Lee County encourages native, drought-tolerant landscaping, and Auburn's Extension office promotes it. But unlike some states, Alabama has no law stopping an HOA from requiring turf, so covenants can still limit xeriscaping. No permit is needed to convert a lawn.
Native and drought-tolerant landscaping suited to east Alabama's clay soils and humid climate is encouraged for water savings and habitat, and no county permit is needed to replace a lawn with beds of native plants. Good regional choices include muhly grass, oakleaf hydrangea, American beautyberry, coneflower, and native oaks and dogwoods. Importantly, Alabama has not passed a law protecting a homeowner's right to xeriscape, so unlike Florida or California an HOA here can still enforce covenants requiring a conventional grass lawn — check your governing documents first. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn publishes native plant lists, and removing invasives like kudzu and privet is encouraged.
No county penalty for native or xeriscape landscaping. Because Alabama does not protect the practice, an HOA may enforce covenant fines against non-turf yards in covered subdivisions.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lee County, AL
Lee County may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
Lee County, AL
Lee County limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to prot...
Lee County, AL
Auburn, Opelika, and Lee County let residents decorate for the holidays without a permit. Displays just can't block sidewalks or sight lines, and lights must...
Lee County, AL
Garage sale signs must stay on private property in Auburn and Opelika. Both cities prohibit temporary signs in the public right-of-way and on utility or traf...
Lee County, AL
Political signs are allowed on private property across Lee County but banned from the public right-of-way. Auburn caps them at 32 square feet, allows placeme...
Lee County, AL
Alabama has no statewide rental license, and neither Lee County nor Auburn registers long-term rentals. The real local lever on Auburn's student market is zo...
See how Lee County's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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