Planning, Zoning, Storm Water, and Flood Management
In coordination with the Planning Commission, the Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for carrying out the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The Planning and Zoning staff conducts the administrative review of development plans, subdivision proposals, and zoning permits. The department also administers the City’s Construction, Post Construction, Erosion and Sediment Control, Stream Buffer, Illicit Discharge, Flood Hazard Area Ordinances, and Access Management Policy. All developments are required to follow the Alabama Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook for Construction Best Management Practices. Lee County Building Inspections administers building permits for the City. All new construction requires a City Site Plan (Zoning Certificate) Approval, City Land Disturbance Permit, and an Initial Storm Water Runoff Control (Best Management Practices) approval before approval for a building permit from Lee County Building Inspections. For questions about building permits, call 334-737-7014 or visit www.leeco.us and follow the Departments tab for Building Inspections.
Field Guide For Erosion and Sediment Control On Construction Sites In Alabama – Best Management Practices and Minimum Requirements
Fee Schedule– Submit with all Zoning Permits and Subdivision Applications
Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2011-075.54 – Copy
Zoning Ordinance Amendment 2011-075.54 (Additional)
Click to access Access-Permit-Driway-Culvert-Pipe-Installation.pdf
Click to access Authorization-to-Act-as-Agent.pdf
Sign Permit (Form Fillable Version)– Refer to Zoning Ordinance for Sign Regulations and Permitting
Home Occupation Permit – Refer to Zoning Ordinance for Home Occupation Definitions and Restrictions; Requires a City Business License (Business License link )
Variance Request – Refer to Zoning Ordinance for Variance Definition and Process
Conditional Use Application (2022 Version)– Refer to Zoning Ordinance for Conditional Use Definition, Process, and Applicable Uses
Rezone Request – Refer to Zoning Ordinance for Rezone Process
Construction, Post Construction, Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
Access Management Policy; Access (Driveway Permit)
Site Plan Application – Required for new construction, accessory structures, mobile home placement, existing driveway expansion, pools, and additions.
Land Disturbance Permit Application – Required for all new construction, existing driveway expansion, pools, additions, and accessory structures built on site.
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Storm Water Management in the City of Smiths Station
Smiths Station is an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) designated by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act. “Separate Storm Sewer System” includes ditches, curbs, gutters, storm sewers, and similar means of collecting or conveying runoff that does not connect with a wastewater collection system or treatment plant. As stormwater flows with gravity, it picks up pollutants along the way, which end up in our creeks and streams. These local waterways flow directly into our state waterways. Follow the links below to see the City’s latest annual reports as required by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
2016 Five-Year Storm Water Management Program Plan – Amended May 2020
2019-2020 Smiths Station Storm Water Management Annual Report
2018-2019 Smiths Station Storm Water Management Annual Report
2017-2018 Smiths Station Storm Water Management Annual Report
2016-2017 Smiths Station Storm Water Management Annual Report
2015 Smiths Station Storm Water Management Annual Report
2014 Smiths Station Storm Water Management Annual Report
2013 Smiths Station Storm Water Management Annual Report
Alabama Department of Environmental Management Air Land and Water Permit Database
Storm Water Resources
Alabama Storm Water Association
Alabama Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook
Erosion and Sediment Control Field Guide
Alabama Low Impact Development Handbook
Backyard Buffers – Protecting Habitat and Water Quality
Illicit Discharge
An illicit discharge is anything that causes or contributes to pollution. Pollutants may include, but are not limited to:
- Hazardous substances and wastes
- Nonhazardous liquid and solid wastes
- Noxious or offensive matter of any kind
- Oil and other automotive fluids
- Paints
- Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
- Refuse, rubbish, garbage, litter, and floatables
- Sewage and animal wastes
- Varnishes and solvents
- Wastes and residues that result from constructing a building or structure
- Yard wastes
There are several steps you can take to reduce discharges:
- Take used oil to a recycling center or a fast Oil-Change business
- Wash your car on the grass
- Revegetate bare or eroding areas
- Return old paint to the store where you purchased it
- Secure your paper trash when placed on the street
- Take all old chemicals to the Opelika Recycle Center
- Do not pour fats, oils, and grease into your sink or sewer
- Do not over-fertilize your lawn
- Pump your septic tank every four years
- Report any hazardous spills immediately
To report an illicit discharge, call 334-297-8771, ext. five, or email admin@smithsstational.gov. You will remain anonymous. Or you may use the electronic form below to make a report.
Illicit Discharge
City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The City of Smiths Station observes most Federal and State holidays. If you have additional questions, please call City Hall at 334-297-8771.
LOCATION
334-297-8771
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:30am – 4:30pm Eastern