Thinking about removing a big tree before you list your Smyrna home? One wrong cut can trigger fines, delays, or a surprise bill to replace that tree. If you plan ahead, you can keep your timeline on track and avoid headaches at closing. In this guide, you will learn when permits are required, how the process works, and the simple steps to stay compliant. Let’s dive in.
Why permits matter in Smyrna
Smyrna’s tree ordinance protects large, healthy trees. If you remove a regulated tree without approval, you can face civil fines, double replacement costs, and stop‑work orders. Buyers and appraisers may also ask for proof that any recent tree work followed city rules, so having your paperwork in order supports a smooth sale. You can review the full rules in the city’s Chapter 106 ordinance, which explains permits, definitions, and penalties in detail.
Which trees are regulated
The city uses Diameter at Breast Height, or DBH, measured 4½ feet above grade. A Tree Removal Permit is required for any living tree with a DBH of 24 inches or more on property with no development activity. The ordinance also defines “specimen trees,” which often include large, mature overstory species at or near 24 inches DBH. Treat any big, healthy tree as potentially regulated until a qualified review says otherwise. The measurement method and multi‑trunk rules are defined in Chapter 106.
Permit or exemption
You do not need a city tree permit to remove smaller trees under 24 inches DBH on most single‑family lots. If a tree is dead or has become a danger to life or property, the ordinance allows removal under a hazard exemption, but you should document that condition and notify the city. When in doubt, contact Smyrna’s Arborist Division first for guidance through the permit portal and tree assessment options on the Arborist Division page.
Replacement or Tree Bank payment
When the city approves removal of a healthy tree that is 24 inches DBH or larger on a non‑development property, you must either plant a minimum 2‑inch caliper replacement tree of a comparable type or pay $400 into the Smyrna Tree Bank. If you remove a regulated tree without a permit, the ordinance requires double recompense, which means two replacement trees or an $800 Tree Bank payment. The Tree Bank funds planting and maintenance on public property. See the replacement and recompense rules in Chapter 106.
Fees, timing, and inspections
The ordinance lists a $500 deposit for tree‑permit applications, and also states that single‑family residential applications are not charged this deposit. Always confirm current fees and administration with the Arborist Division before you apply. After you submit required documents, the city typically schedules an inspection within about 10 business days. Approved permits must be displayed on site during tree work. You can access the permit portal and request tree assessments through the Arborist Division page. The Building Division also notes the 24‑inch DBH permit trigger for residential work on its department page.
Seller checklist before you list
- Confirm city or county jurisdiction. If you are inside Smyrna city limits, Chapter 106 applies. If you are in unincorporated Cobb County, different rules may apply.
- Walk your lot and measure DBH at 4½ feet above grade. Flag any tree near or above 24 inches DBH.
- Contact the Arborist Division early. Ask whether you need a Tree Removal Permit or a city Tree Assessment Report, and document the guidance you receive.
- Hire a Qualified Professional when required. An ISA Certified Arborist can prepare a survey, hazard assessment, or replacement plan as the ordinance requires.
- Apply through the city portal and plan for inspection. Display the permit on site, and keep receipts if you plant trees or pay into the Tree Bank.
- Do not remove first and ask later. Unpermitted removals trigger double recompense and may lead to civil fines and restoration orders.
Special cases and overlap
- City vs. County. If your property is in unincorporated Cobb County, routine single‑tree removals often do not require a county permit, but stream buffers, land disturbance, or timber harvest do. Check Cobb County’s guidance for unincorporated areas on the county’s site.
- Public right‑of‑way. Street trees are city property. Work that harms public trees can trigger fines and restoration requirements under Chapter 106, so coordinate with the Arborist Division before work near the street.
- Boundary trees and neighbors. Trees on or near property lines can create shared concerns. Communicate early and obtain certified reports to avoid disputes.
- HOAs and utilities. Your HOA may have stricter rules, and utility easements require coordination. Get approvals before you schedule work.
Keep these documents for closing
- Written confirmation from the Smyrna Arborist Division on permit needs or approvals.
- ISA arborist report or a City Tree Assessment Report.
- The issued permit, inspection sign‑off, and any planting receipts or Tree Bank payment receipts.
- Photos and dates if you removed a tree due to a safety hazard.
Getting ahead of Smyrna’s tree rules is quick insurance against delays and extra costs. If you are planning to prep your yard before listing, a 10‑minute call to the city can save weeks in your timeline.
Ready to time your pre‑list prep and avoid surprises at closing? Reach out to the Carlson Orange Team for a listing plan that coordinates tree compliance with professional staging, photography, and launch timing.
FAQs
Do Smyrna sellers need a tree permit for one yard tree?
- Not always. Trees under 24 inches DBH on most single‑family lots are generally exempt, but any healthy tree at or above 24 inches DBH is regulated, so confirm with the city before removal per Chapter 106.
How do you measure DBH correctly in Smyrna?
- Measure diameter at 4½ feet above grade. The ordinance defines the method and multi‑trunk rules, so check the definitions section in Chapter 106.
What if the tree is dead or hazardous before listing?
- The ordinance allows removal of trees that are a danger to life or property, but best practice is to document the hazard with an ISA arborist and notify the city to avoid penalties, as outlined in Chapter 106.
What penalties apply for unpermitted removal in Smyrna?
- Expect double recompense, such as two replacement trees or an $800 Tree Bank payment, plus civil fines that can reach $1,000 per occurrence and additional restoration amounts under Chapter 106.
Who do I contact to start a permit or tree assessment?
- Start with the City’s Arborist Division for permit guidance, the online application portal, and information on Tree Assessment Reports at the Arborist Division page.
