Tree permits · Georgia
On undeveloped property, any tree greater than 2 inches diameter at breast height (DBH). On developed property, any tree 12 inches DBH or more, excluding single-family residential lots. Specimen trees are defined in the code as preferred large canopy species over 24 inches DBH.
No one may trim, prune or remove a tree on public property without the administrator's written approval, and work in city rights-of-way also needs a city permit. Anyone who damages a tree on city property must pay for the loss in tree value plus evaluation, removal and replacement costs.
A tree that an ISA Certified Arborist finds to be hazardous or an imminent threat to public safety is exempt from the permit requirement, but a written tree assessment must be sent to the administrator for approval before removal.
The administrator may waive some required plans when three or fewer trees are proposed for removal and no grading occurs. Call the city to find out which permit and form apply.
Violators are punished under the city code, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours.
A city permit does not override your HOA. Check your covenants before work starts.
Last checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check the official source before work starts. Short explanation, not legal advice. Spotted a change? See our corrections page.
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For some trees. Savannah requires a permit for certain trees or certain sites, not every tree. Savannah's Landscape and Tree Protection Ordinance protects some trees, but lots with an existing single-family home or duplex are exempt from its permit requirements. Trees on undeveloped land over 2 inches across and trees 12 inches or more on other developed land (not single-family lots) are protected. Any tree on public property needs the city's written approval before trimming or removal. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.
On undeveloped property, any tree greater than 2 inches diameter at breast height (DBH). On developed property, any tree 12 inches DBH or more, excluding single-family residential lots. Specimen trees are defined in the code as preferred large canopy species over 24 inches DBH.
No one may trim, prune or remove a tree on public property without the administrator's written approval, and work in city rights-of-way also needs a city permit. Anyone who damages a tree on city property must pay for the loss in tree value plus evaluation, removal and replacement costs.
A tree that an ISA Certified Arborist finds to be hazardous or an imminent threat to public safety is exempt from the permit requirement, but a written tree assessment must be sent to the administrator for approval before removal.
The administrator may waive some required plans when three or fewer trees are proposed for removal and no grading occurs. Call the city to find out which permit and form apply.
Violators are punished under the city code, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
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.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Last checked 26 October 2026.