FAQs • Hartselle, AL • CivicEngage

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Building Department

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1. What hours are the Building Department open?: The Building Department is open from 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday.

2. Where is the Building Department located?

The Building Department is located inside City Hall at:
611 Chestnut Street NW
Hartselle, AL 35640

Our telephone number is 256-773-0188.

3. What code is the Building Department currently under?: The 2021 International Building Code is the current code. Codebooks may be obtained from the International Code Council.

4. Who can build a dwelling?: The state law requires that only a properly licensed contractor who holds a current certification through the Alabama Homebuilders Licensure Board or a currently licensed State General Contractor with a license number below 18908 can build a one two-family dwelling. The owner of the property may also build his/her own residence if it is to be his/her personal residence, which will not be offered for sale for at least a year. The owner acting as his/her own contractor loses any protection from the Alabama Homebuilders Licensure Board for any defects. The owner must adhere to all codes and ordinances.

5. When do I need a building permit?: If any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure must purchase a building permit. If any owner or authorized agent intends to install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, a building permit is required. You must have a qualified gas person perform any gas work.

6. What do I need to purchase a permit?: If it is a new home construction, you must leave a copy of your blue prints with us for 24 hours for the review process. You must also provide a plot plan done by a registered surveyor. Also, we must have a lot number and subdivision name in order to assign an address. If the house is to be connected to a septic tank, we must have a copy of the Health Department Permit. We must also know who your Homebuilder Contractor will be and his/her State and City of Hartselle Business License Numbers. If you are going to be building a garage or an addition to your house, you must bring in a drawing showing the dimensions of the garage or addition and the distance to the property lines. We must be provided with a job cost amount and the name of the licensed contractor.

7. How long is a permit good?: Permits are good for six months. As long as you have started the project, but have not finished in that time frame, you can call us at 773-0188 and we will renew the permit at no charge.

8. Does everybody that I hire have to be licensed?: Yes. If you pay someone to do subcontractor or contractor work, they must be licensed with the City of Hartselle. Call the Building Department to find out if the contractor is licensed to do the work. One phone call can save you a lot of time and heartache.

9. Do I need a permit for a fence?: No. Fences do not require a permit. If it is a corner lot, you do need to check with the Building Department on easements & visibility requirements.

10. Do I need a permit for accessory structures?: Yes. Accessory structures must be located in the rear yard, at least five feet from the side and rear property lines, off any easements that may be on the property, not located under any power lines, and cannot be over two stories. Plumbing in accessory structures is limited to one commode and one lavatory. On corner lots, accessory structures must meet the required secondary front yard setback. The secondary front yard setback may be obtained by calling the Building Department.

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Garbage Collection

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1. What is Automated Garbage Collection?

Residents are provided with a special 96-gallon roll-out cart. Collection trucks are equipped with a lifting mechanism on the side that will lift and empty the cart and will return the cart to the ground. The process takes about ten seconds and can be performed without the driver leaving the truck. For a successful pickup to occur, the cart must be placed curbside according to directions.

If you are new to the City of Hartselle, please call Public Works to set up an account at 256-773-2643.

2. What are the advantages?

No more lifting or dragging your cart to the curb.
Garbage is collected more efficiently, which results in a cost saving for residents.
The system is more uniform, cleaner, and more attractive.
The cart is animal proof and cannot be toppled by small critters.
The lid is attached, which helps to control windblown litter and odor.

3. What size cart do I use?: Everyone is issued one 96-gallon cart. One cart holds in excess of three average 30-gallon bags and will be sufficient for most household garbage. You can request up to 2 additional carts at a cost of $3 per month for each additional cart.

4. Where do I place my cart?

You are encouraged to bag and tie garbage before placing it in the cart.
Do not pack your cart so tightly that it will not empty.
Trash placed alongside the carts or in other containers will not be collected.
The arrows located on the lid and metal bar on the front of the cart should face the street, and handles should face away from the street.
The lid must be closed so that nothing can spill out during the emptying process.
Do not place anything on top of the lid, as the driver will not empty the cart.
Place the cart within two feet of the street and at least five feet from trees, cars, mailboxes, poles, other city containers, etc… or the driver will not be able to empty it.
All carts must be accessible and placed for collection by 6 a.m. on the day of collection. Inaccessible carts will not be emptied.

5. Can I set additional garbage next to my cart?

Because this is an automated garbage collection system, drivers cannot collect bagged or any overflow garbage. Your best defense against overflow garbage is "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle."

You may also carry excess garbage to the landfill dumpsters.

6. What days will my garbage be picked up?: Please call Public Works at 256-773-2643 or refer to the trash collection zone map.

7. Who replaces stolen or damaged carts?: Carts belong to the City of Hartselle Public Works Department and are under the care of each customer. If you the customer damages the cart then you will be responsible to replace it. However, should Public Works damage a cart, it will replace the cart at no charge to the customer.