Landscaping Rules in Auburn, AL (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Auburn, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Pruning or topping any tree on Auburn's public property, including street trees and park trees, must follow International Society of Arboriculture, National Arborist Association, and National Electric Safety Code standards under Section 17-64(5) of the Municipal Tree Ordinance.
Auburn Public Tree Pruning Standards
Some RestrictionsCode of the City of Auburn, AL § 17-64(5)
No person shall engage in the pruning or topping of trees on any public property except in conformance with the most current practices of the International Society of Arboriculture, the National Arborist Association Standards, and the National Electric Safety Code.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Auburn requires a permit before anyone removes, relocates, alters, or damages a tree on city-owned property or public right-of-way. City staff weigh the tree's health, hazard risk, necessity of removal, and impact on the area's tree canopy before approving an application under Section 17-65.
Auburn Public Tree Removal Permit Required
Significant RestrictionsCode of the City of Auburn, AL § 17-64(4)
It shall be unlawful for any person, business or other entity, without first obtaining a permit as herein provided, to remove, cause to be removed, relocate, alter, damage or destroy any tree on public property, including public rights-of-way.
Weed Ordinances
Auburn caps weeds and uncultivated plant growth at 12 inches on any parcel under City Code § 5-174, the local amendment to Section 302.4 of the International Property Maintenance Code. Noxious weeds are banned outright regardless of height. Cultivated flowers and gardens are exempt. Violations trigger the nuisance-abatement process in § 15-16, which lets the city cut the growth and bill the owner.
Auburn's 12-Inch Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsAuburn City Code § 5-174 (amending IPMC § 302.4)
Section 302.4 Weeds is amended as follows: Premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 12 inches. Noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Weeds shall be abated using the pro...
Water Restrictions
When Auburn's mayor declares a water shortage emergency, it becomes unlawful to sprinkle, water, or irrigate lawns, shrubs, and gardens from the public supply, or to wash vehicles, fill pools, or hose down exterior surfaces. Fines run $50 for a first violation and $200 for a second.
Auburn Emergency Lawn Watering Ban
Some RestrictionsAuburn City Code § 10-19
Sec. 10-19. Prohibited water uses. When a water shortage emergency is declared and notice thereof is published as provided in section 10-18 above, it shall be unlawful for any user of the public water supply to use or to allow water to be used for any of the following purposes: (1) The sprinkling, watering, or irrigating of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground cover, plants, vines and gardens...
Looking for Lee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Auburn city rules.
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