Ocean Springs has the strictest tree protection in Jackson County requiring permits for removal of trees 6 inches DBH or larger under Code §86. Pascagoula and Gautier require permits for larger heritage oaks. Miss. Code §95-5-10 gives triple damages for unauthorized tree cutting. Gulf Coast oak canopy is a priority.
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.
Unauthorized removal in Ocean Springs: $500 to $5,000 per tree plus mandatory replanting. Heritage live oak removal: up to $10,000. Miss. Code §95-5-10 civil action: treble damages. ROW tree damage: repair and replacement at market value. Topping or mutilation: $100 to $500.
Moss Point, MS
Moss Point limits construction noise to daytime hours, typically 7 AM to 7 PM weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM Saturdays, under local building and noise ordinances.
Moss Point, MS
Moss Point regulates amplified music and outdoor sound systems through local noise ordinances. Amplified sound is generally restricted during quiet hours fro...
Moss Point, MS
Moss Point addresses barking dogs as a public nuisance under local animal control ordinances. Continuous or excessive barking complaints are handled through ...
Moss Point, MS
Moss Point enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM. Industrial operations along the Pascagoula River and Escatawpa River corridors have separate noise exempt...
Moss Point, MS
Moss Point regulates leaf blower use primarily through general noise ordinance hours. Mississippi municipalities generally allow gas and electric blowers dur...
Moss Point, MS
Moss Point regulates driveway construction and parking through local zoning and building codes. Vehicles must not block sidewalks or public right-of-way when...
See how Moss Point's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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