Unhealthy trees excluded from 25% green planting requirement in construction rules

Georgia is set to refine the calculation method for the 25% restriction on tree cutting applied during the construction permit process within the city of Tbilisi.

The planned amendments to the law On the Special Protection of Trees and State Forests within the City of Tbilisi and Its Territory clarify how the limit is calculated when green vegetation is removed for construction projects.

Under the current legislation, the number of trees allowed to be cut during construction must not exceed 25% of all woody plants located on the relevant plot. This includes both healthy and unhealthy vegetation, such as dried or damaged trees.

The draft law proposes excluding unhealthy trees from the calculation, arguing that such vegetation does not contribute to ecological balance and should not be treated as valuable greenery. As a result, only healthy trees would be counted when determining the 25% threshold.

The changes would also allow certain categories of green vegetation to be excluded from the restriction entirely, enabling landowners to remove them upon payment of compensation for replacement planting, as defined by law.

In addition, the Tbilisi Municipal Council would gain authority to establish special rules for tree removal or transplantation in cases involving incomplete construction projects or the replacement of damaged buildings.

According to the explanatory note, the amendments are intended to address practical challenges observed in implementation and to support construction projects that serve public safety and social welfare objectives.