FAQs
Building Inspections
How do I obtain a building permit?
You may either obtain an application at City Hall or or download blank applications here. Without a notarized affidavit, the application must be signed, in person, at Mountain Brook City Hall by the state certified card holder. Otherwise, applications will be denied. The permit affidavit form can be found here. If you have questions, please call (205) 802-3806 OR (205) 802-3807.
Does every project require a building permit?
No. However, if the project is beyond routine or emergency maintenance, it may require a permit.
What is the cost of a building permit?
Your permit cost will vary depending on cost and type of project.
I’m not a professional contractor; do I need to get a permit if I’m building/renovating my home myself?
Yes.
How long does it take to apply for a permit and subsequently receive it?
Typically, a permit can be issued within 24-48 business hours. Other circumstances may cause a longer delay.
Do I need a permit if I want to have vinyl siding put on my house?
Yes. And if anyone other than the homeowner will be installing your siding, he/she must also obtain a city business license.
Do I need a permit if I’m thinking about installing a pool in my backyard?
Yes, a permit is required for a pool or spa if it will hold more than eighteen (18) inches of water. *A fence, child safety latch gate and alarm at entry doors are also a life safety pool requirement.* Verify allowable setbacks with the city planner, Dana Hazen.
Do I need a permit if I want to fence in my yard?
Yes; verify height limits, setbacks and allowable materials with the City Planner, Dana Hazen.
Do I need a permit if I want to build, extend, or repair my wood deck?
Yes; it needs to be inspected for safety, code, and city ordinance compliance. Contact the city planner, Dana Hazen, for allowable setbacks, lot coverage and maximum impermeable area.
Do I need a permit if I want to purchase a pre-fabricated, storage building?
Yes; verify allowable setbacks, square footage, lot coverage and impermeable area by contacting the city planner, Dana Hazen.
Do I need a permit if I want to have a professionally built storage building or garage?
Yes, verify allowable setbacks, square footage, lot coverage and impermeable area by contacting the city planner, Dana Hazen.
Do I need a permit if my house is on a multi-acre lot and I want to remove some trees, one that is too near the house and some on the perimeter that I just want taken down.
You do not need a permit to remove any tree that endangers your personal property (car, garage, house, etc.). You may be required, however, to obtain a disturbance or excavation permit for the necessary site work. All trees and debris are to be hauled off by the contractor. A city license is required.
Do I need a permit if a heating and air service tech is coming to my house?
If the technician is servicing or repairing parts, then a permit is not required. However, if they are replacing or upgrading the air handler or condenser unit, a permit is required.
Do I need a permit if I’m going to refresh my home’s exterior by getting a new roof and painting?
Yes, a permit is required for painting your home and the company performing the work must be licensed with the City. A permit is required it to re-roof or replacing shingles on your home.
I’m buying a home and I want to find out if the one I want is in a flood zone. How do I do that?
Contact the City Building Official.
Is a permit required for a garage/yard/estate sale?
Yes, a permit is required for a yard/garage sale permit. The cost is $20.00 and it is good for 2 consecutive days. You are allowed 1 yard sale permit per year and it may be purchased at City Hall. City staff will issue the permit and give you the sign guidelines as well. City Hall is open Monday-Friday 7:00a - 4:45p. If you should have additional questions, please contact 802-3806.
What requires a City of Mountain Brook Business license?
Any property maintenance, service work, and goods sold or service performed by any entity within the City Limits. If you should have additional question please call 802-3806 or 3807, or click here for more information.
Planning & Zoning
What is the zoning of my property?
The zoning of each lot in the city may be determined by locating the lot on the city’s zoning map. Click on the lot in question and refer to the triggered dialog box for zoning (see top of dialog box). Once the zoning of the lot is determined, look at the allowable development regulations for said zoning district in the zoning code.
May I annex my property into the city of Mountain Brook?
The property in question must be contiguous to another Mountain Brook property, and must also meet minimum qualifications. The contact person for this information is Steven Boone, City Clerk (205/802-3825 or boones@mtnbrook.org).
May I subdivide my property into 2 or more lots?
Once the zoning of the lot is determined, refer to the zoning code to determine the minimum lot size, minimum road frontage, and minimum lot width for the zoning district associated with said lot. Refer back to the zoning map to utilize the measurement tool to determine approximate lot size, road frontage, and lot width. If the lot in question has a structure on it, no newly proposed lot line may render the structure non-conforming with regard to required minimum setbacks. An application may be made to the planning commission to request a resurvey. See the deadline/hearing schedule for deadline and meeting dates. It is recommended that you verify zoning and minimum development standards with the city planner prior to making application.
What are the regulations governing accessory structures?
Detached accessory structures have two sets of standards. One set of regulations governs accessory structures that are less than 625 square feet in area and less than 25 feet high. The other set of regulations governs accessory structures that exceed 625 sf or 25 feet in height. See Article XIX, Section 129-314 of the zoning code.
May I have a swimming pool on my lot?
Swimming pools are only permitted to the rear of a home (not in a front or side yard). See Section 129-318 of the zoning code for specific setbacks. Also, bear in mind that a swimming pool counts toward the maximum impervious area coverage of your lot, which may be 30% or 35%, depending on your specific zoning.
May I operate a business from my home?
In most instances, yes. Article XXIII of the zoning code outlines the parameters under which a home occupation is allowable. The goal of this ordinance is such that the primary use of the house is as a residence, no more than 20% of the house may be devoted to a home occupation.
May I keep horses on my property?
Horses may be permitted on property zoned Estate District, in accordance with the provisions of Section 129-71.
I am interested in leasing a commercial space in one of the villages. What type of business may be established?
The zoning of each lot in the city may be determined by locating the lot on the city’s zoning map. Click on the lot in question and refer to the triggered dialog box for zoning (see top of dialog box). Once the zoning of the lot is determined, look at the allowable uses and development regulations for said zoning district in the zoning code. A variety of retail, service and office uses may be permitted in the city’s commercial districts; some may be permitted out-right; others may require special approval by the city council.
I am opening a new business in one of the villages. Are there regulations governing signs and banners?
Chapter 121 of the city’s municipal code governs the use of signs and banners. Special event banners are limited to 21 calendar days per year, per entity (with the exception of a “free period” between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Banner permits are issued via email. Permanent signs require approval of the Village Design Review (VDR) Committee and require a permit. See the application for sign approval/permit, as well as the deadline/hearing schedule for the VDR Committee.
I have received a certified letter informing me of a public hearing on property in my neighborhood, what does this mean?
It may mean a petition has been made to request rezoning (a different use) of the property, a subdivision of the property, or a variance from required zoning regulations. Any further information may be obtained by calling 802-3816, referring to the web link at the bottom of the legal notice you received, or by attending the scheduled meeting advertised on the legal notice.
I want to make my opinion known on a current zoning, subdivision or variance request; when/how may I do that?
Attend the scheduled public hearing, or write a letter to the appropriate board (send via email to Dana Hazen at hazend@mtnbrook.org or call 802-3816 for more information.
Why does the city send public notices via certified mail?
Alabama state regulations require the city to notify property owners of record (according to the latest County Tax Assessor Records) for hearings involving subdivision, resurvey, variance and rezoning. The state requires these notices to be mailed via certified mail. For convenience, the department of PB&S also uploads all land development case material to the city’s website. See agendas for planning commission and board of zoning adjustment by date.
Search Tips and Tricks
Do the search results include the contents of PDFs and other documents?
Yes. The website indexes web pages as well as PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, and text documents.
If I search for a phrase (e.g. alarm permit), will the results only show exact matches?
No. By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase. In this example, you would receive results for all web pages and documents that contained either the word alarm or the word permit or both.
In order to search on an exact phrase, enclose your search phrase in quotations. The search results for "alarm permit" will show matches for that exact phrase.
Can I exclude a word from a search (e.g. all pages that have the word "alarm" but not the word "permit"?
Yes. You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-). In order to find the results of all pages that have alarm in the result but not permit, you would search for alarm -permit.