Frequently Asked Questions Pertaining To Zoning/Zoning Variation Issue
Frequently Asked Questions (Miscellaneous)
When and where does the Planning and Zoning Commission meet, and what is the deadline for submitting a case to be heard by the Commission?
Meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall (513 Montgomery Highway) and are open to the public.
An application form for zonings and subdivisions can be obtained using the following link: Planning and Zoning Application Form.
Deadline for applications for zoning/rezoning and/or conditional use approvals are 25 working days prior to the meeting of the Commission. Subdivision requests for final plats must be submitted at least 15 calendar days prior to the meeting and subdivision requests for preliminary plats must be submitted at least 20 calendar days prior to the meeting of the Commission. Questions can be directed to the City Clerk, Rebecca Leavings, at (205) 978-0184.
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When and where does the Board of Zoning Adjustment meet, and what is the deadline for submitting a case to be heard by the Board?
The Board of Zoning Adjustment meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers at City Hall (513 Montgomery Highway).
An application for variances can be obtained from this web site by using the following link: variance application.
Deadline for application for a variance is 30 days PRIOR to the meeting. Questions can be directed to the Deputy City Clerk, Wendy Appling at (205) 978-0101.
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How do I annex my property into the City of Vestavia Hills?
The City Council of the City of Vestavia Hills adopted and approved Resolution Number 3083. This resolution is available from this web site by using the following link: Annexation Application.
This resolution sets forth minimum guidelines for the annexation of property along with the required fees.
Annexation laws require that all properties annexed must be contiguous to the corporate limits and must be located in an unincorporated part of Jefferson or Shelby County. Properties already located within the corporate limits of another municipality are not eligible for annexation into another municipality. Questions regarding annexation may be directed to the City Clerk, Rebecca Leavings at (205) 978-0184.
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How do I file an application for presentation to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustment?
An application for Zoning/Subdivision can be obtained at the bottom of this page. Questions can be directed to City Clerk Rebecca Leavings at (205) 978-0184 for Zoning and Deputy City Clerk Wendy Appling at (205) 978-0101 for Variances.
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How may I obtain a copy of the City Zoning Code, Subdivision Regulations, Sign Code, or Landscape Guidelines?
A copy of the City of Vestavia Hills Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, Sign Code Ordinance and Landscape Guidelines are located on the Ordinance Reference page of the Office of the City Clerk site.
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I need a copy of a particular ordinance or I have a question about an ordinance. Who do I contact?
Copies of ordinances are stored in the Office of the City Clerk and are available upon request at a cost per page. More recent, unsigned copies of ordinances can be e-mailed upon request. Questions and/or requests may be e-mailed to the City Clerk, Rebecca Leavings at (205) 978-0184.
A limited number of ordinances are already posted as PDF documents on this web site. You can view, print or download these ordinances by following the the Ordinance Reference link in the appropriate department.
City Code of Ordinances This is a searchable database containing the City of Vestavia Hills' codified ordinances.
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My neighbor claims his property was rezoned several years ago for a commercial business. Where do I obtain records of that zoning?
All permanent records for the City of Vestavia Hills are located in the Office of the City Clerk. Research of cases are done by the City Clerk, Rebecca Leavings.
Researching older records sometimes takes time and requires adequate information about the case in question. You can really help by calling in advance with the appropriate information. Questions and/or information requests can be e-mailed to Rebecca Leavings, or called in to (205) 978-0131.
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I need a copy of my survey. Where do I obtain this map?
The Office of the City Clerk maintains copies of survey maps, but is limited in the maps that are on file. Copies of "as built" surveys are not available in this office.
Some subdivision maps are maintained in the archives of this department. If we do not have the information you want, we may be able to advise you on how to looks up these maps at the Jefferson County Courthouse.
To assist the Office of the City Clerk, please call in advance with the appropriate property information. Questions and/or information requests can be e-mailed to the City Clerk, Rebecca Leavings, or called in to (205) 978-0131.
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Can I obtain car tags, automobile titles and driver's licenses at City Hall?
No. Jefferson County car tags, automobile titles, boat tags/titles and driver's licenses can be obtained from the Jefferson County Courthouse Southern Satellite Building located at 813 Green Springs Highway, Homewood, AL 35209. Questions can be directed to their general information number: (205) 916-2720.
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How do I file an application for employment with the City of Vestavia Hills?
The City of Vestavia Hills is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are divided into two primary categories: classified and non-classified. Applicants for classified positions (police, fire, EMS services and administrative positions) need to make application through the Jefferson County Personnel Board. The City normally hires from the certification listings of the Personnel Board.
Applications for non-classified positions should be made through the respective city departments. Openings can be determined by contacting each department. Non-classified positions include Public Works, Parks and Recreation maintenance and/or lifeguards, and the City Library.
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A solicitor just knocked on my door. What do I do?
The City of Vestavia Hills Ordinance Number 1338 prohibits solicitors from entering residential areas uninvited for the purpose of soliciting orders for the sale of goods, wares, and merchandise.
You can view, print or download this ordinance by clicking on the following link: Solicitation Ordinance.
If a person or persons attempt to solicit orders for goods, wares, or merchandise at your home, you are encouraged to notify the Vestavia Hills Police Department as soon as possible. To assist the Police, please be prepared to give a description of the person/persons who are soliciting and who they represent. If the solicitor(s) arrive in a vehicle, try to get the tag number and be prepared to give your best description of the vehicle. Also, if possible, try to obtain as much information as you can regarding the business they represent, where it is located, phone number, and the wares or merchandize they are soliciting for sale.
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What is the ad valorem millage rate for real property located within the City of Vestavia Hills and how can the property tax be computed?
Jefferson County is responsible for assessing and collecting ad valorem taxes for real and personal property in the City of Vestavia Hills. Questions regarding tax assessment should be directed to:
| Dan Weinrib, Tax Assessor |
| Courthouse Suite 170 |
| 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N |
| Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Phone: (205) 325-5505 |
Questions regarding tax collection should be directed to:
| J.T. Smallwood, Tax Collector |
| Room 160 Courthouse |
| 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N |
| Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Phone: (205) 325-5500 |
Ad valorem taxes are calculated based on the current millage rate. In this example we will use a millage rate of 0.0926 ($92.60 for each $1,000 of the assessed property value).
Here is an example of the computation of annual tax on an owner occupied home, located within the corporate limits of Vestavia Hills, using the following, additional assumptions:
- Fair Market Value of the home: $100,000
- Current "Assessed Value" equals 10% of Fair Market Value
The Assessed Value: $100,000x0.1=$10,000
Tax Due: ($10,000/1000)x92.6=$926
To this amount a Storm Water Fee is added. From this amount, the Homestead Exemption will be deducted, if the homeowner is eligible has applied for the exemption.
You may now pay your ad valorem taxes over the Internet. To learn more about Jefferson County services and to pay your property taxes, visit the County's Web Site.
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I want to open a restaurant in the City of Vestavia Hills. How to I submit application for an alcohol license?
Applications for an alcohol license must be presented to the Vestavia Hills City Council. Application must first be made to the State of Alabama ABC Enforcement Division located at 211 Summit Parkway, Homewood, AL 35209, phone (205) 942-7955. Once ABC Enforcement completes all required background checks. You must also complete a background check for the City's review (this information mirrors some of what you will have to provided to ABC so be sure to obtain this information at the same time. Details on how to obtain your FBI Criminal Background check along with the application may be obtained by following this link:
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/nics/general-information/cgbrochure
Once this information is obtained (the criminal check will be sent to the the applicant) forward a copy of the ABC Application along with the ORIGINAL FBI Background Criminal Check to the City Clerk for review and presentation to the City Council. The City Clerk will contact the applicant in order to schedule that meeting once the information is reviewed by the Police Department.
The City Council will make the final determination whether to grant or deny an Alcohol License.
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