Land Clearing FAQ for Huntsville, AL

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Short answers to the questions Huntsville-area property owners ask most about permits, burning, debris and plants. Every answer links to the source it comes from.

Do I need a permit to clear land in Huntsville?

Possibly. The City of Huntsville Engineering Division issues Grading Permits for land disturbance, which it describes as including excavation, clearing, filling, grading and drainage-related work unless exempt under the Storm Water Management Manual (city page). The city page does not list the exemptions, so ask before you start. Outside city limits the answer depends on whether you are in another city or unincorporated Madison County; see the service area page.

Does ADEM get involved?

At one acre or more of disturbance, or as part of a larger common plan of one acre or more, yes. ADEM's general permit ALR100000 requires a Notice of Intent and fee before construction begins (permit). Smaller, stand-alone sites may fall outside it, but confirm with ADEM.

Can I burn the brush I clear?

Often not, and not simply. The city says it does not allow open burning inside Huntsville unless permitted through the Department of Natural Resources and the Bureau of Fire Prevention (city notice). The Alabama Forestry Commission handles permits for prescribed burns, says a burn under a quarter acre does not need that permit, bans tires, construction material and household garbage, and notes that city and county law can be stricter (AFC). The commission can also cancel permits when smoke becomes a hazard, and news reports show burning urged to stop or permits suspended during droughts (WTVM, 2026).

Will the city pick up my limbs?

Only ordinary yard limbs. Curbside collection takes limbs up to 5 feet long, with limbs up to 10 cubic yards collected at no charge, but the city says limbs and trimmings from land clearing are not collected (city rules).

Do I have to call before digging or pulling stumps?

Yes. Alabama requires notice to 811 at least two full working days before digging, not counting the day you call (Alabama 811). This covers homeowners too.

Is kudzu or Chinese privet hard to clear?

Both come back if you only cut them. Alabama Extension says privet resprouts from stumps and lateral roots and recommends cut-stump treatment on taller plants, and that kudzu resprouts after mowing because of its root reserves (Extension). Ask your pro what follow-up is included. Our brush clearing page has details.

Can I remove trees from my lot?

In the City of Madison, a third-party summary says no permit is required to remove a tree from an established residential lot, though development sites are different (summary). In Huntsville, the Landscape Management Department administers the city tree ordinance, which centers on public trees (Urban Forestry). Private-lot rules are tied to development and grading, so ask the city first.

Does forestry mulching count as land disturbance?

The city's definition of land disturbance includes clearing, so a mulching job may need to be checked against the city's exemptions. Read more on the forestry mulching page.

What about floodplains?

If part of the parcel is in a special flood hazard area, building or filling there may need a floodplain development permit. Huntsville publishes GIS flood maps, and Madison County has a county permit requirement (county document).

Is Huntsville Land Clearing Co. a contractor?

No. We are a referral service that connects Huntsville homeowners with local, independent land clearing pros. We do not perform the work, and you should verify any contractor's licensing and insurance.

What does the quote cost?

Requesting a quote through this site is free. We do not publish prices; the cost guide explains what affects them.

Who to call, and when

These are the public offices behind the rules on this page. Reach them after you have requested your quote, or whenever you want an official answer for your own parcel.

City of Huntsville Engineering Division (grading permits): 256-427-5300, Huntsville City Hall, 4th Floor, 305 Fountain Circle, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Huntsville Fire and Rescue, Bureau of Fire Prevention (city burn rules): 256-427-5150
Alabama Forestry Commission burn permits and wildfire reporting: 800-392-5679
City of Huntsville Sanitation Office (curbside limbs and yard waste): 256-883-3964
Alabama 811 (before any digging): 811 or 800-292-8525

Rules change. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with the City of Huntsville, ADEM, the Alabama Forestry Commission or your county before starting. Municipal code: City of Huntsville Code of Ordinances.