Categories: Business NewsConstruction NewsEnvironmentNewsReal Estate & Properties

Atlanta’s Proposed Tree Ordinance Raises Concerns for Developers

News Summary

A new tree ordinance in Atlanta threatens to increase costs for developers significantly, raising worries about the impact on affordable housing development. With tree removal fees potentially soaring to upwards of $155,000, experts argue this could hinder Atlanta’s goal of building 20,000 affordable housing units over the next five years. As public discussions unfold, stakeholders are seeking to balance tree preservation with essential housing development.

Proposed Tree Ordinance in Atlanta Could Dramatically Increase Costs for Developers, Stalling Affordable Housing Development

In Atlanta, a city known for its lush greenery and nickname as the “City in the Forest,” a proposed tree ordinance is causing concern among developers and housing advocates alike. This new regulation could significantly raise costs for developers, potentially stalling the development of affordable housing projects across the city.

Current Situation

Windsor Stevens Holdings recently encountered the financial burden associated with tree removal when they spent nearly $20,000 to clear 19 trees for their Proctor apartments located along the Atlanta BeltLine. However, the proposed ordinance could amplify these costs drastically, raising the fee for similar removals to upwards of $155,000.

Impact on Affordable Housing

Rod Mullice, founder of Windsor Stevens, has expressed concerns that the increased costs related to the proposed ordinance would severely impact housing affordability. This sentiment is echoed by many in the real estate community, who argue the ordinance could undermine Atlanta’s ambition to build 20,000 affordable housing units within five years.

Tree Canopy Coverage in Atlanta

A 2018 study from Georgia Tech reported a decline in tree coverage in Atlanta, now estimated at just 46.5%. Given this concerning trend, the proposed regulations aim to not only uphold the city’s identity but also enhance its environmental quality.

Proposed Changes and Concerns

The current proposal suggests an alarming 800% increase in fees associated with tree removal. Developers will not only pay more per inch of removed tree, but they will also have to submit tree plans for approval prior to construction. This means the existing maximum cap of $5,000 per acre for tree removal would no longer apply, place further financial strain on housing projects. As a result, developers fear that many undertakings could become financially unviable, especially in underserved areas.

Reactions from the Community

Reactions have been mixed, with various housing and real estate organizations advocating for lower fees and greater flexibility regarding tree regulations. Concerns have also been raised about how these increased fees could affect homeowners tasked with removing trees for insurance reasons.

Future Discussions

The City Council, led by Council Member Julian Bond, is actively discussing the ordinance in the Community Development/Human Resources Committee. Public meetings are being held to gather feedback from local planning units and community members. Council Member Matt Westmoreland emphasizes the need for comprehensive discussions to assess how these changes might impact the city’s housing stock.

Finding Balance

While some experts stress the importance of maintaining a robust tree canopy as part of combatting climate change and supporting human health, others highlight the necessity of ensuring development can continue, particularly in the affordable housing sector. The ordinance aims to find a balance between tree preservation and construction needs, with discussions ongoing about how to adjust requirements to better support affordable housing initiatives.