The City of Atlanta City Council adopted an ordinance (24-O-1690) to amend the 1982 Atlanta Zoning Ordinance. This amendment focuses on modifying sections related to granting variances, specifically introducing new provisions for administrative zoning setback variances aimed at preserving mature trees. The ordinance amends Section 16-26.003, “Conditions of granting a variance,” to include exceptions for mature tree preservation, allowing setback reductions if a city arborist certifies that trees with an 8-inch caliper diameter or more would be lost. It also creates a new Section 16-26.008 for “Administrative zoning setback variances for the preservation of mature trees,” authorizing the Department of City Planning to approve administrative variances on single-family or two-family residential lots to reduce side yard setbacks by up to 50% for tree preservation, provided the city arborist recommends it for trees with a 6-inch diameter at breast height or more. Additionally, a new Section 16-20.003(f) is added to allow the Urban Design Commission to grant variances in Historic or Landmark Districts for the sole purpose of preserving mature trees (6 inches or more in diameter) under similar conditions. All variances granted under these provisions include a condition that dead trees must be replaced according to a city arborist-prepared plan. The ordinance was adopted by the Atlanta City Council with a roll call vote of 11 Yeas to 0 Nays.