FAQs • Shelby County, AL • CivicEngage

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Community Emergency Response Teams

1. Why should I take part in CERT training?: It's like paying for car insurance. You might never need either – you'd hope not to. But if the occasion arises, having the CERT training (just like having car insurance) means you're as ready as you can be to help yourself, your family, and your neighborhood.

2. How do I join CERT?: CERT members receive 17 and a half hours (one day a week for seven weeks) of initial training. The seven-week course is followed by full-day biannual refresher drills and an opportunity to assist the first responders in Shelby County at local incidents.
CERT is provided free of charge within Shelby County to anyone 18 or older. To join, please contact the Emergency Management Agency at (205) 669-3999.

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Development Services

1. How do I apply for an ABC License?

Applicants requesting the approval of an ABC License by the Shelby County Commission must bring their completed State of Alabama ABC application form to the Department of Development Services, located in the County Services Building, 1123 County Services Drive, Pelham, AL, 35124.

The applicant will be required to complete a Shelby County ABC application form and must pay all applicable fees. The Department of Development Services will forward this application to other agencies for review.

The application will be introduced at a regularly scheduled County Commission meeting to be determined once all requested information from other reviewing agencies has been received and evaluated; no action will be taken at this time. The approval of the application will then be considered at a subsequent meeting. The applicant must attend the second meeting, as the Commission will hear the request and make a decision.

For additional information contact the Department of Development Services at (205) 620-6650.
ABC Submission Procedures Packet

2. What is a setback verification survey?: A setback verification survey is an official survey showing the location of any structures on the property within a zoned area of Shelby County. The purpose of this survey is to confirm the new structure meets the required setbacks of the zoning district. Setback verification surveys must be prepared by an Alabama Registered Land Surveyor to verify the new construction, addition/covered structure, alteration, pool and/or accessory structure (site built or pre-fab) meets the required minimum setbacks.

3. Can I place a manufactured/mobile home on my property?: A single manufactured/mobile home is allowed as a residence on each legal lot of record in unzoned areas of Shelby County; in the A-1, Agricultural District; or in the H-Z, Holding Zone District upon approval by the Shelby County Planning Commission.

4. Can I add a second manufactured/mobile home on my property?

Only one manufactured/mobile home or recreational vehicle is permitted on a legal lot of any size in unincorporated Shelby County.

Two (2) or more manufactured/mobile homes may be allowed provided the property owner complies with the Shelby County Regulations for Manufactured Home Communities. You are strongly encouraged to contact a staff member in the Planning Services division of Development Services at (205) 620-6650 option 2 with questions regarding manufactured/mobile homes in Shelby County.

5. Can I place a tiny home on my lot?: A tiny home with an axle is allowed on a legal lot of any size in unincorporated, unzoned Shelby County in accordance with the Shelby County Regulations for Manufactured Home Communities. Where property is zoned, one manufactured/mobile home or recreational vehicle may be placed in the A-1, Agricultural District. A tiny home constructed on a permanent foundation must be compliant with the adopted building code.

6. What is a legal lot?: A legal lot is any lot or parcel of land that complied with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations when created. The term “legal lot” relates to how the parcel or lot was created and does not reflect the title or ownership status. For verification of a legal lot of record, please contact a staff member in the Planning Services division of Development Services at (205) 620-0050 option 2.

7. What is my property zoned?: Zoning can be viewed online through the Shelby County GIS or may be verified with a staff member in the Planning Services division of Development Services at (205) 620-6650 option 2.

8. What is the difference between a plot plan and a setback verification survey?: A plot plan is a hand drawn document showing the proposed location of all structures on the property in relation to the property lines and each other. A setback verification survey is prepared by an Alabama Registered Land Surveyor and shows the exact location of all structures on the property in relation to the property lines and each other in order to verify the placement meets the required minimum setbacks.

9. Will I need a setback verification survey with my building permit?: All properties located in a zoned area or inside any city limit will require a setback verification survey. To determine if your project will require a setback verification survey please contact a staff member in the Planning Services division of Development Services at (205) 620-6650, option 2.

10. Can I split (subdivide) my property?: Different options are available for subdividing property, depending on your road access. Please contact a staff member in the Planning Services division of Development Services at (205) 620-6650, option 2 for additional information. If your proposed subdivision will create lots that are less than 20 acres in size, the split (subdivision) must adhere to the Shelby County Subdivision Regulations.

11. What if I am building in a city?

Shelby County provides Building Permits and Inspections for the following cities: Chelsea, Columbiana, Indian Springs Village, Montevallo, Vincent, Wilsonville and Wilton. A Zoning Authorization Form from the following cities must be submitted with your application: Chelsea, Columbiana, Indian Springs Village and Wilton.

Shelby County administers the zoning and subdivision regulations for the cities of Montevallo, Vincent and Wilsonville. Subdivision applications, zoning review, site plan applications, rezoning applications, conditional use applications and variance applications for these three cities are administered though the Department of Development Services.

12. How do I schedule a perc test for my lot?: Please contact the Shelby County Health Department Environmental Office (205) 685-4178 or visit their website at www.alabamapublichealth.gov for information regarding Septic System permitting, installation or inspection.

13. How do I pay for my permit?: Shelby County accepts cash, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, or checks payable to Shelby County Commission. Payment can be made in person, by mail, or by telephone. The payment address is Development Services, 1123 County Services Drive, Pelham, AL 35124.

14. How do I submit for a building permit?: You may leave your documents in our "drop off" box in the lobby or with a clerk in the office; mail your documents to Development Services, 1123 County Services Drive, Pelham, AL 35124; or email your documents to ds@shelbyal.com.

15. Do I have to be onsite for my inspection?: A few instances require someone to escort our inspector during inspections; Shelby County will notify you whenever you are required to be onsite for an inspection.

16. Do I need plans for my building permit application?: Yes, your project will require some type of plans, depending on the complexity of work being performed. New construction, renovations, additions, alterations and other minor projects require plans showing footing detail; elevation views-front, both sides, and rear; beam and joist sizes and location; foundation plans, pier locations and dimensions; rafter and header sizes and spans. Others will require a detailed scope of work.

17. Why does it take so long to review my application for improvements?: When Shelby County receives an application for improvements, it is entered into our software system, date stamped and scheduled for plan review by our planning and zoning staff; structural examiner; electrical examiner; and plumbing, gas, and mechanical examiner. All applications are addressed in the order received. If your application packet did not contain all required information, each additional submittal is addressed in the same manner as a new submittal: date stamped and scheduled for review. Keep in mind, at the time of your submittal, there are already existing applications in the queue waiting for examination ahead of your submittal.

18. Is a sheathing inspection required?: No; however, a house wrap inspection will be required for new construction, additions or replacement of exterior coverings; call (205) 620-6650 to schedule your house wrap or energy inspection.

19. Do I need a separate permit for my portion of the customer’s job?: No; Shelby County issues one permit per project which will include the structural, electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing installation or any combination applicable to your specific project.

20. Can my inspector look at my job in the morning and return in the afternoon once I have made the required changes?: Unfortunately, the answer is no. The inspector’s schedule is created the day before and typically includes 20 different site visits daily throughout Shelby County. We strive to be good stewards of county resources while also being considerate of our customers. We ask that you make sure your project is ready for inspection before calling to schedule an inspector site visit.

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Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

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1. What is the EOC?: The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) provides a secure location for local government elected officials and department heads to determine situational status, coordinate actions, and make critical decisions during large-scale emergencies and disaster situations. Emergency Management staff maintains the EOC during normal daily operational duty hours. However, during activations, personnel from various agencies, departments, organizations, and volunteers supplement the paid EOC staff.

The EOC, located at the Ray Building, includes the Operations Room, Communications Center, staff offices, functional work areas, full kitchen, and shower / restroom facilities.

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License Office: Registration Renewal ATM

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1. What is a Shelby County Registration ATM?

The vehicle registration ATM provides a self-service process for Shelby County residents to drive/walk-up to renew most vehicle registrations 24/7 based on your schedule without having to come inside or wait in line. The Registration ATM is only available at the 280 Office at this time (19220 Hwy 280, Birmingham, Al. 35242).

2. Who can use the ATM?

It is your responsibility to renew your tag before the expiration date. Any changes to a renewal must come into the tag office. There is no grace period; your tag must be renewed by the end of your renewal month to avoid penalties. You can renew registrations with late penalties at the ATM. Any resident of Shelby County can use the ATM provided they have eligible vehicle registrations that are available for renewal. Motor Vehicle Registrations Renewal Months are by first letter of last name:

A and D - January
B - February
C and E - March
F, G and N - April
H and O - May
M and I - June
P and L - July
K and R - August
Q, S and T - September
U, V, W, X, Y and Z - October
October/November - Commercial and Fleet Vehicles

3. Will I pay a fee to use the ATM?: No, there is no additional fee for using the registration renewal ATM.

4. What information do I need to use the ATM?: You must be a resident of Shelby County. You will need your tag renewal notice with the barcode that was mailed to you OR your drivers license and tag number to start the transaction. Most tags can be renewed at the ATM. The exception are tags that require additional documentation/certification, or tags that the state has changed the design this year (examples: God Bless/UA/AU tags). ATM transactions do NOT have a $2.00 mail processing fee and you can print your decals at the ATM on your schedule. Only credit and debit card payments are accepted at the ATM.

5. What can be renewed at the ATM?

Most Vehicle Registration renewals (some exceptions apply - MLI, DL suspensions, insurance verification problems)
Vehicle Registrations that do not require a new license plate
Vehicles that do not require updated insurance information

6. What cannot be renewed at the ATM?

Boats (decals do not fit in ATM printer)
Registrations with a tag design change(background or lettering) – Such as God Bless/UA/AU tags
Registrations that require yearly eligibility documents – such as National Guard, Active Reserve, Firefighter, Rescue Squad, Fraternal Order of Police, Realtors, etc.
Registrations that have an active State inquiry (MLI) Mandatory Liability Insurance

7. Who do I contact if I am unable to complete my registration renewal during regular business hours?: Please reach out to us using the methods below (M-F 8-4:30pm):
1) Get live ATM help via:
Shelby Chat
2) eMail us at Tags@shelbyal.com
3) Call us at 205.670.6824

8. Will I get my registration and decal immediately?: Yes, your registration and decal will be printed at the ATM as soon as your renewal is completed.

9. What are the payment options?

Payment Option Logos - Visa, Mastercard, Discover