Birmingham Tree Removal & Planting Rules - City Law

Land Use and Zoning Alabama 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Alabama

Birmingham, Alabama homeowners and contractors must follow city rules when removing or planting trees on public and private property. This guide explains when a permit is required, which department enforces the rules, typical compliance steps, and how to appeal or report violations. It draws on the City of Birmingham municipal code and the city permits/urban forestry guidance to point you to official forms and contacts so you can act correctly and avoid penalties.

Overview

The City of Birmingham regulates tree removal and planting through municipal ordinances and department policies. Rules can differ for street trees, trees in public rights-of-way, historic districts, and protected specimen trees. For the controlling ordinance text, consult the City Code online Municipal Code - Birmingham[1]. For permit procedures and Urban Forestry contacts see the city permits and forestry pages City Permits & Urban Forestry[2].

Always check whether the tree is in the public right-of-way before work.

Permits & When They Are Required

Permits are commonly required for removing trees in public rights-of-way, historic districts, or for specimen trees on private property; requirements and the application process are published by the city permits/urban forestry office City Permits & Urban Forestry[2]. If in doubt, contact the permitting office before work begins to confirm whether a permit, plan, or inspection is required.

  • Apply for a tree removal permit when work affects public trees or protected specimens.
  • Permit review times vary; check the permits page for current timelines.
  • Contractor licensing and insurance may be required for work in rights-of-way.
  • Inspections are scheduled for permit projects affecting public or street trees.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the city departments identified in the municipal code and by Urban Forestry or Planning/Permits staff. Specific monetary fine amounts are not provided on the cited ordinance page; see the municipal code for the controlling provisions Municipal Code - Birmingham[1]. Where the code or department pages do not list fee amounts, state "not specified on the cited page" and proceed by contacting the enforcement office for current schedules.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include stop-work orders, tree replacement requirements, corrective orders, and civil enforcement (not all amounts or procedures specified on the cited page).
  • Enforcer: Urban Forestry, Planning & Permits, and code enforcement divisions administer rules and inspections.
  • To report violations or request inspection, contact the permits/urban forestry office via the city permits page City Permits & Urban Forestry[2].
Available fine schedules and escalation rules may require direct inquiry to the enforcement office.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permit procedures on its permits page. Specific form names, numbers, and fees are not listed on the municipal ordinance page; consult the permits page or contact the office for the current application and fee schedule City Permits & Urban Forestry[2].

  • Application: see the city permits office for the tree removal permit application and checklist.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited ordinance page; check the permits page or call the office.
  • Submission: typically online or at the permits office intake; verify current methods with the city.

How-To

  1. Determine whether the tree is on private property or in the public right-of-way and whether it is a protected/specimen tree.
  2. Contact the City Permits & Urban Forestry office to confirm permit requirements and obtain the application City Permits & Urban Forestry[2].
  3. Complete and submit the permit application and any supporting documents (site plan, photos, species information).
  4. Schedule and pass any required inspections; comply with mitigation such as replacement planting if ordered.
  5. If you receive a notice or fine, follow appeal instructions on the notice or contact the permits office for review timelines.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
It depends on location and tree status; trees in public rights-of-way, historic districts, or protected specimen trees often require permits—verify with the city permits office.
Who enforces tree rules in Birmingham?
Urban Forestry, Planning & Permits, and code enforcement divisions enforce tree regulations and inspect alleged violations.
How do I appeal a notice or fine?
The notice will list appeal steps; if not, contact the permits office for appeal and review procedures and time limits.

Key Takeaways

  • Check before you cut: confirm property status and permit needs.
  • Contact the City Permits & Urban Forestry office for forms and inspections.
  • Document the tree condition and keep application and inspection records.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Municipal Code - Birmingham
  2. [2] City Permits & Urban Forestry

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