City of Atlanta | Emergency Storm Repair and Tree Removal Permitting

Effective September 27, 2024, the Office of Buildings has established the following processes within our office for property owners and contractors to assist with immediate storm repairs and tree removal requests.

The following email address has been established to assist citizens with specific storm repair questions: EmergencyOOBpermit@AtlantaGA.gov.

How to Move Forward with Property Repairs Due to Storm Damage?

Citizens have the following two options to address repairs:

OPTION 1

Contact the Inspections Division at (404) 865-8400 or (404) 865-8550 to schedule an inspection. An inspector will visit the property to assess the damage and assist with determining the next steps in the process.

OPTION 2

Call or visit City Hall, Office of Buildings at 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Suite 3900. The Express Lane will have dedicated staff to assist with the permitting for storm repairs.

For questions or concerns, contact the Express Workstream at (404) 546-6907 or Express-OOB@AtlantaGA.gov.

Fallen trees on the structure must be removed before the inspection can be conducted.

How to Address Fallen Trees or Trees in Danger of Falling (Hazardous)

Steps Required PRIOR to Removal:

1. If a tree has fallen, a permit is not required. However, we recommend the following: Property owners should take photos of the tree(s) before removal. The photo(s) should clearly show where the tree fell (as opposed to being cut) and keep the photos in case there are any questions.
2. If a tree is in danger of falling (imminently hazardous) and needs to be removed immediately due to storm damage, please follow the steps below:
   • Contact the Arborist Division immediately at (404) 330-6874 or arborist.dpcd@atlantaga.gov and provide the number of trees to be removed and the reason for removal.
   • After verbal or written authorization to remove the tree without a permit has been granted, take photos of the tree prior to removal, identifying the cause of the removal.
   • Photos should clearly show imminent danger of falling. If the photos do not present an imminent hazard or danger, the owner may be assessed recompense fees and fines.
   • Within five (5) business days of removal of the tree, a completed Dead, Dying, and Hazardous (DDH) application, along with photos of the tree(s), must be submitted to the Arborist Division by following the steps in the guidelines at the following link: www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument

Questions?

Contact the Office of Buildings at (404) 330-6150.

Consumer Protection

The Office of Buildings strongly encourages citizens to use licensed contractors for any repairs. You can verify if your contractor/repair person is licensed by visiting the State Licensing Board website: verify.sos.ga.gov/Verification.