An Atlanta City Council committee has postponed a vote on proposed changes to the city’s longstanding tree protection regulations, citing dissatisfaction with how late they received the newest, less stringent draft of the legislation.
The proposed modifications stirred a significant debate, as the planning department unveiled a simplified draft that omitted environmentalist-backed tree preservation standards which had faced resistance from builders who claimed they would hinder development.
During a three-hour meeting of the Community Development and Human Services Committee, the frustration surrounding the ordinance was palpable, especially as many council members reported receiving the new proposal less than 24 hours before the meeting took place.
City Planning Commissioner Jahnee Prince told the committee that her department is inclined to “test” critical aspects of the new ordinance alongside other zoning rules that are concurrently being developed, suggesting a dual approach to shaping city policies regarding tree protection and development.
Despite this intent, several council members expressed their dissatisfaction with the rushed timeline for reviewing the new proposal. Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari was particularly vocal about her concerns, stating, “I will not be voting. I’ll be motioning to hold because I don’t know what I’m being asked to vote on.”
As a result, the committee voted unanimously to delay the measure, with the next opportunity for discussion anticipated no earlier than May 27.
The initial drafts of the ordinance included tree preservation standards for both single-family residential and commercial lots, which had prompted strong objections from the development community. At the hearing, representatives from Habitat for Humanity echoed these sentiments, arguing that the stricter rules could severely limit their capacity to build affordable housing in the city.
Andrew Gurvey, an attorney and the director of real estate for Habitat for Humanity, condemned the earlier draft designating tree preservation standards, dubbing the proposal an “abomination.” He warned that the effective passage of the tree protection ordinance in its proposed form could substantially impede their development efforts within the city.
The current tree ordinance, set in place in 2001, has undergone minimal updates since its inception. However, previous attempts to fundamentally overhaul the regulations have stumbled due to conflicting interests between builders and environmental advocates.
Simultaneously, data indicates that Atlanta’s tree canopy has been decreasing over recent years, necessitating more immediate action. Although the city set a goal of achieving 50% tree coverage, a 2018 survey conducted by Georgia Tech found the canopy at only 46.5%. Many expect results from a new canopy assessment soon, which may reveal a drop below 45%.
As the effects of climate change contribute to increasingly intense heat waves, studies illustrate that trees serve as vital public health shields. A 2023 study commissioned by Bakhtiari and Councilmember Matt Westmoreland revealed a stark contrast in temperature between Atlanta’s most forested neighborhoods, which were significantly cooler on hot days, and areas with fewer trees.
The rising temperatures also amplify the risk of flooding during heavy storms, as forested regions contribute to absorbing stormwater runoff from urban areas. Furthermore, the city is grappling with crucial housing availability and affordability issues. Atlanta has committed to building or preserving 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030.
Certain multifamily developments in specific neighborhoods must allocate a portion of their units as affordable housing, thus integrating economic factors into the ongoing discussions.
The earlier draft from May proposed reductions in tree removal fees for affordable housing based on median income levels in the respective area. In addition, developers would have been permitted to lessen their recompense obligations by opting to replant trees themselves. Despite these revisions, builders voiced apprehensions that the proposals could jeopardize the city’s ability to meet its affordable housing objectives.
On the other hand, advocates for environmental preservation argue that tree protection and the need for affordable housing are not mutually exclusive. Judy Yi, the director of marketing and outreach at Trees Atlanta, countered the concerns of builders, stating, “I don’t know a community that can succeed without both.”
As Atlanta navigates the intricate balance between urban development and environmental stewardship, the ongoing discussions regarding the tree protection ordinance reflect broader themes concerning sustainable growth and community welfare.
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