Tree Removal Permits in Baldwin County, AL

Whether you need a city's approval to remove or trim a tree depends on where the tree is, how big it is and what kind it is. Each Baldwin County city sets its own rules, and they change. This guide summarizes what five cities have published and links to each city's official page. It is general information, not legal advice, and it can be out of date. Always check with the city before any work starts. We don't handle permits.

Last reviewed: October 20, 2026. The table shows when each city's source was last checked.

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The short version

• Rules differ a lot: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach regulate many trees, Daphne uses a "significant tree" system, Fairhope's FAQ says residents may take down trees on private lots without special permission, but the city regulates some commercial-property, right-of-way and heritage trees, and Foley focuses on trees of 30 inches or more.
• Tree size is usually measured as diameter at breast height (DBH), about 4.5 feet above the ground.
• Trees on a city right-of-way are often treated differently from trees on your own lot.
• Ask the tree professional you're connected with whether they handle permit paperwork or whether you do. We can't answer that for you.

City-by-city summary

City	What the city has published	Official source	Last verified
Gulf Shores	Permit required to remove a Protected or Heritage tree on any property in city limits. Protected = at least 12" diameter, or a live oak of at least 6". Heritage = at least 30", or a live oak of at least 24". The city page says to allow a five-day review. The city lists a $25 application fee and a $250 fee on approval (which may be waived in certain circumstances); fees change, so confirm with the city.	https://gulfshoresal.gov/777/Tree-Removal-Permit and city FAQ: https://gulfshoresal.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=233	2026-10-18
Orange Beach	Permit from Community Development required before cutting, removing or damaging a protected or heritage tree on private property or road right-of-way, unless exempt; tree survey required. Protected = redbuds/dogwoods ≥4", longleaf pines ≥18", most other trees ≥6", with exceptions; heritage ≥30". The ordinance (Art. 16 §16.08) also requires a permit to trim a protected tree unless an exemption applies, and gives the city 15 working days to act on a completed application. The city fee schedule (version 2026.03) lists $25 plus $5 per tree for a one- or two-family dwelling tree-removal permit; confirm current fees with the city.	https://www.orangebeachal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1060/Protective-Tree-Barricade-Requirements-PDF and ordinance: https://www.orangebeachal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/271/Article-16---Tree-Protection-and-Landscaping-PDF and fee schedule: https://www.orangebeachal.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1082/Permit-Fee-Schedule-PDF	2026-10-18
Daphne	Call Public Works (251-621-3182) to request a permit application; the city says someone calls back within two days to schedule an evaluation. Article XIX protects "significant trees" and designated tree protection zones; written approval needed. Per the ordinance: most overstory trees of 12 inches or more in caliper, understory trees of 8 inches or more and live oaks of 10 inches or more (§19-4); tree protection zones within 100 feet of the right-of-way of four-lane US-98 and within 50 feet of the right-of-way of Main Street, North Main Street, US-90 and other nonresidential city streets (§19-5); two replacement trees for each significant tree removed (§19-6(b)(vi)). The article is written mainly around development projects (§19-2), so call Public Works before cutting.	https://daphneal.com/m/FAQ and Article XIX on Municode: https://library.municode.com/AL/Daphne/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=COOR_APXALAUSDE_ARTXIXLASTTRPR_19-14SU	2026-10-18
Fairhope	Residents may take down trees on private property without special permission. Removal of some commercial-property trees, and any tree on city right-of-way, must be approved first (see the city page for details); unapproved cutting may result in a fine. Separate process for very large heritage trees; the code gives the city horticulturist 14 working days to approve or deny a heritage-tree application (§20.5-6(2)).	https://www.fairhopeal.gov/departments/public-works/horticulture-and-landscape/faqs and Chapter 20.5 on Municode: https://library.municode.com/AL/Fairhope/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH20.5TRLA	2026-10-18
Foley	Heritage Tree Removal Permit for heritage trees of 30" or more; $25 application fee; two in-kind replacement plantings; pecan, palm and invasive exotic trees excluded; the city says its Environmental Department typically processes a completed permit application within three business days, depending on the number of applications ahead of it.	https://cityoffoley.org/environmental/	2026-10-18

Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores requires a permit to remove Protected or Heritage trees, and live oaks count at much smaller sizes than other trees. See our Gulf Shores tree service page for a closer look and the city's permit page for the application.

Orange Beach

Orange Beach defines protected trees by species and size and has a Community Development permit process. See our Orange Beach tree service page and the city's Article 16 quick reference.

Daphne

Daphne uses a "significant tree" approach and starts with a phone call to Public Works. See our Daphne tree service page and the city's FAQ.

Fairhope

Fairhope distinguishes private residential trees from commercial, right-of-way and heritage trees. See our Fairhope tree service page and the city's FAQ.

Foley

Foley's permit is for heritage trees of 30 inches or more. See our Foley tree service page and the city's Environmental Department page.

Other Baldwin County cities and unincorporated areas

Other cities have their own rules too. For example, Spanish Fort lists a Tree Protection ordinance (Ordinance No. 417-2012) on its ordinances page, and Bay Minette's zoning ordinance has an Article 10 on landscape and tree protection on its zoning ordinance page. We haven't summarized their rules. Areas outside city limits may be handled differently, so ask the county or your city.

Trimming, right-of-way and storm situations

• Some cities regulate trimming of certain trees, not only removal. Check before pruning a large or mature tree.
• Trees on the city right-of-way, such as a strip between the road and your lot, can need the city's approval in some places.
• After a storm, rules and processes can change or be applied differently. Check with the city. For danger to life or downed lines, call 911 or your electric utility.

See storm-damaged tree service.

Questions to ask before work starts

1. Does the city require approval for this tree, given its size, type and location?
2. Is the tree on my lot or on the right-of-way?
3. Who is applying for any permit, me or the professional?
4. Are replacement trees or fees required?
5. Does the quote say what's included, such as cleanup and stump handling?

Tree permits FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Baldwin County?

It depends on the city and the tree. Requirements vary by city. Use the table and the official links above, and check with your city.

Is this legal advice?

No. It's general information that may be out of date. Always check with the city.

Do you apply for permits for me?

No. Ask the tree professional you're connected with who handles permits.

Where do I find the official rules?

Use the official links in the table. They go to each city's own website or to the city's official code publisher.

Do you do the tree work yourselves?

No. We connect you with available local tree-service professionals who do the work.