Snellville cracks down on illegal tree removal with hefty fine – AJC.com – Atlanta Journal Constitution

Snellvilles mayor and City Council updated an ordinance recently making the penalty for unwarranted tree removal by commercial property owners tougher on the purse strings.

The fine for cutting down trees without permission was previously $356 per tree, per day. Under the new measure, violators will pay $995 per tree, per day.

In spite of Snellvilles long-standing ordinances prohibiting the arbitrary removal of trees, we have recently had some violations of those ordinances, Councilman Dave Emanuel said of the ordinance. While some violators plead ignorance, I believe they were in fact subscribing to the philosophy that its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. It may be easier, but it will become a lot more expensive. We will also be updating all business property owners of our revised tree removal requirements and fine amount. Our intent is not to raise revenue, but to preserve our trees.

For the ordinance is to be successful, residents must notify the city if they see suspicious tree cutting at a local business, noted Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender.

Report suspicious tree removal to Snellville Planning Department at 770-985-3513.

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Snellville cracks down on illegal tree removal with hefty fine - AJC.com - Atlanta Journal Constitution