Jackson County, MS Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Ocean Springs Code §86 Tree Preservation Ordinance requires a Tree Removal Permit from the Planning Department for any tree with trunk diameter of 6 inches or greater measured at Diameter Breast Height (DBH) 4.5 ft above grade, with live oak (Quercus virginiana), southern magnolia, cypress, and pecan receiving enhanced protection. Application fee $25 per tree with arborist certification for trees over 24 inches DBH. Pascagoula Code §62 requires permits for trees 12 inches DBH or larger in residential zones. Gautier Code §42-7 requires permits for heritage oaks 20 inches DBH or larger, reflecting the Gautier Oak Alliance tree inventory. Moss Point has no general tree permit but protects right-of-way trees. Street trees and right-of-way trees are managed exclusively by city public works and cannot be removed by residents in any Jackson County city. Mississippi Code §95-5-10 imposes treble (triple) damages plus reasonable costs for unauthorized cutting, destruction, or injury of trees on another's land, a powerful civil remedy. Dead, diseased, or hurricane-damaged trees (common after Katrina, Zeta, Ida) qualify for expedited emergency permits with no fee via photo submission. Historic Ocean Springs live oaks on Washington Avenue are individually inventoried and tagged.