Urban Forestry and Safety Choose a topic: Arboriculture Commercial Permitting Process (pdf) Contacts Development Landscaping and Tree Ordinance (located within the Zoning Ordinance) Forms and Applications Frequently Asked Questions General Information Mobile Tree Commission Staff Information Location and Driving Directions and Map Office Business Hours Permit Fees Safety Unit General Information In 1992, the Zoning Ordinance was amended to include landscaping, tree planting and protection requirements. The Tree Planting and Protection requirements were administered and enforced by the Urban Forestry Department. In 1997, Urban Forestry joined the Urban Development Department, further illustrating the City’s commitment to efficiency and effectiveness. The responsibilities of the Urban Forestry and Safety Section can be divided into three categories: (1) arboriculture; (2) Mobile Tree Commission; and (3) development. Arboriculture The Urban Forestry Section is responsible for the maintenance of trees on City property, including but not limited to rights-of-way, public parks and cemeteries. This includes trimming, deadwooding, tree removal and other routine maintenance. All work is done by professional arborists employed by Urban Forestry, no outside contractors are involved. In an effort to ensure public safety for the citizens of Mobile, Urban Forestry also responds to requests for emergency tree removals, as well as keeping roads clear prior to and after storms and hurricanes. Development In the area of development, the Urban Forestry Section reviews site plans for all multi-family, commercial and industrial sites for compliance with the Tree Planting and Protection and Landscaping requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. This review process includes inspections of these sites for compliance with the approved plans. Also reviewed are permit applications for the removal/trimming of trees on residential and commercial property. Urban Forestry has authority over trees in historic areas, undeveloped R-1 property, and on properties zoned R-3 – I-1 and all City owned property. Any questions you have about the Tree and Landscaping Ordinance, permits for tree removal/trimming or applications to the Tree Commission can readily be answered by calling the Department at (251) 208-7091 or e-mailing us at forestry@cityofmobile.org. Call before you cut!! (back to top) Staff Information Ron Jackson Deputy Director of Urban Forestry (click for bio) David Daughenbaugh Urban Forestry Coordinator (click for bio) Theresa Jernigan Secretary II Gerald McCants Public Service Supervisor II (back to top) Location Government Plaza Building 205 Government Street 3rd Floor, South Tower Mobile, AL 36644 (back to top) Driving Directions and Map Go south on I-65 South Merge onto I-10 East Continue East take exit number 26B, Water Street Turn left onto US-90/US-98 Government Street Government Plaza is on the Southeast corner of Government Street and Joachim Street. (click for map) (back to top) Contacts Contact Information Staff Phone Number E-mail Ron Jackson Deputy Director of Urban Forestry (251) 208-7091 forestry@cityofmobile.org David Daughenbaugh (251) 208-7091 forestry@cityofmobile.org Gerard McCants Public Service Supervisor II (251) 342-1741   Theresa Jernigan Secretary II (251) 208-7091 forestry@cityofmobile.org Fax Number Urban Forestry Fax (251) 208-7896   Please report any possible violations to the City Action Center at (251) 208-7999. (back to top) Office Business Hours 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Staff hours for telephone contact purposes: 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (back to top) Frequently Asked Questions Choose a topic: When do I need a permit for trimming or removing trees on my property? Can I remove a tree between the sidewalk and street in front of my house or business? Under State Law (1961 Ordinance), how do I obtain a permit to remove or trim a tree? How do I obtain a permit to trim a tree on my own property? Will the City assist a citizen with tree trimming or removal on private property? When and where does the Mobile Tree Commission meet? I have a dead tree in front of my house on City property, who should I contact? A tree is down in the street, who should I contact? I have questions about construction, who should I call? Someone or something is damaging a City tree, who should I contact? I would like to plant a tree on City property, who should I contact? When do I need a permit for trimming or removing trees on my property? As mandated by the 1992 Tree Ordinance, a permit is required as follows: If you live in a Historic District. If it is R-1 undeveloped property. If your R-3 business or industry has been built since 1992. If you were required under a Board of Adjustment or Planning Commission decision. (back to top) Can I remove a tree between the sidewalk and street in front of my house or business? No, these trees belong to the City of Mobile and are protected by the 1961 State Law. (back to top) Under State Law (1961 Ordinance), how do I obtain a permit to remove or trim a tree? A permit may be obtained by applying to the Urban Development Department, Urban Forestry Section, at telephone number (251) 208-7091. (back to top) How do I obtain a permit to trim a tree on my own property? By applying for a permit with the Urban Development Department, Urban Forestry Section, telephone number (251) 208-7091, a permit may be obtained. (back to top) Will the City assist a citizen with tree trimming or removal on private property? No, the City cannot assist a citizen with tree trimming or removal on private property. (back to top) When and where does the Mobile Tree Commission meet? The Mobile Tree Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at Government Plaza in the Pre-Council Chamber at 5:30 PM. (back to top) I have a dead tree in front of my house on City property, who should I contact? The City of Mobile Action Center should be contacted at (251) 208-7999. (back to top) A tree is down in the street, who should I contact? The City of Mobile Action Center should be contacted at (251) 208-7999. (back to top) I have questions about construction, who should I call? Contact Urban Forestry at (251) 208-7091 with questions concerning construction. (back to top) Someone or something is damaging a City tree, who should I contact? The City of Mobile Action Center should be contacted at (251) 208-7999. (back to top) I would like to plant a tree on City property, who should I contact? The City of Mobile Action Center should be contacted at (251) 208-7999. (back to top) Permit Fees There is a $30.00 fee per tree for permits to trim, remove and/or relocate trees on private property. (Click for Application (pdf)) (back to top)