Gulfport, MS Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Named species
- Chinese Tallow, Camphor, Water Oak, Privet
- Applies in
- Elected SmartCode Planning Areas only
- Trigger
- Tree removal for streets/improvements
- Replacement
- None required for these 4 species
- General replacement rate
- 2 caliper inches per inch removed
Summary
Within its SmartCode Planning Areas, Gulfport's form-based code names four invasive tree species, Chinese Tallow, Camphor Tree, Water Oak and Chinese Privet, as undesirable and orders them removed regardless of size when land is cleared for streets or improvements, with no replacement required.
Notwithstanding 3.11.2a, b, c, d, e, and f, any trees or scrub of any size of the following species, or of species included on a list approved and maintained by the City Arborist, are deemed undesirable and shall be removed on account of their invasive or otherwise problematic character: Sabium sebiferum (Chinese Tallow Tree, Popcorn Tree), Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor Tree), Quercus nigra (Water Oak), Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).
Full Breakdown
Appendix D's Article 3 special tree provisions apply on top of the separate Gulfport Tree Protection Ordinance inside land that has elected the SmartCode zoning option, and the stricter of the two rules governs any conflict. 2 conditions tree removal for street or improvement construction on written SmartCode Planning Approval from the Planning Commission and generally protects trees over 16 inches in caliper from removal except by Warrant. 2. 2(e) when a protected tree over 16 inches is removed. 3.
Violations & Fines
Section 3.11.4 makes each protected-tree violation a separate offense; willful violations found by the City Arborist can be prosecuted under Section 1-9's general penalty on top of the 2-inch-per-inch in-kind replacement required by Section 3.11.3, with replacement size and species adjustable by Warrant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trees does Gulfport's SmartCode call invasive?
Do I have to replace an invasive tree I remove in Gulfport?
Does the SmartCode invasive tree rule apply everywhere in Gulfport?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gulfport
Compare Gulfport to another location·View the Mississippi invasive plant rules overview
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