Landscaping Rules in Madison, AL (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Madison, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
In the City of Madison, grass, shrubs, and undergrowth other than ornamental plant growth that exceeds 12 inches in height may be declared a public nuisance and abated under the city's weed-abatement ordinance.
Grass and Weeds Over 12 Inches Are a Nuisance
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Code of Ordinances Sec. 22-63
...or a growth of grass or weeds, including plants of no value, undesirable, and usually of rank growth; or grass, shrubs, and undergrowth, other than ornamental plant growth, which exceeds 12 inches in height, may be declared to be a public nuisance and abated as provided in this article.
Tree Trimming
The City of Madison trims tree limbs that extend over city streets on an as-needed basis. Property owners are responsible for trimming shrubs and tree limbs that block sidewalks. The code sets no permit or approval for trimming your own private trees.
Tree Trimming: City Handles Streets, Owners Handle Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsCity of Madison FAQ QID=159 (Public Works Streets Division)
The City of Madison trims tree limbs that extend over city streets on an as-needed basis. Dead trees or those that pose a hazard on city property are removed by Street Maintenance crews. Property owners are responsible for trimming shrubs and tree limbs that block sidewalks.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Madison's code does not require a permit for a homeowner to remove a healthy tree on private residential property. Tree-preservation rules apply only to new development: the Zoning Ordinance requires natural vegetation along property lines to be preserved and shown on the landscape plan.
No Permit to Remove a Tree on Your Own Lot
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Zoning Ordinance Sec. 4-13-1 (Natural Vegetation Preserved)
Areas of natural vegetation, especially trees and shrubs, must be preserved along property lines, including fence rows and drainage ways, and incorporated into the site's landscape plan. However, noxious and nuisance plants, and unhealthy vegetation, may be removed as identified and shown on the landscape plan.
Weed Ordinances
Overgrown grass or weeds that harbor pests, create a fire hazard, spread seeds, or are unsightly may be declared a public nuisance in Madison. Separately, all land (except larger natural/agricultural parcels) must be kept free of poison oak, poison ivy, and noxious or toxic weeds.
Weeds Declared a Public Nuisance
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Code of Ordinances Sec. 22-97(c)
All land, except for parcels greater than one-half acre and maintained in a natural state or for agricultural purposes shall be kept free of poison oak, poison ivy, any noxious or toxic weeds, uncultivated or overgrown plants; any dry or dead vegetation, unless secured from public view and public access by fences, walls, or other physical barrier.
Water Restrictions
The City of Madison does not impose a mandatory outdoor-watering ordinance. Water service is provided by Madison Utilities, whose conservation status is normally listed as 'Normal,' with customers encouraged to conserve voluntarily. Mandatory limits would only apply if the utility raised its drought status.
Water Conservation Is Voluntary in Madison
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Madison has no ordinance restricting residential rain barrels or rainwater harvesting. The Zoning Ordinance actually encourages low-impact stormwater practices: rain gardens and similar techniques are permitted and can reduce required landscaping, and features like rain barrels may encroach into required setbacks.
Rainwater Harvesting Allowed; Rain Gardens Encouraged
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Zoning Ordinance Sec. 7-5-1(H)
Rain gardens and low-impact development techniques are encouraged. Where these techniques are incorporated, landscaping may be reduced by up to one third of the required area, pursuant to Planning Commission approval.
Native Plants
Madison does not require homeowners to use native plants. For development sites, the Zoning Ordinance requires living trees, shrubs, or ground cover approved by the City and mandates permanent ground cover on all required landscaped areas, listing suitable species and capping inorganic cover at 10 percent.
No Native-Plant Mandate; Permanent Ground Cover Required
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Zoning Ordinance Sec. 7-5-3 (Grass or Other Permanent Ground Cover)
Grass or other permanent groundcover shall be installed and maintained on all parts of the required landscaped area... inorganic materials such as pebbles, crushed rock, brick, tile, and decorative pavers; however, inorganic materials shall not make up more than 10 percent of the landscaped area.
Artificial Turf
Madison's Zoning Ordinance prohibits synthetic or artificial material imitating turf, trees, shrubs, or other plants from being used in lieu of the plant materials required for landscaping. This applies to required landscaped areas on development and parking sites, not to a homeowner's personal use of turf.
Artificial Turf Can't Replace Required Landscaping
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Zoning Ordinance Sec. 7-5-3
Synthetic or artificial material in imitation of trees, shrubs, turf, ground covers, vines, or other plants shall not be used in lieu of plant requirements in this ordinance.
Composting
Madison has no ordinance prohibiting backyard composting, and no permit is required. Compost simply cannot become a nuisance: property-maintenance rules require land to be free of odors, pests, rodents, and unsecured animal manure, and any bin creating a stench or infestation can be ordered abated.
Backyard Composting Allowed If Not a Nuisance
Some RestrictionsMadison, AL Code of Ordinances Sec. 22-97(f)-(g)
All land shall be kept free of noxious or objectionable stench or odors... All land shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestation and noxious pests, or conditions that cause the property to harbor insects, rodents or noxious pests.
Looking for Madison County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Madison County →