Planning a remodel or a fresh yard makeover in Conyers? Before you touch a single branch, make sure your plans fit the city’s tree rules. Conyers has a formal Tree Preservation and Landscape Ordinance and active enforcement, so skipping a step can cost you time and money. In this guide, you’ll learn what applies in Conyers, when permits or approvals come into play, and how to protect valuable trees during construction. Let’s dive in.
What Conyers regulates
Conyers uses a Tree Preservation and Landscape Ordinance to manage removal, protection, and replacement requirements for trees affected by site work or construction. You can review the city’s official tree ordinance page for current guidance and documents. Visit the Tree Ordinance page.
The city’s Planning & Inspection Services oversees permits, inspections, and historic preservation reviews. If your project could affect trees, start with staff guidance. See Planning & Inspection Services.
If your property sits in Olde Town’s historic district, many exterior changes require a Certificate of Appropriateness. Landscape changes, including tree removal that alters the streetscape, may be reviewed. Check Historic Preservation requirements.
Major grading or recontouring can also trigger county land‑disturbance rules that run alongside city approvals. For larger clearing or grading, confirm whether Rockdale County permits apply. Review Rockdale County permits.
Code Enforcement handles violations for work done without proper approval or for damage to protected or public trees. Keep records and follow approved plans to avoid fines or delays. See Code Enforcement process.
Before you start: quick checklist
Confirm location and jurisdiction
First, confirm whether your address is inside Conyers city limits, within the Olde Town district, or in unincorporated Rockdale County. This affects which permits you need. Check zoning information.
Call Planning & Inspection Services early
Talk with city staff before you cut, grade, or submit plans. Ask whether your work needs a tree permit, historic approval, or a plan review. Phone: 770-929-4280. Planning & Inspection Services.
Flag protected and public trees
Identify trees you plan to remove or work near. Street trees or trees in the right of way usually need city approval. Large or specimen trees often require a permit or mitigation. Tree Ordinance overview.
Hire a certified arborist
An ISA‑certified arborist can assess tree health and prepare a Tree Protection Plan if required. Their best practices are widely accepted during construction. Learn about tree protection during construction.
Submit required applications
You may need a tree‑removal permit, a Certificate of Appropriateness if in Olde Town, and possibly county land‑disturbance permits for major grading. Build time in for reviews and inspections. Historic Preservation guidance and Rockdale County permits.
Protect trees during the work
Install fencing around the critical root zone, keep equipment and materials outside that area, and avoid raising or lowering soil around tree bases. ISA protection guidance.
Replanting or mitigation
If removal of protected trees is approved, you may be required to replant or pay a mitigation fee. Municipal ordinances often use caliper‑inch replacement or fee options. Confirm Conyers’ rules with staff. See common ordinance components.
Tree protection basics
- Set up sturdy fencing around the critical root zone to prevent compaction and damage. A common rule of thumb places the protected radius at about 1 foot for every 1 inch of trunk diameter at breast height. Confirm specifics with your arborist or the city. CRZ overview.
- Keep vehicles, dumpsters, and material stockpiles outside the fenced area. Even short-term parking can harm roots.
- Avoid trenching in the root zone. If utilities must cross, ask about directional boring or routing outside the protection area. ISA protection guidance.
Common project scenarios
- Removing a mature backyard tree: If the tree meets protected or specimen criteria, expect a permit and potential mitigation. Start with Planning & Inspection Services. Tree Ordinance overview.
- Adding a driveway or patio: Grading and hardscaping near large trees can trigger protection requirements and inspections. Plan root‑zone fencing and discuss routing with your arborist. ISA construction tips.
- Working in Olde Town: Visible landscape changes may require a Certificate of Appropriateness before you remove or significantly alter trees. Historic Preservation guidance.
- Clearing for a pool: Larger soil disturbance can pull in county land‑disturbance permits along with city approvals. Rockdale County permits.
- Pruning a street tree: Street trees and right‑of‑way trees typically need city permission before pruning or removal. When in doubt, call first. Planning & Inspection Services.
Avoid violations and delays
- Document trees before work: Take photos, tag trees, and keep arborist notes with your permit set.
- Keep approvals on-site: Have permits, COAs, and stamped plans available for inspectors.
- Monitor during construction: Make one person responsible for tree fencing and compliance checks.
- Close out properly: Complete replanting or fee requirements and schedule final inspections as directed. Code Enforcement process.
Who to contact in Conyers
- Planning & Inspection Services: 770-929-4280, [email protected]. Start here for permits, the Tree Ordinance, and historic questions. Planning & Inspections page.
- Code Enforcement: 770-929-4280, [email protected]. For complaints, violations, and enforcement steps. Code Enforcement.
Ready to plan your remodel?
Tree rules can affect timelines, budgets, and even resale value. If you are buying, selling, or prepping a home in Conyers, we can help you think through how landscaping and renovation choices fit your goals. Reach out to LBBM Brokers for local guidance tailored to your next move.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my Conyers property?
- It depends on the tree and the scope of work. Protected, specimen, or right‑of‑way trees often require approval, and removals tied to land disturbance may need permits. Always start with the city’s Tree Ordinance page.
What if my Conyers home is in the Olde Town historic district?
- Many exterior changes require a Certificate of Appropriateness, and visible landscape changes like tree removal can be reviewed. Check the city’s Historic Preservation guidance before you begin.
Can I prune a street tree in front of my Conyers home?
- Street and right‑of‑way trees typically require city permission to prune or remove. Call Planning & Inspection Services first. Contact Planning & Inspections.
Will I have to replant after removing a protected tree in Conyers?
- Many ordinances require replacement trees or allow a mitigation fee. Confirm the city’s current standards with staff. See common components referenced by the Georgia Tree Council.
How do I protect trees during my Conyers remodel?
- Use fencing at the critical root zone, keep equipment and stockpiles out, and avoid trenching through roots. Get an ISA‑certified arborist involved early. ISA construction protection tips.
