Dothan, AL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Dothan City Code § 114-26 sets the protected-tree threshold at 18 inches DBH for pines and 12 inches DBH for non-pine species, excluding species on the non-protected list. Section 114-237(b) then restricts removal: no tree of 12 inches or greater DBH, protected or not, may be taken from the tree protection area (the portion of a lot within a required setback or yard) unless the lot is zoned A-C or the owner has an approved tree removal plan under article V's development plan process; no tree at all may leave a residential buffer without A-C zoning or an approved plan.

A tree removal plan goes to the planning commission the same way major development plans do, per § 114-237(c), and must include a scaled map of buffers and protection areas, an inventory of every tree 12 inches DBH or greater by location, size and species, the trees proposed for removal, adjacent owners' names and addresses, and a replanting map and materials list. Section 114-237(a)(4) exempts removal for a documented safety hazard, sight obstruction, public health hazard, public infrastructure, public right-of-way, or survey work, and exempts built or permitted single-family lots in R-1 through R-4 (up to three attached units). The planning and development department administers this article under § 114-236(b), and its employees are authorized to issue stop-work orders and citations for violations.