Jefferson County, AL Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Spacing
- One canopy tree every 50 feet on center
- Minimum caliper
- 2 inches at planting
- Species cap
- No species over 30% of required trees
- Applies to
- PUD-zoned developments only (Article 7 districts)
- Plan sealed by
- Alabama-registered landscape architect
- Adopted
- October 9, 2025
Summary
Every Planned Unit Development platted in unincorporated Jefferson County must line its interior streets with a planting strip between the curb and sidewalk holding one canopy tree every 50 feet on center. Zoning Resolution Section 701.09 sets that spacing, a 2-inch minimum trunk caliper at planting, and a 30% cap on any single species, with plans stamped by an Alabama-registered landscape architect.
2. Street Landscape
a. A planting strip a shall be provided between back of curb and sidewalk on all streets within the development.
b. A minimum of one canopy tree must be planted every fifty (50) feet on center within the planting strips.
d. If placement of trees within the right-of-way will interfere with utility lines, trees may be planted within the front yard setback adjacent to the sidewalk.
e. Trees shall have a minimum caliper of two (2) inches at the time of planting. A single species may not comprise more than 30% of the required trees of a development.
Full Breakdown
04. b), showing the planting strip between the back of curb and the sidewalk on every interior street. e). d). Where the strip instead carries a vegetated rain garden, bio-retention area or bioswale, the shade-tree count is waived, but the strip must still be planted to capture and filter stormwater. f). 08.
Violations & Fines
An unapproved change to the platted street tree strip is a Plan Violation under Section 701.08, which routes the case to Article 19's enforcement chapter. Under Section 1901.04, violating any zoning provision is a class B misdemeanor, with each day the noncompliant streetscape stands counted as a separate offense. The Building Commissioner must first issue a written notice or citation directing the developer to cease and correct before any prosecution follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 50-foot canopy tree rule apply to my subdivision?
Who maintains the street trees after installation?
Can a builder skip the canopy trees if the strip has a bioswale?
What happens if a species is over-planted along the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jefferson County
Compare Jefferson County to another location·View the Alabama tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.