Tree Protection During Construction
Biloxi Land Development Ordinance § 23-6-4(F)
in effect(F) - Tree Protection During Construction
(1) Owner's Responsibility
During development, the owner or developer shall be responsible for the erection of any and all barriers necessary to protect any existing or installed vegetation from damage both during and after construction.
(2) Tree Protection Fencing
a. Where Required
Protected trees, existing tree canopy, and other existing trees being used for credit towards landscaping requirements shall be fenced with a sturdy and visible fence before grading or other development activity begins. Fencing shall be erected to protect the tree's drip line. The Director of Community Development shall consider the existing site conditions in determining the exact location of tree protection fencing. Areas located inside of tree protection fencing are considered as tree protection areas.
b. Type of Fencing
All fencing required by this section shall be a minimum four feet high and of durable construction (i.e., plastic snow fencing or chain link). Chain link or wire fencing utilized as tree protection fencing shall not be required to be vinyl coated. Passive forms of tree protection may be utilized to delineate tree protection zones that are remote from areas of land disturbance. These must be surrounded by fencing, or other forms of clear delineation.
c. Signage
Signs shall be installed on the tree protection fence visible on all sides of the fenced-in area delineating the tree protection zone.
d. Inspection
All tree protection measures shall be inspected and approved by the City Arborist/Director of Community Development before start of any land disturbing activities. Failure to have tree protection measures prior to the commencement of construction is a violation of this Ordinance.
e. When Required
No construction, grading, equipment or material storage, or any other activity shall be allowed within the fenced tree protection area. Fencing shall be maintained until after the Certificate of Development Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.
(3) Encroachments into Tree Protection Areas
Encroachments into tree protection areas shall occur only when no other alternative exists. If such an encroachment is anticipated, the following preventive measures shall be employed:
a. Soil Compaction
Where compaction might occur due to construction traffic or materials delivery through a tree protection area, the area must first be mulched with a minimum four-inch layer of wood chips. Equipment or materials storage shall not be allowed within a tree protection area.
b. Fill
No fill shall be placed within a tree protection area.
c. Chemical Contamination
Trees located within a tree protection area shall be protected from chemical contamination from liquids or other materials, including but not limited to paint, chemical solvents, gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, concrete spoils, or rinse water from vehicle cleaning, including rinsing of concrete truck tanks and chutes.
d. Paving Limitations
Except for driveway access points, sidewalks, curb, and gutter, no paving shall occur within of a tree protection area unless authorized through an alternative landscape plan. (See Section 23-6-3(I), Alternative Landscape Plan.)
Source: City of Biloxi, Mississippi, Code of Ordinances and Land Development Ordinance (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ms/biloxi/codes/land_development_ordinance?nodeId=ART23-6DEST_4TRPR_FTRPRDUCOFetched: 11/2/2026