Jackson, MS Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Article IX of Jackson's building code, the Landscaping and Tree Standards article, ties tree removal to the city's landscaping-plan process rather than treating it as a stand-alone permit. Under City Code § 26-453(a), clearing a live natural tree that would otherwise earn tree-planting credit under § 26-452 is prohibited on any site covered by § 26-449 unless the city has issued a permit. Before that permit can issue, the owner must submit an application fee of $35.00 plus three copies of a landscape plan to the building permit division; the zoning administrator has five working days to act, or the plan is deemed approved by default. The plan must show existing trees of 12 inches in caliper or larger, measured 4½ feet above grade, and note whether each is to be removed, along with setback lines, utilities, and proposed landscape materials.

The article reaches new developments and vehicular use areas, plus existing developments that expand parking by 30 percent or more, or that add 50 percent or more to a building's square footage or construction cost, per § 26-449(c). It does not reach every tree in the city: § 26-449(d) exempts building permits for a conventional single-family detached dwelling, buildings under 100 square feet on shopping-center out-parcels, restoration after fire or storm damage under 60 percent of market value, and clearing for forestry or agricultural purposes. Preserved trees earn credit against planting requirements only if at least 12 inches in caliper and protected by a marked ground-area barrier during construction; encroachment on or death of a credited tree forfeits the credit and triggers a replacement obligation. A certificate of occupancy cannot issue until the approved landscaping, including any preserved trees, is actually installed.