
caliper Southern Magnolias, Deodar Cedars, Canadian Hemlocks, or Cryptomerias.
Specimen native flowering trees have to be compensated for with either 2" or 4" caliper
hardwood trees. Four (4) different species (minimum) of recompense trees must be
used if the number of recompense trees required is forty (40) or greater. For purposes
of recompense trees off, the unit value of a 2" caliper recompense tree will be .35
units, not its usual .5 unit value. Any and all specimen trees that are slated for removal
must have their recompense trees bonded off prior to issuance of the land disturbance
permit.
If a specimen tree or trees are removed or have their root protection zones disturbed
without permission, the unit value of the specimen tree is doubled and that becomes
the unit value that must be compensated for. For example: A 30" DBH tree is normally
worth 14.7 units. If it is removed or its root protection zone disturbed without
permission its unit value will double to 29.4 units. Thus 29.4 units of 2" or 4" caliper
trees will have to be replaced at the project site. Recompense trees cannot be used to
satisfy any other landscape requirement such as parking lot shade trees, landscape
strip, undisturbed buffer or detention pond buffer trees. They can, however, count
,�., toward the required tree density for the site. 2" caliper recompense trees that are
� w counted for density will be worth .35 units per tree.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -63-
TREE BANK
Arrangements will be made through the County Arborist. If the tree bank is an alternative for your
development, then the following criteria must be observed:
' The tree bank site location must be in the same planning area of the county
(defined in the Comprehensive Plan) as the project site. (North Fulton, Sandy
Springs, South Fulton, SW Fulton)
' Four different species needed if total quantity of trees to be banked is 40 or
greater.
' Each tree bank tree must be 2 inch caliper size at a minimum; 2 inch or 4 inch
caliper required for recompense trees.
' All tree bank trees must be grade "A" quality trees with straight trunks and
dense foliage and free from injury, pests, disease or nutritional disorders.
' All tree bank trees are to be guaranteed for 1 full year after planting by the
developer. Any trees that die within this time period must be replaced by the
developer.
' The following notes must be shown on the approved tree protection plan:
WHEN THE OWN ER/DEVELOPER/CONTRACTOR CALLS THE ARBORIST'S OFFICE
(770) 777-6509 (NORTH FULTON) OR (404) 730-7532 (SOUTH FULTON AND SANDY
SPRINGS) FOR A FINAL INSPECTION, THE OWNER/DEVELOPER/ CONTRACTOR SHALL
INFORM THE ARBORIST THAT THE SITE VISIT INCLUDES A SITE VISIT TO A PUBLIC
PROPERTY TO INSPECT TREES THAT HAVE BEEN TREE BANKED.
ANY CHANGES IN TREE VARIETY MUST BE APPROVED IN WRITING BY THE FULTON
COUNTY ARBORIST'S OFFICE AT (404) 730-7532 OR (404) 730-7531.
PLANTING MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE OWNER/DEVELOPER AND THE PLANTING
MUST BE INSPECTED AND APPROVED BY THE FULTON COUNTY ARBORIST OR SENIOR
ARBORIST PRIOR TO THE ARBORIST'S OR SENIOR ARBORIST'S SIGN -OFF ON THE
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY OR FINAL PLAT RECORDING FOR THE PROJECT.
TREE REPLACEMENT FUND
Arrangements will be made through the County Arborist. If the tree banking alternative is not
desirable, then the tree replacement fund is another alternative to help your development meet
its tree density or recompense tree requirements. If the Tree Replacement Fund is an alternative
for your development, then the following criteria must be observed:
' Tree replacement cost estimates obtained from three landscape contractors must be
provided to Fulton County's Arborist for approval and the trees replacement cost will be
based on an average of the three estimates.
' The required replacement fee will be 100 percent (%) of the total cost to plant the
balance of trees that were unable to be planted to satisfy the site density requirement or
recompense tree requirements.
' Species selected for replacement must be grade "A" quality, healthy trees and must be
ecologically compatible with the specifically intended growing site. Standards for
transplanting and selecting quality replacement stock are provided in Transplanting
Standards Section. A site specific tree list will be provided by the County Arborist upon
request.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -64-
e
2. Procedures for Calculating the Required Tree Replacement Density Factors
The Tree Density Factor Requirement for property located within Commercial Business
Districts is 30 units per acre.
Step 1
Calculate the density factor for the site (DFS) by multiplying the number of site acres by 30.
EXAMPLE: A 2.2 acre site has a DFS of 2.2 x 30= 66.
Step 2
Calculate the existing density factor (EDF) of trees which will remain on site to be protected during construction. EDF is determined by converting the
D.B.H. of individual existing trees to density factor units, using Table 1.0. These units are then totaled to determine the EDF for the site.
EXAMPLE: A total of 15 trees will remain on the 2.2 acre site in Step 1. When converted to density factor units using Table 1.0, we arrive at the
These trees include: following values:
The sum total of units, 63.9, is the EFD, existing density factor.
Step 3
Calculate the required replacement density factor (RDF) by subtracting the EDF (Step 2) from the DFS (Step 1).
Example:
Step 4
The RDF can be converted back to caliper inches using Table 2.0. Any number or combination of transplantable size trees can be used so long as
their total density factor units will equal or exceed the RDF.
Example: On the 2.2 acre site
the followingnumber and size of trees will be lanted:
���^,,
a -s
P 99I
�`i„� too
h Ja�� z . �a w ,r t �:.
xy
Sa b 'r�' �
_%rb
5
2"
RED MAPLE
0.50
5 x 0.50 = 2.50
ghm
2.50 is greater than the RDF of 2.10, thus the minimum requirements have been met.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -65-
@9
Conversion Tables
TABLE 1.0 - EXISTING TREES TO REMAIN
Conversion from D.B.H. to density factor units for trees remaining on the site.
TABLE 2.0 - REPLACEMENT TREES
Conversion from caliper to density factor units for realacement trees.
Container grown pine trees are given replacement credit as follows:
t
7 Gallon
0.4
36
21.3
5-7
1.2
60
58.9
38
23.7
10
2.4
62
62.8
40
26.1
12
3.2
_
64
67.0
42
28.8
16-20
4.0 IMIlu66
71.2
44
31.8
22
5.2
68
75.6
46
34.5
24
9.3
70
80.1
48
37.8
26
11.1
72
84.8
INEWIM
50
40.8
28
12.9
74
89.6
52
44.2
30
14.7
76
94.5
54
47.7
32
16.8
78
99.5
56
51.3
34
18.9
80
104.7
58
55.0
TABLE 2.0 - REPLACEMENT TREES
Conversion from caliper to density factor units for realacement trees.
Container grown pine trees are given replacement credit as follows:
t
7 Gallon
0.4
3 Gallon*
0.2
*The use of 3 -gallon pines is permitted only with
prior approval
Tree relocation: Replacement units may be granted to trees relocated on site. Tree relocation is subject to the Senior Arborist's or
designated agent(s) approval.
`Vr✓
Administrative Guidelines - Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -66-
3. Standards for Selecting Quality Replacement Stock
a. Trees selected for planting must meet the minimum requirements as provided in,
Tables 3.0 through 8.0 provided at the end of this section.
b. Trees selected for planting must be free from injury, pests, disease, or nutritional
disorders.
C. Trees selected for planting must be of good vigor. The determination of vigor is a
subjective evaluation and dependent upon species variability. The following criteria
are generally used for the determination of vigor:
1. Foliage should have a green or dark green color. Vigorous trees will have large
leaves and dense foliage when compared to trees with poor vigor.
2. Shoot growth for most vigorous trees will be at least 1 foot per year. At least'/2
of the branches should arise from points on the lower 2/3 of a trunk.
3. Bark texture can denote vigor. Smooth or shiny bark on the trunk and branches
of a young tree usually signifies good vigor, conversely, rough and dull bark
could indicate poor vigor.
4. Trunk taper: the trunks of vigorous trees will generally have an increase in
look diameter with a decrease in height. Trees with reverse tapers or no taper
should be avoided.
5. Root color: young roots of most trees will be light in color.
Trees selected for planting must be free of root defects. Two types of root defects
generally occur:
Kinked roots, in which taproots, major branch roots, or both are bent more than
90 degrees with less than 20 percent of the root system originating above the
kink. A tree with such roots will probably bend at the soil line when released
from a supporting stake.
2. Circling or girdling roots which circle 80 percent or more of the root system by
360 degrees or more. A tree with such roots would ultimately have less than 20
percent of its system available for support.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -67-
4. Planting Minimum Requirement Tables
Table 3.0 - CALIPER TO HEIGHT RATIOS FOR DECIDUOUS TREES
Table 4.0 - HEIGHT TO SPREAD RATIO FOR CONIFEROUS NURSEY TREES
9
N
12 To 15 8 To 12
15 To 18 9To15
18 To 24 12 To 18
24 To 30 15 To 21
30 To 36 18 To 24
36 To 48 21 To 30
48 To 60 30 To 36
60 To 72 36 To 48
Generally the Height: Spread ratio should be no less than 2:1.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -68-
N
Table 5.0 — CONTAINER SIZE TO RATIO HEIGHT
Table 6.0 — MINIMUM ROOT SPREAD AND BALL DIAMETER FOR DECIDUOUS TREES
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts .69.
dw-
•
•
1
I WA
I
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts .69.
Im
Table 7.0 — RECOMMENDED BALL DIMENSIONS FOR LARGE TREES
W5
4
30
1.5
6
5
32
2.4
7
6
34
3.7
8
7
36
5.4
9
7/2
36
6.2
10
8
38
7.4
11
9
40
9.9
12
10
40
12.2
Table 8.0 — RECOMMENDED MINIMUM BALL DIAMETERS FOR BALL AND BURLAP
CONIFEROUS TREES
V/2 To 2
10
2To3
12
3To4
14
4To5
16
5 To 6
20
6 To 7
22
7 To 8
24
8 To 9
27
9 To 10
30
10 To 12
34
12 To 14
38
14 To 16
42
18 To 20
50
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -70-
N
5. Transplanting Standards
a. The transplanting of new trees can result in major injury to their root system. If proper
transplanting techniques are employed, conditions will be more favorable for tree
recovery, and the rate of attrition for newly planted trees will be reduced.
b. Transplanting procedures shall follow standards established by the International
Society of Arboriculture in the "Trees and Shrub Transplanting Manual". The
following is a summary of several of the more important considerations provided in
the manual.
' Pre -Planting Considerations
' Only healthy trees with a well developed root system and a well formed top,
characteristic of the species, should be planted. Standards for selecting
quality stock are provided in Section C. Revegetation.
• Trees selected for planting must be compatible with the specific site
conditions. A site specific tree list will be provided by the County Arborist upon
request.
' The ability of a species to regenerate a new root system and to become
reestablished should be considered. Deciduous and evergreen trees should
be planted between the end of November and February. Trees planted
outside of this time period will NOT be accpeted by Fulton County unless a
bond is submitted to guarantee their replanting if they die.
C. Planting procedures
' Planting holes should be no less than 1 foot wider than the root ball or bare
roots of the tree being planted. A planting hole 3 times the width of the root
ball is recommended.
• Trees should not be planted deeper than they were in their former location or
container.
' Spade compacted bottom and sides of the planting hole should be roughed or
scarified to allow the penetration of developing roots.
' Good water drainage from the bottom of the planting hole is essential for root
regeneration.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts .71.
' Once the transplanted tree is set, the hole should be backfilled with soil of
good texture and structure. Traditionally, backfill material is comprised of a
mix of native soil, organic matter such as peat, and inorganic material such as
pearlite or vermiculite in a 1:1:1 ratio. A back fill with native soil alone is
adequate if the soil is of good quality.
' The addition of fertilizer to backfill soil can cause root injury, and is therefore
not recommended. If fertilizer must be added, a low rate should be used.
Approximately 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard of back fill is
recommended for bare root plants, and 2.5 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard
of back fill for balled and burlaped trees.
' The back fill should be gently tamped (but not compacted), and soaked for
settling.
' The soil should be slightly mounded to allow for settling; a ridge or dike
around the perimeter of the hole can facilitate watering.
d. Post -planting procedures
' Pruning. The amount of pruning necessary for newly planted trees depends
upon the trees' response to planting. A decrease in leaf surface area from
pruning can result in a reduction of the production of food, thus ultimately
inhibiting root development. Pruning for vigor or to train young trees should
therefore be delayed until after the first growing season.
' Pruning is recommended during the first growing season if the tree is showing
"transplant shock" or drought symptoms (wilting), or for the removal of weak,
broken, or diseased branches. For correct pruning of trees, always follow the
ANSI A300 standard practice for pruning.
• The use of commercially available anti-transpirants is recommended for
deciduous trees transplanted while in foliage, if the trees begin to wilt. Anti-
transpirants are chemical foliage sprays that reduce water loss through the
leaf surface.
' Staking should be used on newly planted trees only where determined
necessary. The extent of staking will depend upon tree strength, form and
condition at planting, expected wind conditions, the amount of vehicle or foot
traffic, and the level of follow-up maintenance. Staking can cause tree
damage. Periodic follow-up inspections are required to prevent serious tree -
staking problems. Staking should be removed as soon as the tree is capable
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -72-
of providing its own anchorage and support. Recommended types and uses of
staking are as follows:
1. Protective staking is used to provide a barrier from foot traffic, mowers,
vehicles, etc., for trees able to stand without support.
Anchor staking is used to hold a root ball in place during the period of
reestablishment for trees with otherwise adequate support.
Support staking is used for trees with weak trunks or oversized crowns
and unable to stand without support or in wind.
4. Guying is recommended where necessary for large transplanted trees
(4" D.B.H. or greater) to provide both anchorage and support.
5. Mulching newly planted trees will reduce competition from weeds and
moderate soil moisture and temperature extremes.
6. Fertilizer application should begin after the tree's first full growing
season.
7. Water availability for the newly planted tree should be monitored and
adjusted according to the species water requirements and the site
conditions.
D. LANDSCAPE STRIP AND BUFFER STANDARDS
1. Landscape Strips
a. The width of landscape strips must, as a minimum, conform with the requirements of
the conditions of zoning or the requirements of the Zoning Resolution, which ever is
greater. The width is measured from the newly dedicated right-of-way, or from the
property lines of contiguous parcels, as applicable.
b. No permanent structures are permitted within landscape strips. This includes, retaining
walls, curbing, dumpsters, detention facilities, etc. Monument signs, drainage
structures, and sidewalks may be allowed with pre -approval.
Curb stops must be used to prevent vehicle overhang into required landscape strips
and parking lot landscape islands. One curb stop per parking stall is required.
d. Signs within required landscape strips are subject to the approval of the Department of
Environment & Community Development or designated agent(s). These signs may
only be located in areas of turf or groundcover and must not conflict with the growth
potential of trees and shrubs. Signs are not permitted within required undisturbed
buffers.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -73-
e. The deposition of storm water runoff into drainage swales through landscape strips is
generally not permitted. Exceptions will be considered only if this standard will create
an undue hardship to the property owner. Under no circumstances may the width of a
drainage easement through a landscape strip exceed the width of the strip.
Parking lot landscape islands must, at a minimum, conform to the requirements of the
Zoning Resolution. These islands must be planted with at least one 2 inch caliper
(minimum) shade tree. Stormwater runoff into parking lot landscape islands may be
permitted upon approval by the County Arborist.
g. When fencing is required as a condition of rezoning, the finished surface of the fence
must face externally to the project. The exact location for fence placement within the
landscape strip will be determined on a case by case basis by the County Arborist or
designated agent(s).
All species within required landscape strips must be ecologically compatible with the
intended growing site. If ornamental trees are used to satisfy landscape strip
requirements, they will not count for satisfying tree density requirements. All plant
materials are subject to Department of Environment & Community Development or
designated agent(s) approval.
i. Trees within required landscape strips shall be provided as follows:
1. Landscape strips 25 feet wide or less; a minimum of one tree for every 30
linear feet of landscape strip.
2. Landscape strips 25 feet wide or more; a minimum of one tree for every 20
linear feet of landscape strip.
3. Clumping is permitted.
All required landscape strips must be designed with at least 60% coverage in trees
and shrubs, with no more than 40% coverage in grass or ground cover. Landscape
strip coverage will be calculated as follows:
1. Calculate the total spatial area of the landscape strip.
2. Count the number of trees within the landscape strip and multiply by 100
square feet for trees less than 6 caliper and 200 square feet for trees 6"
and greater (This will allow some credit for the spatial coverage of the tree
canopy).
3. Calculate the coverage provided by the shrubs planted on center:
*3 feet = 9 square feet
*4 feet = 16 square feet
*5 feet = 25 square feet
*At maturity, shrubs must attain this width. Shrub species and spacing is subject to Arborist's
approval.
4. Grass or ground cover may not exceed 40 % coverage within the strip.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts _74_
2. Planting Within Rights -of -Way
Approval from the Department of Environment and Community Development, Department of
Public Works and the Department of Transportation (D.O.T), where applicable, is required, as
planting is generally not permitted in the rights-of-way. Where approval is received, the
following conditions must be met:
a. Indemnification and maintenance agreements must be recorded with the Fulton County
Superior Court Clerk, Room 106, (404) 730-5371, prior to permitting irrigation or
planting within County rights-of-way.
' These agreements must be recorded in the name of a homeowner's association (along
with documentation attesting to that association's existence), for subdivisions.
' These agreements must be recorded in the property owner's name for all other types
of projects.
b. Trees planted within rights-of-way cannot be counted toward the tree density
requirement for a site.
' Prior to planting trees in rights-of-way, a shoulder cross-section must be provided
indicating the placement of the trees in relation to the curb, and underground utilities.
Placement and species are subject to the approval of the County Arborist and the
Director of Public Works.
C. Drawings for irrigation system within rights-of-way must indicate the location of lines,
heads, spray radius, shut off valves, timers and a 24 hour emergency contact phone
number.
3. Buffers
a. Required undisturbed buffers must remain undisturbed and actively protected in
perpetuity under the auspices of the Tree Protection Ordinance and Administrative
Guidelines.
b. Buffers must be replanted where sparsely vegetated or where disturbed for approved
access and utility crossings. The buffers should be replanted to meet the following
standards:
' Must provide a visual barrier. To accomplish this screening, the plant materials must be
a minimum 5 feet in height at time of planting, moderately growing evergreen and have
branching all the way to the ground. Slower growing trees may be used if larger
materials are planted. All buffer plant materials are subject to the County Arborist or
designated agent(s) approval. Please see Appendix J for the list of acceptable
evergreen plant material for undisturbed buffers.
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts -75-
The number of planting rows for tree replacement in buffers is determined by the buffer
width:
' Drainage within or through buffers is subject to the approval of the Department of
Environment & Community Development or designated agent(s).
' Encroachment into buffers for the construction of retaining walls, footings, or wall
supports, is not permitted unless otherwise specified in the conditions of rezoning.
Encroachments into buffers shall require zoning modifications or variances as
applicable.
' All buffers require a 10 foot improvement setback interior and adjacent to the buffer. No
grading is allowed in this improvement setback unless permission is obtained from the
Director of the Department of Environment and Community Development. (Contact
Arborist office for details.)
State Water Buffers
1. The Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance of 1996 as adopted by the
Fulton County Board of Commissioners, requires an undisturbed natural buffer
extending 25 feet from the tops of banks on all State Waters. The Fulton County
Arborists are the official delineators of State Waters in unincorporated Fulton County.
2. Land Disturbance within State Water Buffers is only permitted if a variance is granted.
For information about how to apply for a variance, contact the Department of
Environment and Community Development at (404) 730-7545.
Chattahoochee River Corridor Tributary Protection Area
1. The Chattahoochee River Corridor Tributary Protection Area of February 1984, was
amended in February of 1998 to require a 35 foot buffer on the blueline tributaries in
North Fulton County. This buffer must be actively protected as a tree protection zone.
North Fulton County is unincorporated Fulton County north of the corporate limits of
the City of Atlanta.
2. Land disturbance within tributary buffers is subject to the Director of the Department of
Environment and Community Development approval, under the following conditions:
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts .76.
State water buffer variance for streams with a 25 foot buffer and variance request to
the Board of Zoning Appeals for proposed encroachment into the 35 foot blue -line
tributary buffer.
' As part of the land disturbance permit application, the applicant must demonstrate the
extent of proposed disturbance, including the general type and extent of vegetation to
be removed and replaced.
' The applicant must clearly demonstrate the need for the proposed disturbance.
' Additional information may be required on a case by case basis.
' Tributary Buffer replanting standards will be provided upon request. Disturbed areas
within the buffer must be replanted to County standards using indigenous riparian
vegetation.
South Fulton County Tributary Buffer
The South Fulton County Tributary Protection Ordinance of August 1998 requires a 75 foot
natural vegetative buffer with a 15 foot impervious surface setback and a 10 foot non -
improvement setback to be maintained on each side of all tributaries within affected areas.
South Fulton County is unincorporated Fulton County south of the corporate limits of the City of
""`` Atlanta. (Reference South Fulton County Tributary Buffer Protection Ordinance and
Administrative Guidelines.)
Administrative Guidelines — Commercial and All Other Non -Single Family Residential Districts _77_
@q
APPENDIX A. Typical Root Protection Zone
I I
I I
Tree fence location
3' outside of
root protection zone
3,0„
I I
I � I
I o I
1 o I
I � I
I � I
I 1 I
I Q I
1 "�' I
I A I
I o I
1 I
I :3 I
1 N 1
�l Nisbet 1 0 1
1 I
1 o I
1 I
'1
�d 1 Q
i 1 a- 1
1 (Q I
1 ( I
Roots actually extend far
E n beyond the root protection
�! zone of a tree.
1 I
'Feeder
',r ; ' . `• •'` Roots
This is a cross section of a typical root zone for a deciduous tree. 85% of roots are within the top
18" of the soil. Roots spread amazingly far from the trunk. They typically spread up to 2 times
the height of the tree and sometimes farther! However, the essential mass of roots is usually
found within the ROOT PROTECTION ZONE.
The root protection zone is a zone defined as (1) a circle with a radius that extends one foot out
for every inch of trunk diameter, or (2) a circle with a radius extending from a tree's trunk to a
point no less than the end of a tree's longest branch, whichever is greater.
Appendix A. Typical Root Protection Zone .78.
M
10
APPENDIX B. Tunneling (How to Save Existing Trees When Tunneling)
Use tunneling for underground utilities such as
cable, electric, and natural gas instead of cutting an
open trench. This method will help preserve existing
trees or smaller tree save areas.
T
PIPE
Why Tunneling Saves Trees
Trenching near a tree can kill as much
as 40 to 50 percent of the tree's roots.
This will almost certainly lead to stress,
poor health, lack of firmness against
wind, or outright death. A tunnel in the
same place will do virtually no damage
to the tree.
Appendix B. Tunneling
3r -4r
I
jRIPLINE--I�:
JIy�V.?r:vN�.h�?:�+<� ' ��.+fidFM
w,,,-.•
TRENCH
TUNNEL
NO ROOT KILL
.79.
APPENDIX C. Grade Changes
How to preserve existing trees with the use of retaining walls when grade changes are necessary
ORIGINAL GRADE
----- ---------
I.
I'
CUT
------------
NEW
---- ------NEW GRADE
qEW GRADE
FILL
Grade Change Examples - Methods of preventing root suffocation from fill dirt when changing grade
WRONG
■
/� K:■
C:Fit N®R
Appendix C Grade Changes
NO RETAINING
WALL
-80-
y
APPENDIX D. Check List For Landscape Drawings & Tree Protection Plans
Landscape Drawings (generally used for commercial zoned projects) shall have a separate sheet submitted
with the landscape plan, to include:
' All required undisturbed buffers, landscape strips, parking islands, and state water (streams,
lakes, river, etc ...) and tributary buffers with the required dimensions.
' Planting schedules with proposed plant material names (common and botanical), quantity,
size, and any special planting notes.
• Planting and staking details.
' Location of proposed irrigation systems, if applicable.
` Drawings for irrigation systems within the rights -of -ways must show the locations of lines,
heads, spray radius, timers, and an emergency 24 hour contact number.
' All required landscape strips must be planted at a density so as to provide at least 60% spatial
coverage of trees and shrubs.
` Parking islands must be planted with shade trees. (Minimum 2 inch caliper) Permanent
structures cannot be permitted in landscape strips, landscape islands, or buffers; including, but
not limited to, headwalls, drop inlets, catch basins, rip -rap, light fixtures, phone booths, etc.
' Curb stops must be used to prevent vehicle overhang into required landscape strips and
parking islands. One curb stop per parking stall is required.
' The following notes shall be indicated on all landscape plans in large letters:
1) ALL LANDSCAPING SHALL BE IN PLACE PRIOR TO THE CONNECTION OF
PERMANENT POWER OR RECORDING OF A FINAL PLAT.
2) CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AT (404) 730-7532 (SOUTH FULTON AND SANDY SPRINGS) OR
(770) 777-6509 (NORTH FULTON) FOR A SITE INSPECTION UPON COMPLETION
OF LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION.
3) IF THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN OR PLANT MATERIAL ARE CHANGED IN ANY WAY
FROM THE FULTON COUNTY PERMITTED PLAN, YOU SHALL SUBMIT TWO
SETS OF REVISED PLANS TO THE FULTON COUNTY ARBORIST'S OFFICE FOR
APPROVAL PRIOR TO ANY LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION.
Appendix D. Check List for Landscape Drawings & Tree Protection Plans _81-
e
Tree Protection Plans (generally used for residential zoned projects)
1. Provisions for tree protection on the site shall be, at a minimum, in conformance with the
requirements of the Fulton County Tree Preservation Ordinance and the County Department of
Environment and Community Development Administrative Guidelines pertaining to tree
protection.
2. A tree protection plan shall be submitted either as part of the landscape plan or as a separate
drawing to include the following:
' All tree protection zones and areas of revegetation.
' Ground -run survey location of all specimen trees and State Waters, including spring
heads.
' Indicate those specimen trees to be removed. Removal of specimen trees or
disturbance of root protection zone is subject to the approval of the Department of
Environment and Community Development or designated agent(s).
' Limits of clearing and land disturbance such as grading, trenching, etc. where these
disturbances may affect tree protection zones.
' Proposed location of underground utilities.
' Methods of tree protection shall be indicated for all tree protection zones, including tree
fencing, erosion control, retaining walls, tunneling for utilities, transplanting, staking,
signage, etc.
' This plan should indicate staging areas for parking, material storage, concrete
washout, and debris burn and burial holes where these areas might affect tree
protection.
' The required site tree density factor must be satisfied. Compliance shall be
demonstrated on the Tree Protection Plan. Existing trees or stands of trees used in the
density calculation must be indicated on the drawing.
' Flowering ornamental replacement trees may not be used in density calculation.
' Replacement trees used in density calculations must be ecologically compatible with
the intended growing site.
' An irrigation plan may be required and it must include a watering schedule for existing
and replacement trees on the site.
' The following notes shall be indicated on both tree protection plans and grading plans
in large letters:
Appendix D. Check List for Landscape Drawings & Tree Protection Plans .82.
1) CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AT (404) 730-7532 (SOUTH FULTON AND SANDY
SPRINGS) OR (770) 777-6509 (NORTH FULTON) TO ARRANGE A PRE -
CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE WITH THE COUNTY ARBORIST OR
DESIGNATED AGENT(S) PRIOR TO ANY LAND DISTURBANCE.
2) ALL AND EROSION CONTROL MEASURES MUST BE INSTALLED PRIOR
TO GRADING. ALL REQUIRED TREE PROTECTION FENCING (ALONG
WITH TREE SAVE SIGNAGE) MUST BE INSTALLED PER THE APPROVED
TREE PROTECTION PLAN PRIOR TO THE PRE -CONSTRUCTION
MEETING.
3) UNDISTURBED BUFFERS SHALL BE REPLANTED TO BUFFER
STANDARDS WHERE SPARSELY VEGETATED OR WHERE DISTURBED
AT APPROVED UTILITY CROSSINGS. REPLANTINGS ARE SUBJECT TO
COUNTY ARBORIST OR DESIGNATED AGENT(S) APPROVAL.
Addendum to Appendix E., trees that have higher unit values
• Trees worth 1.0 unit each for density and/or recompense (4"caliper size)
Ceridiphyllum Japonicum ----------------- Katsura Tree
Fagus Grandifolia--- —---------------------
American Beech
Magnolia Grandiflora---------------------Southern Magnolia
Nyssa Sylvatica-----------------------------Black Gum
Pistacia Chinensis-------------- ----------- Chinese Pistache
Quercus Nuttallii---------------------------- Nuttall Oak
Ulmus Americana -------------------------American Elm
( 2" caliper sizes of these trees will count as .8 units for density and .5 for recompense)
Trees worth .9 units each for density and/or recompense (4" caliper size)
Cladrastis Lutea -----------------------------American Yellowwood
Crytomeria Japonica ------------------------ Cryptomeria
Ginkgo Biloba------------ —---- —----------- Ginkgo
Juniperus Virginiana----------------- ----Eastern Red Cedar
Metasequoia Glytostroboides-------- — ---- Dawn Redwood
Quercus Acutissima----------------- ------ Sawtooth Oak
Quercus Lyrata----------------------------- Overcup Oak
( 2" caliper sizes of these trees will count as .7 units for density and .45 for recompense)
• Trees worth .8 units each for density and/or recompense (4" caliper size)
Carpinus Caroliniana------------------------ American Hornbeam
Koelreuteria Paniculata--------------------- Goldenraintree
Liriodendron Tulipifera----------- —-------- Tulip Poplar
Quercus Prinus------------------------- — ---- Chesnut Oak
Quercus Sumardii---------------------------- Shumard Oak
Taxodium Distichum------------------------ Baldcypress
Ulmus Parvifolia-------------------- --- ---- Chinese Elm
2" caliper sizes of these trees will count as .6 units for density and .40 for recompense)
Appendix D. Check List for Landscape Drawings & Tree Protection Plans -83.
APPENDIX E. Tree Species Selection List
Trees generally acceptabe for credit in Density Calculations
BOTANICAL NAME
Acer Barbatum
Acer Rubrum
Acer Saccharum
Betula Nigra
Carpinus Caroliniana
Carya Species
Carya Illinoinesis
Castanea Mollissma
Catalpa Speciosa
Cedrus Atlantica
Cedrus Deodara
Cedrus Libani
Celtis Laevigata
Cercidiphyllum Japonicum
Cladrastis Lutea
Crytomeria Japonica
Fagus Grandifolia
Fraxinus Americana
Fraxinus Pennsylvanica
Ginkgo Biloba
Gymnocladus Dioicus
Juglans Nigra
COMMON NAME
Southern Sugar Maple
Red Maple
Sugar Maple
River Birch
American Hombeam
Hickories
Pecan
Chinese Chesnut
Hardy Catalpa
Aflas Cedar
Deodar Cedar
Cedar of Lebanon
Sugar Hackberry
Katsura Tree
American Yellowwood
Cryptomeria
American Beech
White Ash
Green Ash
Ginkgo
Kentucky Coffee Tree
Black Walnut
BOTANICAL NAME
Juniperus Virginiana
Liquidambar Styraciflua
liriodendron Tulipifera
Magnolia Grandiflora
Metasequoia Glytostroboides
Nyssa Sylvatica
Ostrya Virginiana
Paulownia Tomentosa
Pinus Echinata
Pinus Taeda
Pistacia Chinensis
Platanus Occidentalis
Quercus Species
Salix Babylonica
Sophora Japonica
Taxodium Distichum
Tilia Americana
Tsuga Canadensis
Ulmus Americana
Ulmus Parvifolia
Zelkova Serrata
COMMON NAME
Eastern Red Cedar
Sweet Gum
Poplar
Southern Magnolia
Dawn Redwood
Black Gum
American Hophombean
Royal Paulownia
Shortleaf Pine
Loblolly Pine
Chinese Pistache
Sycamore
Oaks, except Live Oaks
Weeping Willow
Japanese Pagodatree
Common Baldcypress
Linden / Basswood
Canadian Hemlock
American Elm
Chinese Elm
Zelkova
Other trees may be approved on a case by case basis. The general criteria for replacement trees to be used in Tree Density Calculations are large
growing (35'— 40' tall or taller at maturity) and long-lived. All planting plans are subject to the County Arborist or the Department of Environment &
Community Development designated agent(s) approval.
@4
Appendix E. Tree Species Selection List -84.
N
APPENDIX F. Sample Tree Density Calculaiton
Example:
The required DFS (density factor for the site), is calculated as follows, 5 acres x 30 units =150 units required.
EDF (Existina Density Factor
24"
9.3
2
18.6
18"
4.0
15
60
10"
2.4
8
19.2
97.8+54= 151.8 > 150 Density Satisfied
THE SUM OF THE EDF AND RDF MUST BE GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO THE DFS.
Appendix F. Sample Tree Density Calculation _85_
APPENDIX G: MULTI -TRUNKED TREE CALCULATIONS TO DETERMINE SPECIMEN TREE STATUS
DIAMETER
RADIUS
AREA IN SQUARE
INCHES
1
.5
.79
2
1
3.14
3
1.5
7
4
2
13
5
2.5
20
6
3
28
7
3.5
38
8
4
50
9
4.5
64
11
5.5
95
12
6
113
13
6.5
133
14
7
154
15
7.5
177
16
8
201
17
8.5
227
18
9
254
19
9.5
283
20
10
314
21
10.5
346
22
11
380
,o. 23
11.5
415
25
12.5
491
26
13
531
28
14
615
29
14.5
660
30
15
707
31
15.5
754
32
16
804
33
16.5
855
34
17
907
35
17.5
962
36
18
1017
37
18.5
1075
38
19
1134
39
19.5
1194
40
20
1256
41
20.5
1320
42
21
1385
43
21.5
1451
NOTES
79 square inches is the area for
which a native flowering tree is
considered a specimen.
452 square inches is the area for
which pines and beech trees are
considered specimen size.
572 square inches is the area for
which most hardwood trees are
considered specimen size.
PROCEDURE:
1. Measure trunks at 4.5 feet above grade to determine the diameter (DBH) in inches of each trunk.
2. Use charts to determine area in square inches.
3. Add square inches of each trunk and come up with a total.
4. Determine if total area is equal to or greater than the minimum specimen size for the type of tree identif
Appendix G. Multi -Trunked Tree Calculations to Determine Specimen Tree Status -86-
APPENDIX H. Tree and Site Related Disturbances
Tree protection zones, specimen trees or stands of trees designated to be saved must be protected
from the following damages which may occur during all phases of land disturbance and construction
processes. Methods of tree protection and disturbance prevention are provided in Section II, Part B.
Direct physical root damage.
Indirect root damage.
Trunk and crown disturbances.
A. Direct physical root damage most frequently occurs during site clearing and grading
operations, where transport or feeder roots are cut, torn or removed.
Transport and feeder roots tend to tangle and fuse among the roots of adjacent trees.
The removal of trees with heavy machinery along the outer periphery of a tree save
area can result in considerable damage within the tree save area.
The most substantial form of root damage for all root types occurs in the form of cut
roots. Roots are cut in grade reduction or from trenching for underground utilities,
sanitary sewer, or storm sewer lines.
3. A more subtle form of root damage is the loss of feeder roots. Feeder roots normally
occur within the organic layer and the surface four inches of top soil, subsequently,
these roots can be easily damaged by the track action from a single bulldozer pass.
The stripping of top soil within a tree's root protection zone can totally eliminate it's
feeder root system.
B. Indirect root damage through site modification can result from positive grade changes,
temporary storage of fill material, sedimentation of erosion materials, soil compaction, and soil
chemical changes.
Positive grade changes from fill and sedimentation causes a decrease in soil oxygen
levels. An increase in soil carbon dioxide and other toxic gases can also occur,
leading to large areas of anaerobic soil conditions and causing a decrease in the root
respiration process which is essential for the uptake and transport of minerals and
nutrients.
Anaerobic soil conditions are also produced by soil compaction, the increase in soil
bulk density with a decrease in soil pore space. Compacted soil is also impervious to
root penetration, and thus inhibits root development. Soil compaction is generally
caused by the weight and vibrations of heavy machinery, vehicle parking, and the
storage of fill and/or construction material within the root protection zone of trees.
Changes in soil chemistry will adversely affect tree survival. The most frequent
occurrence is the change (decrease) in soil acidity by concrete washout. Most trees
. native to the Fulton County area prefer slightly acid soils; concrete residues are highly
-87-
M
14
basic. The leakage or spillage of toxic material such as fuels or paints can be fatal for
trees.
C. Trunk and crown disturbance are generally mechanical in nature and are either caused directly
by clearing and grading machinery, or indirectly by debris being cleared and falling into trees
marked for protection.
' Common forms of damage include stripped bark and cambium, split trunks, and
broken limbs.
' Damage also occurs from the posting of signs such as building permits or survey
markers on trees.
' Indirect damage can be caused by the placement of burn holes or debris fires too
close to trees. The possible range of damage include scorched trunks with some
cambial dieback, the loss of foliage due to evaporative heat stress (leaf desiccation),
and completely burned trunk and crowns.
-88-
APPENDIX I. Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control and Tree Protection Agreement
Building Permit No.
THIS PERMIT AUTHORIZES
TO BEGIN RESIDENTIAL GRADING/LAND DISTURBANCE ON LOT
IN
ADDRESS
SUBDIVISION OR AT THE FOLLOWING
THE AUTHORIZED PERSON ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE/SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING ADEQUATE STEPS TO:
EROSION CONTROL
1. Control soil erosion on said property.
2. Control the movement of sediment off the site by means
of properly constructed and maintained silt straps, (silt
fence, haybales, ets.) in those areas where water exits
the property.
3. Keep mud off the streets fronting this property by
construction and maintenance of a driveway pad and
removal of mud from the street when necessary.
4. Otherwise comply with all applicable erosion and
sedimentation requirements, including those of the Fulton
County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Ordinance.
These provisions and others are outlined in the Fulton County
Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance, 1996. (Please
initial the appropriate statement below.)
TREE PROTECTION
Protect areas of existing trees/tree save areas on this lot, so that a
minimum of 20 tree units per acre is left after construction is
completed. If a specimen or heritage tree* exists on the lot and is in
the way of proposed construction please contact the Fulton County
Arborist at 404-730-7532 or 404-730-7531 to schedule an on-site
meeting to try and find alternate areas for the disturbance.
2. Tree fence with tree save signage is required on a lot when clearing
and grading for home construction commences. All tree fences shall
remain and be maintained until the home construction is 100%
completed.
3. Otherwise comply with all applicable Tree Preservation
requirements, including those of the Tree Preservation Ordinance
and Administrative Guidelines.
*Specimen or Heritage Trees — Any tree in fair or better condition
which equals or exceeds the following diameter sizes:
I, THE UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZED PERSON, have A. Large hardwoods like Oaks, Maples, Yellow Poplars, and Hickories.
obtained a copy of this Ordinance at this time and understand 27 inch diameter at 4'Y2 feet above the ground.
the provision of the Law.
B. Large hardwoods, Beeches, 24 inch diameter at 4'Y2 feet above the
I, THE UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZED PERSON, ground.
decline a copy of the Ordinance at this time. However, I do
hereby attest that I do understand the provisions of the Law. C. Large softwoods like Pines and Cedars. 24 inch diameter at 4'Y2 feet
above the ground.
D. Small flowering trees like Dogwoods, Redbuds, and Sourwoods,
10 inch diameter at 4'% feet above the ground.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN THE ISSUNACE OF A STOP
WORK ORDER OR OTHER CITATIONS.
EFFEFCTIVE THIS
APPLICANT
DAY OF
COUNTY OFFICIAL
,20
DISPLAY THIS PERMIT AT THE MAIN POINT OF ACCESS AND VISIBLE FROM THE STREET.
Appendix I. Tree Protection Agreement .$g.
fi..�ttA.A
APPENDIX J. Acceptable Evergreen Plant Material for Undisturbed Buffers
N
Cherry Laurel
Ligustrum
Hedge Bamboo
Eastern Red Cedar
Cleyera
Canadian Hemlock
Cryptomeria
Deodar Cedar
American Holly
Chinese Holly
English Holly
Longstalk Holly
Lusterleaf Holly
Perny Holly
Nellie R. Stevens Holly, (cross
between Chinese & English Hollies)
Tree -form Yaupon Holly
Hetzi Juniper
Pfitzer Juniper
Southern Magnolia
Wax Myrtle
Virginia Pine
Japanese Viburnum
Japanese Camellia
Note: All buffer material must be a minimum of 5 feet tall once it is installed and have branching all
the way to the ground.
Appendix J Acceptable Evergreen Plant Material for Undisturbed Buffers .gp.
APPENDIX K. Recommended Shade Trees for Parking Lots
Acer rubrum
Red Maple
Acer saccharum "Legacy"
"Legacy" Sugar Maple
Betula nigra
River Birch
Celtis laevigata
Sugar Hackberry
Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsuratree
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Green Ash
Gingko biloba
Gingko
Ostrya viginiana
Hophombean
Pinus taeda
Loblolly Pine
Pistacia chinensis
Chinese Pistache
Platanus occidentalis
Sycamore
Quercus acutissima
Sawtooth Oak
Quercus coccinea
Scarlet Oak
Quercus laurifolia
Laurel Oak
Quercus lyrata
Overcup Oak
Quercus palustris
Pin Oak
Quercus phellos
Willow Oak
Quercus prinus
Chesnut Oak
Quercus rubra
Northern Red Oak
Quercus shumardii
Shumard Oak
Quercus stellata
Post Oak
Quercus velutina
Black Oak
Taxodium distichum
Bald Cypress
Ulmus parvifolia
Chinese Elm
Zelkova serrata
Japanese Zelkova
This is a recommended list only. Other species may be acceptable as long as they produce dense, full
canopies at maturity and can develop sufficient root systems in confined spaces. Under no circumstances will
upright, columnar or fastigiate trees be acceptable as parking lot shade trees.
Appendix K Recommended Shade Trees for Parking Lots -91-
APPENDIX L. Protective Tree Fencing
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LAMINAR FENCE FABIC 1 1 METAL STAKE (typ.)
"Tree Save" signs may be purchased at the cashiers booth in Suite 2085 of the Environment &
Community Development Department in the Fulton County Government Center.
Appendix L Protective Tree Fencing
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APPENDIX M. Sample Tree Protection Plan
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Appendix M Sample Tree Protection Plan -93-
REFERENCES
AAN, 1973. American Standard for Nursery Stock. ANSI Z60. 1-1973, American
Association of Nurerymen, Washington, D.C. 26 pp.
Grey, G.W. 1978. Urban Forestry. John Wiley and Sons, New York. 279 pp.
Harris, R.W. 1983. Agriculture, Care of Trees, Shrubs, and Vines in the Landscape.
Prentice Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 688 pp.
Himelick, E.B. 1981. Trees and Shrub Transplanting Manual. International Society of
Aboriculture, Urban, II. 77 pp.
Lanphear, W.P. Editor, 1981. Pruning Standards for Shade Trees. National Arborist
Association, Portsmouth, N.H. 3 pp.
Perry, T.O. 1982. The Ecology of Tree Roots and the Practical Significance There of.
Journal of Arboriculture. 8:197-211.
Pirone, P.P. 1978. Tree Maintenance, Oxford University Press, New York. 587 pp.
Wargo, P.W. 1983. Effects and Consequences of Stress on Root Physiology. Journal of
Arboriculture 9:173-176.
Wegner, K.F. 1984 Forestry Handbook. John Wiley and Sons, New York. 1335 pp.
Fazio, J.R. 1995. Trenching and Tunneling Near Trees. The National Arbour Day
Foundation, Nebraska City 16-20 pp.
Jim Cowart Residential, L.L.C., 1999. Sample Tree Protection Plan for Glen Abbey — Unit X.
-94-