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1. How do I contact the Environmental Services Department?

Please start by calling the Environmental Services Office during normal business hours at (205) 664-6825.  Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8am until 4:30pm.  You may also send an email to our Environmental Services Director, Fred Hawkins.

Fred Hawkins

2. Who handles sewer problems?

Environmental Collections performs cleaning of the main sewer lines, maintenance of pumps and pump stations, and taking video images of the main lines to find infiltration/leaks into the system as well as locate a homeowner’s sewer service. The video equipment is also used to ensure proper installations in subdivisions.

3. How is my sewer bill calculated?

Residential Rates for Fiscal Year 2018:

Base rate: $25.79 - Plus, per 1,000 gallon usage rate: $3.59

Cap: $65 - Tap fee: $3,500

Non-Residential Rates for Fiscal Year 2018:

Base rate: $62.90 - Plus, per 1,000 gallon usage rate after 5,000 gallons: $13.84 - Cap: N/A (No cap)

Tap fee: $3,500 plus $250 per fixture over 12 fixtures

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1. Can I burn inside the Alabaster city limits?

All burning in the city of Alabaster requires a burn permit from the Alabaster Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office.

The Fire Marshal or an inspector can be contacted by phone at 205-664-6817.

2. Can I have my blood pressure checked at the Firehouses?

Yes! Personnel are available to take blood pressure measurements and help you track your blood pressure.

3. Can I have my child’s safety seat installed or checked at the Firehouses?

Yes! Alabaster Fire Department has certified Child Safety Seat Technicians at each Firehouse who are available to assist you with your safety seat.

4. Does the Alabaster Fire Department assist with smoke alarms?

Yes! The Alabaster Fire Department installs smoke alarms and batteries to any city resident that needs assistance.

If you would like to request assistance with the installation of smoke alarms and batteries, please complete the Fire Department Smoke Alarm Request Form.

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1. What are the hours of operation of the Human Resources Department?

The standard hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday, unless otherwise announced.

The Personnel Office is closed for all municipal holidays. For actual dates, please see the

City Calendar.

2. Where is the Human Resources/Personnel Department located?

This office is located at:
200 Depot Street
Alabaster, AL 35007

Please feel free to call 205-664-6838 and ask for directions.

3. Can I apply for more than one job on an application form?

You must complete one application for each job you wish to apply. 

4. Should I supply a resume along with my application form?

Resumes are preferred, but not required. To submit a resume or other documentation, you must attach it to your application. 

We do not accept resumes without an application. For an applicant to be eligible for consideration he or she must submit an a completed application online.

Failure to complete the entire application may disqualify you. 

5. May I submit a general application for any future positions?

No. We will only accept applications for full time positions that are posted on our Employment Opportunities pages. However, you can click the "Notify Me" button on our Employment Opportunities page to sign up to receive an email notification when a position is posted. 

6. Is there a physical examination or drug screen?

After an applicant has been offered and has a accepted a position, he or she is required to successfully complete a physical exam. 

We are an Alabama Drug-Free Workplace. As such, all safety sensitive positions are required to successfully complete a post-offer drug screen before hire. 

Some positions such as Police Officer are required to undergo additional pre-employment testing which may include, but is not limited to, polygraph and psychological examinations. 

7. How do I apply for a job?

We only accept online applications. To see current openings and apply online, click on the Employment Opportunities page. If you require assistance or an accommodation due to disability, please call 205-664-6838.

8. What happens if my disability prevents me from completing the application?

If you are an applicant with a disability and require some reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and/or selection process, please inform a Personnel Department staff member, and arrangements will be made.

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1. Where is the library located?

The address of the library is:
100 9th Street Northwest
Alabaster, AL 35007

Directions:
- From Highway 31 turn by City Hall onto 2nd Place Northwest, and go over the railroad tracks bearing left.
- At the traffic light turn right onto County Road 44/1st Avenue West. Pass the Alabaster Church of God, continuing forward.
- At the Fire Station, turn right onto County Road 95/9th Street Northwest.
- The library is on the corner across from the Fire Station, but the entrance to the parking lot is to the rear of the building. Make the next left then turn left into the library’s parking lot entrance.

2. How do you get a library card?

You must fill out an application and verify your home address with a form of identification such as a photo ID or a utility bill.

Individuals under the age of 18 must have parental consent to obtain a library card.

3. Is there a charge for library cards?

Library cards are free of charge to anyone living within Shelby County or working in the city of Alabaster.

If the initial library card is lost there is a replacement fee of $3.00. People living outside of Shelby County are charged a fee of $30.00 for a library card.

4. When is the library open?

Library hours are:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. - 7:50 p.m.
- Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 5:50 p.m.
- Friday from 9 a.m. - 5:50 p.m.
- Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4:50 p.m.
- Sunday from 1 - 4:50 p.m.

5. Are there fines if materials are returned late?

Yes, there is a fine of $0.10 per day per item for books and audio books checked out for 14 days, and there is a fine of $2.00 per day per DVD title.

6. May I return materials after the library has closed?

Yes, there are drops for books and DVDs located outside on the left exiting the library parking lot. One drop is for books only, the other for DVDs only.

All audiobooks and magazines must be brought into the library during operating hours.

Returning items in the wrong drop will result in a $5 fine per item.

7. What types of programs are available for children?

There are a variety of programs for children of all ages!

These programs include:
- Tunes and Tales is offered every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
- Toddler Tales story time is every Friday at 10:30 a.m.
- During the summer there is a Summer Reading Program with age appropriate programs for preschool through age 12.
- In addition, there is a Summer Reading Program for children in grades six and up.

For more information, visit our Children's Services page.

8. Can I renew my items over the telephone or online?

Yes, both are available, though DVDs and magazines may not be renewed.

Telephone renewals are available for books, audiobooks, and music CDs by calling 205-669-3928.

Online renewals are also available for books, audiobooks, and music CDs. To access online renewals, please visit our Online Renewal page.

9. Is Internet access available at the library?

Yes, Internet access is available as well as a selection of software products. There is not a charge for this service. The library also offers wireless internet access.

10. Is there a public access copier at the library?

Yes, a copier is available at a charge of $0.15 per black and white page (or more, depending on size).

Color copies are available at $1 per page at any size.

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1. What forms of payment are accepted when paying a fine in person?

The magistrates can accept cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, credit/debit cards. Please call 205-664-6835 for more information.

2. Can someone other than the offender pay the ticket?

No! The person who received the ticket will need to make a plea of guilty in front of a magistrate. The only exception is if you have already pled guilty before the judge and are returning to pay the fine. Please call 205-664-6835 for more information.

3. Where are the locations available to pay a fine or ticket?

Please pay your fine or ticket at the Court Magistrate’s Office:
1953 Municipal Way
Alabaster, AL 35007

You may also use Postal Mail / FedEx / UPS or other document service, send your ticket and a Cashier’s Check or Money Order to:
Alabaster Municipal Court
1953 Municipal Way
Suite 100
Alabaster, AL 35007

Note: In order to properly credit your ticket, the fine must be received at least 24 hours prior to your court date.

Payment may be made in person in the Municipal Complex building. Our normal business hours are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Please bring your ticket or citation.

4. What happens if a fine is not paid by the court date?

Any citations not paid by the court date are turned over to the Municipal Court Judge who issues a bench warrant and a suspension for the violator’s driving license. Please call 205-664-6835 for more information.

5. How can I plea other than guilty to a citation?

You must come to court on your court date and plea not guilty before the judge. The State of Alabama does not have a No Contest Law and will not accept pleas of No Contest. All fines paid by mail or in person to a Magistrate without going before a Judge are pled as guilty. Please visit our answer page for

more information.

6. What are the procedures to have a warrant issued?

File a report with the police department. Call the Magistrate’s Office at 205-664-6835 to set up an appointment to have your report screened. Upon arrival, you will file a deposition with a magistrate. If there is probable cause, a warrant or summons will be issued. Some important points to remember: It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to file a warrant. There is no charge for a warrant. Once a warrant is issued it cannot be dropped or cancelled!

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1. Does the Peddler’s and Solicitor’s Ordinance cover everyone from sales people to not for profits like scouts?

Yes, the Ordinance covers everyone who is either selling items door-to-door, or soliciting contributions or donations door-to-door from people other than members of their organization or persons who have requested their services.

2. Is there a fee for obtaining a certificate from the City to conduct door-to-door solicitations of sales or donations?

For businesses selling products and services door-to-door there is a $50.00 fee per business. Each business must also be properly licensed in the City prior to the issuance of a certificate.

For non-profit organizations, political organizations, and religious organizations seeking donations and contributions door-to-door, there is no charge for the certificate and the process is available online.

3. Can non-profit organizations, political organizations, and religious organizations apply for a certificate as a group?

Yes. Groups may obtain a group certificate showing the name of the Group and the leader or contact for the group for verification of group information.

Each member of the group must carry with them a copy of the certificate in case questions arise concerning that individual’s proper use of the certificate in the name of the organization.

It is a violation of the ordinance to solicit funds or donations without carrying a copy of the certificate.

4. Does the Peddler’s and Solicitor’s Ordinance include elected officials running for office? If so, is it each candidate or can all workers use the same permit?

No, the Peddler’s and Solicitor’s Ordinance does not apply to any for profit, non-profit, political, or religious individual or organization that is going door-to-door campaigning, giving or spreading a political, civic, commercial or religious message as long as they are not soliciting sales, donations or contributions.

5. Does the Peddler’s and Solicitor’s Ordinance cover churches that may go door to door, not selling but soliciting members or youth to attend a vacation bible school?

No. The ordinance does not apply to any group, religious or otherwise, that may go door-to-door to visit members, or invite new members or persons to attend meetings or events of any organization.

6. Is online registration for a Certificate of Notification available?

For non-profits, yes.

Simply complete the Solicitor's and Peddler's

Certificate of Notification form.

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1. What is the zone of a property/parcel?

To confirm or find out the zoning of a property in the City of Alabaster, please call us at (205) 664-6823.

2. How much is a building permit?

The cost depends on the contract cost or the valuation cost of the proposed work, whichever is the greatest, of the proposed building cost. Valuation cost is determined by square footage of the proposed structures and Building Valuation Data Table. The building permit fee also includes the plan review fee which is determined by square footage. On new construction there is a base primary fee of $1500.00 to be paid at the time of application. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

3. How long does a Permit Last? What happens if I am not done with my job and my permit is about to expire?

A building permit last 180 days after the issuance of that permit. Any permit under
which no construction work has been done above the foundation wall or other foundation support within 6 months from the date of issuance shall expire by limitation, but shall upon re-application be renewable, subject, however, to the provisions of all ordinances in force at the time of said renewal and any renewal fees that may be required by the City. In no event shall any permit be renewed more than 1 time. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

4. When do I call for an inspection?

Please call 205-664-6823 the day before you desire an inspection so that your inspection can be put on the list for the next day. Inspections called in on the same day the inspection is desired may not be able to be completed until the next day. The permit number must be available when requesting an inspection.

5. Can I cancel/reschedule an inspection?

No, contractors should verify work before inspections are requested. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

6. Is there a re-inspection fee? If so, how much is it and is it a 1-time payment?

There is a $75 reinspection fee. This is to be paid before each reinspection. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

7. Do I get a free final inspection?

You do get 1 final inspection. This means that on the site final inspection, if you fail, then you will not have to pay the reinspection for the first site final reinspection done. However, for each item that was marked needing correction, on the original site final inspection, that has not been corrected upon re-inspection a $20 fee will be required for each item.

Trade finals are not final inspections; therefore, they do not have a free reinspection (e.g. Electrical Final, Plumbing Final). Each reinspection done for these will require the $20 re-inspection fee. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

8. I’m just doing a roofing or siding job, do I need a permit?

Yes. Please call 205-664-6823 for permit information.

9. A building permit already exists, so do I need to pull any trade permits (e.g. Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, or Gas)?

Yes you will need to get your respectable trade permit under the master permit (BR or BC).  You need to be listed as one of the subcontractors for the project and have the Master permit number (BR Permit Number or BC Permit Number), and a current City of Alabaster Business License. The cost of the individual trade permit (electrical permit, mechanical, permit, plumbing permit, and gas permit) will be calculated according to the City of Alabaster’s Zoning Ordinance. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

10. I want to see all the permits and/or inspections within a specific time-frame that were done to my house. How do I get that information?

You will need to fill out a public records request form. There is a fee required upon receipt of requested information. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

11. Do I need a permit in order to build a fence?

Yes. Each fence in the City will require a building permit. The application will require a plot plan of the property describing in detail the location of the fence in relation to the property, structures, and easements. Please call 205-664-6823 for more information.

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1. I need a copy of a report. How can I get one?

As with all governmental agencies, documents recorded need to be processed and screened efficiently and accurately to be of the most service to the public. In general, most reports or police documents will take at least 3 days to process. It is highly recommended that you call ahead in situations requiring urgent release of reports. You may contact our Records Division for the status of your report at (205) 664-7401 during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) or leave a message to have someone call you back.

When your report or document is ready, you may visit the Alabaster Police Department (201 1st Street North) during business hours to pick up your report or complete the online report request located on the Department’s page.  There is no charge to the reporting party for incident reports. Major case files that include copies of media, photographs etc., will be handled on a case by case basis and in person only.

2. How do I get the answers I need from the Police Department?

If you have a situation, a question or problem that you feel is not being addressed, we need to know so that we can help you. There are issues that individuals may experience which cannot be addressed through law enforcement channels; however, if your problem is regarding our employees, our system or our performance, we can most likely resolve it. Please feel free to contact Captain J. Anthony at (205) 664-7401 or email janthony@alabasterpolice.org for assistance. If your question is regarding our website, please contact our I.T. Department at support@cityofalabaster.com

3. I filed a police report but have not heard back from anyone. What’s going on?

The Alabaster police department averages 100 calls a day, 365 days a year.  We average 1 written report for every 7 calls for service. Our report screening process necessitates placing priority on those events that require immediate attention and/or are of the most serious nature. Every report is important to us.  Please refer to the information pamphlet you received at the time of your report for important instruction and process information.

You may contact the Criminal Investigations Division for questions concerning criminal cases at (205) 664-6850. With the high volume of reports received, our screening criteria is qualitative and we are happy to explain it on a case by case basis.  In some cases, our best service to you is to document and file a report for future reference.

4. I was involved in a traffic accident. What should I do?

There is a lot of misunderstanding about what to do when you are involved in a traffic accident. Here are a few important guidelines you should remember:

• Always contact Law Enforcement when you are involved in an accident; it is never a bad thing to have a report available if needed at a later date.
• If you choose not to contact Law Enforcement about the wreck, swap identifying information related to the other driver to include: Name, Address, Phone Number, Insurance Company Name and Policy Number.
• Obtain any witness information, and if you are filing a police report, encourage the witnesses to remain at the scene until Law Enforcement arrives.
• The driver of the vehicle may be required to fill out an SR-31 form (PDF) for the State of Alabama. This form should be filled out ONLY if the accident caused death, personal injury, or property damage to any one owner in excess of $500 by an uninsured motorist. You can only file this form if you have not been compensated for your injuries or losses.
• Wait 3 business days after filing the accident report before contacting the Alabaster Police Department to obtain a copy of your report. You may visit the Records Unit at the Department or complete the online accident report request located on the Department’s page. The Records unit is available Monday – Friday, 8AM to 4PM and their contact phone number is (205) 664-7401.  The cost of each report copy is $5. This fee is waived if you are 55 years old or older, a student, or involved in a private property accident. Insurance companies may sometimes obtain copies on your behalf.
• Alabama State Law requires that all crash vehicles be moved from the roadway, if this can be done safely and without causing further property damage. If it is dangerous or impossible to remove the vehicles from the roadway, advise Law Enforcement of that fact, and remain clear of traffic flowing around you to prevent further accidents or injuries.

important guidelines you should remember.

5. Victim Services Resources, where do I find help?

Probably the best 1-stop source of information for anyone who has been a victim of a crime or needs information regarding resources for victims is the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. We have included a link to their website, along with other useful websites, under the Victim Services section.

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1. When and how do I obtain a City of Alabaster business license?

Please visit our Business License page.

2. How often do I need to renew my City of Alabaster business license?

The business license shall be renewed annually on or before the 31st day of January each year, except as provided in subsections i or ii.

3. How do I file sales and use taxes?

The City of Alabaster is a self collecting entity. Information concerning the filing of Sales and Use taxes can be obtained by contacting our office at 205-664-6844 or on our taxes page.

4. When are taxes due?

All taxes, such as sales tax, use tax, rental tax, gas tax and lodging tax are due on or before the 20th day of the month following the month in which the tax accrues. The City of Alabaster does not allow for a discount on any taxes.

The 12 months that your company or organization is registered with the City of Alabaster you will be set up on a monthly filing basis. After completing 12 month period you may request a change in filing status. If you have submitted less than $250 you may qualify for a quarterly filing status. If you have submitted less than $10 during the last calendar year you may qualify for an annual filing status. The City of Alabaster does not allow for an occasional filing status. Please call 205-664-6844 for more information.

5. Do I need a permit for garage sales and yard sales?

Yes. Permits are available through City Hall (1953 Municipal Way), Monday through Friday during normal business hours (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). The cost of a permit is $5 and must be obtained prior to the sale. Each residence is limited to 2 garage sales per year. Please call 205-664-6844 for more information.

6. Can I obtain car tags, automobile titles and driver’s licenses at City Hall?

No. Shelby County car tags, automobile titles, boat tags/titles and driver’s licenses can be obtained from the Shelby County Special Services Building located at:
1018 County Services Drive
Pelham, AL 35124

Questions can be directed to their general information number: 205-620-6600. They also offer many services online.

7. What is the ad valorem millage rate for real property located within the City of Alabaster and how can the property tax be computed?

This information, and contact information for agencies available to provide further help is provided on our answers page.

8. I want to open a restaurant in the City of Alabaster. How do I submit application for an alcohol license?

Applications for an alcohol license must be presented to the Alabaster 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.

The applicant must then fill out an application from the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Department of Public Safety for a Criminal History Background check. A copy of this application may be obtained by contacting the Revenue Department at 205-664-6844.

The completed application should then be forward to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Department of Public Safety for evaluation along with a $25 money order. Once this background check has been returned back to you bring it and the paperwork completed by the ABC Enforcement Division to the Revenue Department.

All documents must be submitted 14 days before a council meeting in order to be placed on the agenda. Someone from your organization will need to be present at the appointed date when it is then presented to the City Council. The City Council will make the final determination whether to grant or deny an Alcohol License. If it is approved, after the council meeting you will then need to return to the Revenue Department to pay for the alcohol license.

9. I Have Sold Merchandise Or Services To The City. How Do I Get Paid?

Please submit your invoice or bill to:
Accounts Payable
1953 Municipal Way
Alabaster, AL 35007

Every effort is taken to process payables in an efficient and timely manner. Anyone requesting information on an invoice should contact the Accounts Payables Clerk, Leslie Davis at 205-664-6800. In order to assist us in answering your questions, please have the invoice number, purchase order number and any other identifying information available before contacting this department.