8 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Madison County, Alabama.
Verified from official government sources
Madison County can act on overgrown lots in unincorporated areas, but only as a nuisance under Ala. Code §11-3A-2, which adopts the state's 12-inch weed standard. There is no routine height patrol, and HOA covenants govern most subdivision lawns.
Ala. Code § 11-3A-2
Except where otherwise specifically prohibited or provided for either heretofore or hereafter by general law or the constitution of this state and subject to the procedures and limitations set out in this chapter, the county commission of a county may provide for its property and affairs; and for the public welfare, health, and safety of the citizens throughout the unincorporated areas of the c...
No Alabama statute and no Madison County ordinance limits trimming trees on your own land in the unincorporated county. You may prune freely. Inside Huntsville, right-of-way trees are protected, and HOA rules can restrict the work.
You may remove trees on your own land in unincorporated Madison County without a county permit. Alabama has no statewide tree-protection law and the county has no zoning authority. Huntsville and HOA covenants are the only limits.
Madison County's weed power in unincorporated areas is narrow: under Ala. Code §11-3A-2 the commission may abate overgrowth only as a public nuisance, using the 12-inch standard of §11-67-60. It acts on complaints, not patrols; HOA rules cover most lots.
Ala. Code § 11-67-60
An abundance of overgrown grass or weeds within a municipality that is injurious to the general public health, safety, and general welfare by providing breeding grounds and shelter for rats, mice, snakes, mosquitoes, and other vermin, insects, and pests; or attaining heights and dryness that constitute a serious fire threat or hazard; or bearing wingy or downy seeds, when mature, that cause the...
Alabama sets no statewide lawn-watering ban. In Madison County, restrictions come from your water provider, triggered when the state Office of Water Resources issues a drought declaration under Ala. Code §9-10C-8.
Ala. Code § 9-10C-8
The Office of Water Resources, with the advice and input from ADAPT, shall have the authority to issue drought declarations. These drought declarations shall provide information on where drought conditions are affecting this state, and the severity of those conditions. The drought declaration shall be based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, meteorological conditions, stream ...
Rainwater harvesting is legal and unregulated throughout Madison County. No Alabama statute limits collecting rain, and the county has no ordinance. Rain barrels and cisterns for the garden are allowed everywhere.
No Alabama statute or Madison County ordinance restricts native or drought-tolerant planting. You may replace lawn with native Tennessee Valley species, pollinator beds, or wildflower meadows freely. Only HOA covenants can require a conventional lawn.
No Alabama statute and no Madison County ordinance governs artificial turf. In unincorporated areas you may install it freely. Only HOA architectural covenants restrict synthetic lawns; riverfront lots may face drainage review.
2 cities in Madison County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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