Birmingham recognizes heritage and champion trees on city property and within historic-preservation districts under Title 12 and Title 13, providing enhanced protection against removal and triggering historic-review board approval for adjacent construction impacts.
Heritage trees in Birmingham are designated through nomination to the Park and Recreation Board and reviewed against criteria including age, species rarity, historical association, and canopy size. Trees designated under Title 13 historic-preservation rules in districts like Forest Park and Highland Park receive additional protection: any construction within their dripline requires historic-review board approval and tree-protection fencing. Alabama Constitution Amendment 466 grants Birmingham specific historic-preservation authority that extends to landscape elements and significant trees on contributing properties. Removal without authorization triggers higher penalties than ordinary tree code violations.
Civil penalties up to $5,000 per heritage tree removed without authorization, plus mandatory replacement and possible historic-board sanctions on the property.
Birmingham, AL
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Birmingham, AL
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Birmingham, AL
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Birmingham, AL
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Birmingham, AL
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Birmingham, AL
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See how Birmingham's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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