Policy
Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 27-32
in effectSec. 27-32. Policy.
The policy of the city is to establish and maintain trees upon and within the rights-of-way of improved public streets and highways maintained by the city for ornamentation and to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Interest in, and responsibility for, trees on the rights-of-way of improved public streets and highways maintained by the city is shared by the city and the owner of the adjoining land, in the absence of other specific provisions to the contrary. No tree planted by the city for ornamentation or public safety purposes within said rights-of-way shall be removed or intentionally damaged, injured, or destroyed, except by a duly authorized person, company, organization, or agent of the city who has first secured a permit from the city arborist. Any tree presently located within such a right-of-way which is maintained by the owner of the adjacent property for ornamentation, shade, screening, or other purposes, may continue to be so maintained so long as that portion of the right-of-way is not improved for travel or utility purposes, and so long as maintenance of said tree is not inconsistent with the health, safety, and welfare. Such trees shall not be removed by the city without notice of the adjoining owner, except when such notice would impede the city's protection of the safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, or the safe operation and maintenance of the street or highway, or of public utilities or drainage facilities located within said rights-of-way. Removal for any other purpose shall be preceded by reasonable notice to the owner of the adjacent property, and based upon a finding by the city arborist that such removal is in accordance with adopted standards.
(Ord. No. 04-45, § 2, 2-12-2004)
(Ord. No. 26-565, adopted 7-9-2026; published 7-15-2026)
Source: City of Huntsville, Alabama, publisher code (Municode) + enacted ordinances (City Council/Legistar)URL: https://huntsvilleal.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15729100&GUID=39AAA265-F239-42C4-80BC-55DC8A22EC4CFetched: 11/6/2026