Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the New Decatur Tree Ordinance
On July 7 the new Decatur Tree Ordinance takes effect. This ordinance is very different from the previous one. It is a canopy-based ordinance rather than a density-based ordinance. Some of the provisions could affect the way a residential site is designed and built.
Here are the top 10 things you need to know about the tree ordinance:
1. There is a new class of tree: Boundary Tree. This is a tree growing on a neighboring parcel that has 20% or more of its critical root zone growing into the adjoining parcel. There will be a 3-years escrow requirement for impacted Boundary trees, to include the potential cost of removing and replacing the lost canopy should the tree decline or die within the 3-year period. …