The mission of the Office of City Clerk of the City of Vestavia Hills is to assist and support the Office of the Mayor and the City Council in the governance of the City.

The Office of the City Clerk is administered by Rebecca Leavings, City Clerk. The responsibilities of this office are:

• To accurately record, file and store all official documents, transcripts and vouchers of the city and to provide those records, upon request, to the public in a timely, efficient and friendly manner. This includes all permanent city records, including ordinances and resolutions, applications for zoning, subdivisions, annexation, alcohol license request, variance request, etc.

• To serve as the main communications “hub” of the city. It is the first point of contact for members of the public seeking the resolution of a problem, copies of records or just information regarding the city.

• To prepare and maintain the agendas for all public hearings including notification, publication, minutes, etc.

• To prepare and maintain the agendas and minutes of the City Council.

• To process all requests for rezoning of property, subdivision of property, etc. This department maintains permanent records concerning past zoning and subdivision cases, minutes of meetings, maps, etc.

• To process requests for variances for cases which present “unnecessary hardships” when ordinances and/or requirements of the city are applied. Such variances include, but are not limited to, variances for setbacks, fences, location of auxiliary structures and code variances.

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 from this web site by using the following link: zoning/subdivision application.

Deadline for applications for zoning/rezoning are 25 working days prior to the meeting of the Commission. Subdivision requests must be submitted at least 15 calendar days prior to the meeting of the Commission. Questions can be directed to the City Clerk, Rebecca Leavings, at (205) 978-0184.

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 15 days prior to the Board meeting. Questions can be directed to the Deputy City Clerk, Wendy Appling at (205) 978-0101.

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.

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 from this web site by using the following link: Zoning/Subdivision application and Variance Application. 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.

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 combined into one book. You may obtain a copy of this book in the Zoning Office at a cost of $35.00. Questions can be directed to the City Clerk Rebecca Leavings at (205) 978-0184 or the Deputy City Clerk, Wendy Appling at (205) 978-0101.

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 these two links: Solicitation, Business License and Noise Ordinances and Ordinances enforced by the Department of Inspections.

City Code of Ordinances This is a searchable database containing the City of Vestavia Hills' codified ordinances.

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 the Zoning Clerk, or called in to (205) 978-0131.

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 Zoning Clerk, or called in to (205) 978-0131.

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

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.

My neighbor plays his radio too loud and his dog barks continuously. Is there an ordinance that regulates this?

Yes. The City of Vestavia Hills adopted and approved Ordinance Number 1738 which regulates and controls noise within the corporate limits of the City of Vestavia Hills. You can view, print or download this ordinance by clicking on the following link: Noise Ordinance.

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.

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:

Questions regarding tax collection should be directed to:

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

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.

Paperwork completed by the ABC Enforcement Division should be brought to the Office of the City Clerk in Vestavia Hills. The applicant must then fill out an application from the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Department of Public Safety. A copy of this application can be obtained from this web site by clicking on the following link: Alcohol Background Check Form, or by contacting the Office of the City Clerk. The completed application will be forwarded to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Department of Public Safety for evaluation, and then presented to the City Council. The City Council will make the final determination whether to grant or deny an Alcohol License.