City of Alpharetta Tree Removal Permit Rules
If you live inside Alpharetta city limits, removing a tree on your property usually requires a City tree removal permit. The rule is in the Unified Development Code, §3.2.4, which covers tree work that is not part of a building or development permit. The process is straightforward for most dead or ordinary trees, and more involved for specimen and code-required trees.
This page explains the rules in plain language. Confirm details with the City Arborist for your property.
When a permit is required
UDC §3.2.4 says that, except for routine or seasonal pruning or transplanting and listed exemptions, no one may engage in non-development tree activity without first getting a permit. The request is submitted to the Director as a tree removal permit application through the City's process.
What to submit
The application must include the reason for the work and either a site sketch or photograph identifying each tree by size and species. If any tree is a specimen tree, the request must include a risk assessment or similar report prepared by a qualified professional following accepted industry standards. The City's online instructions walk through registering on the permit portal and selecting Tree Permits, then Tree Removal Permits.
When the City issues a permit
The Director issues a permit within 10 working days of receiving a complete, compliant application for: removal of dead, substantially injured, damaged or diseased trees; removal of non-specimen trees that are not required landscape strip, buffer or other code-required trees, provided minimum tree density is maintained; and removal of specimen, landscape strip, buffer or other code-required trees with a replanting agreement approved by the Director. If the request is incomplete or denied, the City explains why in writing.
Specimen trees and replanting
Specimen trees, defined in UDC §3.2 by species and diameter, are approved for removal only when in declining health or as approved by the Director. The City tells applicants when replanting is required; the guidance document uses a density standard of 130 inches per acre.
Tips for a smooth application
Take clear photos showing the whole tree and any defects, measure the trunk at 4.5 feet, note the species, and mark locations on a simple sketch. Apply before scheduling the removal, and keep the approved permit available on the day of the work.
Published tree service cost estimates
| Service | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tree removal, up to 30 ft | $150–$450 | Angi 2026 |
| Tree removal, 30–60 ft | $450–$1,200 | Angi 2026 |
| Tree removal, 60–80 ft | $800–$1,500 | Angi 2026 |
| Tree removal, over 80 ft | $1,000–$2,000+ | Angi 2026 |
| Pine tree removal | $250–$1,500 | Angi 2026 |
| Stump grinding | $120–$400 per stump (about $2–$5 per inch of diameter) | Angi 2026 |
| Tree trimming, 25–50 ft tree | $150–$800 | Angi 2026 |
| Crane service when needed | about $500, or $250–$600 per day | Angi 2026 |
| Arborist report (where a municipality requires one) | about $860 average | Angi 2026 |
Sources: Angi: Tree removal cost (2026); Angi: Stump grinding cost (2026); Angi: Tree trimming cost (2026). Figures are published national or regional estimates compiled by those sites, labeled as estimates; they are not quotes and not prices from any provider on this site. Alpharetta's tree removal permit application has no submission fee according to the City's instructions; arborist reports and replanting are separate costs.
Local rules and code references
- City of Alpharetta UDC §3.2.4, permit for non-development activity (Municode): a tree removal permit is required except for routine pruning and exemptions; the application needs the reason and a sketch or photo identifying size and species; specimen trees need a risk assessment by a qualified professional; complete applications are decided within 10 working days; permits are issued for dead, damaged or diseased trees and for non-specimen trees if minimum density is maintained.
- City of Alpharetta UDC §3.2, Tree Conservation, Landscape, and Buffer Requirements (Municode): defines specimen trees by species and trunk diameter (for example 30 inches for pines, 24 inches for most other overstory genera, 8 inches for understory trees) and sets tree protection and density rules.
- City of Alpharetta Guidance Document for UDC Article III §3.2: tree density standard of 130 inches per acre (SDF − EDF = RDF), specimen tree health assessment at ISA Level 2 or higher, and tree care under ANSI A300 standards.
- City of Alpharetta Online Tree Removal Permit Application Instructions: how to apply through the City's online permit portal under the Tree Permits category.
Code text and department procedures change; confirm current requirements with the jurisdiction before work starts.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Alpharetta?
- Usually yes. UDC §3.2.4 requires a tree removal permit for non-development tree removal, except routine or seasonal pruning and listed exemptions. Apply through the City's online permit portal.
- What do I need to submit for an Alpharetta tree permit?
- The reason for removal and a sketch or photograph identifying each tree by size and species; specimen trees also need a professional risk assessment.
- How long does an Alpharetta tree permit take?
- Under UDC §3.2.4, the Director issues a permit within 10 working days of receiving a complete application that qualifies.
- Can I remove a dead tree in Alpharetta without a permit?
- A permit is still required, but UDC §3.2.4 directs the City to issue permits for removing dead, substantially injured, damaged or diseased trees.
- What is a specimen tree in Alpharetta?
- Under UDC §3.2, a specimen tree meets size thresholds such as 30 inches in diameter for pines, 30 inches for sweetgum and tulip poplar, 20 inches for beech, tupelo, persimmon, sassafras and large Southern magnolias, 24 inches for most other overstory trees, and 8 inches for understory trees (10 inches for sourwood).
- Is there a fee for an Alpharetta tree removal permit?
- The City's online application instructions say there is no submission fee; arborist reports and replanting are separate costs.
Related local guides
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