Bessemer's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Bessemer, Alabama, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Bessemer does not have a comprehensive tree protection ordinance. Tree removal on private property is generally permitted. Trees on public property or in rights-of-way require city approval. Significant land clearing may require site plan review under the zoning ordinance.

Key details: Private Property: Generally permitted. Public Trees: City approval required. Site Plans: May require zoning review for clearing. Contact: Planning & Zoning.

Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.

Bessemer is more permissive than most cities when it comes to tree removal & heritage trees. That said, there are still limits.

Weed Ordinances

Bessemer enforces weed and overgrowth ordinances under municipal code. Alabama's weed abatement law (Ala. Code §11-67-60 et seq.) lets the city declare grass and weeds over 12 inches a public nuisance and abate them at owner expense.

Key details: Enforcement: Complaint-based + proactive. Notice: 7 to 14 days to comply. State Law: Ala. Code §11-67-60 et seq.. Invasive: Kudzu, cogongrass.

Code violation: $100 to $500. City abatement billed to owner. Liens on property for unpaid abatement costs.

Grass Height Limits

Bessemer enforces Alabama's weed abatement law (Ala. Code §11-67-41) declaring grass or weeds exceeding 12 inches a public nuisance. The city may abate violations and bill property owners. Code enforcement handles complaints.

Key details: Maximum Height: 12 inches (state law). State Law: Ala. Code §11-67-41. Enforcement: City code enforcement. Remedy: City abatement + billing to owner.

Written notice: 7-day compliance. City abatement: $150+ billed to owner. Repeat: liens assessed.

Tree Trimming

Bessemer regulates tree maintenance through its nuisance and property maintenance provisions. Trees that obstruct public rights-of-way or pose hazards may be subject to city action. Private property tree maintenance is largely the owner's responsibility.

Key details: Public ROW Trees: City may require trimming. Private Trees: Owner's responsibility. Hazard Trees: City may order removal. Contact: Community Development (205) 424-4060.

Unpermitted removal: $500 to $5,000 per tree. Replacement planting may be required. Civil liability for damage to neighbor's trees.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Bessemer gives residents more flexibility on tree trimming.

Water Restrictions

Bessemer's water is supplied by the Bessemer Utilities water system. During drought conditions, mandatory conservation measures may be imposed. Alabama has no permanent statewide water use restrictions for landscaping.

Key details: Water Provider: Bessemer Utilities. Drought Restrictions: Imposed as needed. Statewide Rules: No permanent restrictions. Conservation: Voluntary programs available.

First violation: warning. Second: $100 to $250. Third: $500+. Water service restriction possible during severe drought.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Bessemer gives residents more flexibility on water restrictions.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Bessemer gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Bessemer's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.