Do you need a tree removal permit in Columbus, GA?

We found no city-wide permit rule for private trees in Columbus. Street trees, protected sites and county or HOA rules can still apply. We found no city page that requires a permit to remove a normal tree on private residential land in Columbus. The city says not to cut city-owned trees yourself or hire a contractor to do it; call 311. A 2019 draft ordinance would protect public trees and Tree Board-designated specimen trees, but the record shows it unsigned, so we could not confirm it was adopted. Call the city before removing a large tree. Our confidence: low. Short explanation, not legal advice.

City pages say city-owned trees should not be cut by residents or private contractors. A 2019 draft amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance (Section 4.6.12(F)) would protect Beautification Plan trees, Public Protected trees (trees on government-owned land or land under government easements, such as rights-of-way, parks and utility easements, with a trunk diameter of 6 inches or more at breast height) and Exceptional Specimen trees named by the Tree Board, cut only with the City Arborist's permission. The council record we opened is unsigned and does not show it was adopted.

If the strip between the sidewalk and street has been declared city property, the city maintains the trees there. The city says not to cut a city-owned tree yourself or hire a private contractor; call 311 to submit a work request. Easements are private property, so the owner is responsible for a dead tree on an easement.

The city says it does not evaluate the health of private trees and will not order a neighbor's tree removed unless it is a direct threat to the right-of-way and the public. The 2019 draft text would allow emergency removal of a protected public tree that poses imminent danger or blocks restoring utility service, with approval from listed city officials.

For city trees, call 311. The city says the usual response time for a service request is about 20 to 30 days.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.

We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.