- 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 open to the public and typically held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6pm in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Applications and supporting documents may be submitted online via the Vestavia Hills Online Services portal at https://vestaviahillsal.portal.opengov.com. 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 rleavings@vhal.org or 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 6pm in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Applications and supporting documents may be submitted online via the Vestavia Hills Online Services portal at https://vestaviahillsal.portal.opengov.com. Deadline for application for a variance is 30 days PRIOR to the meeting. Questions can be directed to the City Planner, Conrad Garrison at cgarrison@vhal.org or 205.978.0179.
- How do I annex my property into the City of Vestavia Hills? 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. Additional information, including annexation guidelines and required fees, is available within Vestavia Hills Resolution 3824. Questions regarding annexation may be directed to the City Clerk, Rebecca Leavings at rleavings@vhal.org or 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 is available online via the Vestavia Hills Online Services portal at https://vestaviahillsal.portal.opengov.com. Questions can be directed to City Clerk Rebecca Leavings at rleavings@vhal.org or 205.978.0184 or City Planner Conrad Garrison at cgarrison@vhal.org or 205.978.0179.
- 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 available at https://vhal.org/zoning-ordinances-and-staff-review.
- Is an Airbnb, VRBO or other short-term rental allowed in the City? Ordinance Number 3204 (https://vhal.org/home-sharing) prohibits the use of any dwelling or portion of dwelling of any residential property in the City for use as a short term rental (any rental 90 days or less).
- 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 rleavings@vhal.org or 205.978.0184. To view a searchable database containing the City of Vestavia Hills’ codified ordinances visit https://library.municode.com/al/vestavia_hills/codes/code_of_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. Researching older records sometimes takes time and requires adequate information about the case in question. An email containing all pertinent information regarding your request may serve to expedite your request. Questions and/or requests may be submitted to City Clerk Rebecca Leavings at rleavings@vhal.org or 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 the information is not available, City staff will provide instruction on how to access maps at the Jefferson County Courthouse. An email containing all pertinent information regarding your request may serve to expedite your request. Questions and/or requests may be submitted to City Clerk Rebecca Leavings at rleavings@vhal.org or 205.978.0131.
