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Tree Removal Permits in North Fulton County
Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, and Johns Creek each have their own tree preservation rules, and several require a permit before you remove a tree — even on your own property. This guide summarizes the general rules for each city and links to the official source so you can confirm current requirements before any work begins.
General information, not legal advice. Tree ordinances, permit thresholds, and fees change over time and can vary by zoning, buffers, or protected species on a specific property. Confirm current requirements directly with the applicable city's planning or arborist office before removing any tree. Information below reflects official city sources as of August 2026.
Why these permits exist
North Fulton County cities maintain tree preservation ordinances to protect mature tree canopy, manage stormwater and erosion near streams and the Chattahoochee River, and preserve large "specimen" trees. Depending on the city, a permit may be required even for a tree on private property, particularly for larger trees, trees in a protected buffer, or trees on commercial lots.
The general process
Requirements vary by city, but the process typically involves confirming whether your tree falls under a protected size, species, or buffer; submitting a permit application (often online) to the city's planning, arborist, or community development office; and waiting for review before removal begins. Some cities require replanting or charge a fee based on the tree removed. Emergency or storm-damage situations are often treated differently — check the city page below for specifics.
Permit rules by city
Alpharetta
Alpharetta requires a permit before removing a living tree from single-family residential property, and before removing any tree — living or dead — from commercial property, within city limits. Storm-toppled or broken trees are generally exempt, and protected ‘specimen’ trees carry additional restrictions.
Source: Alpharetta Tree Removal — official city page
View official Alpharetta pageRoswell
Roswell generally requires a permit to remove any tree 3 inches or more in trunk diameter. Extra restrictions apply within the Chattahoochee River Corridor (roughly 2,000 feet of the river), where Planning & Zoning must be contacted before removing any tree there.
Source: Roswell tree removal FAQ — official city page
View official Roswell pageMilton
Under Milton's Tree Canopy Conservation Ordinance, a permit is generally required to remove a healthy tree 15 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH), a smaller ornamental tree 8 inches DBH and larger (such as a dogwood or redbud), or any tree in a landscape or stream buffer. Dead or unhealthy trees are typically exempt from the removal fee.
Source: Milton tree removal guidelines — official city page
View official Milton pageJohns Creek
Johns Creek generally requires a permit when a tree sits within a zoning buffer, stream buffer, the Chattahoochee River Corridor, or qualifies as a protected specimen tree. Following a 2025 ordinance change, most trees on developed single-family residential lots outside those protected zones can be removed without a permit, including hazard trees threatening the primary residence.
Source: Johns Creek land development — official city page
View official Johns Creek pageNot sure if your tree needs a permit?
Call the number above to talk through your property and removal plans. Confirming permit requirements with the city is your responsibility as the property owner — this page is a starting point, not a substitute for checking with the applicable city office.
Dealing with storm damage right now? See our storm damage tree safety checklist first.