HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-13-2024 City Council Work Session Agenda Packet
CITY OF FAIRHOPE
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
Monday, May 13, 2024 - 4:30 PM
City Council Chamber
Council Members
Kevin G. Boone
Jack Burrell
Jimmy Conyers
Corey Martin
Jay Robinson
1. Presentation by Justin Hammers on Knoll Park Restoration Plan
2. Discussion of City of Fairhope Employee Personnel Handbook Revision 2024
3. Discussion of Schedule of Fees for Construction and Building Permits
4. FY2023 Audit Review by Warren Averett
5. 6 - Month Financial Review
6. Committee Updates
7. Department Head Updates
Next Regular Meeting - Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Same Time Same Place
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CITY OF FAIRHOPE
AGENDA MEMORANDUM Item ID: 2024-70
FROM: Justin Hammers, PARK RANGER/URBAN FORESTER
SUBJECT: Knoll Park Restoration Plan
AGENDA
DATE:
May 13, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Justin Hammers, Park Ranger/Urban Forester to give presentation to Council on the
Knoll Park Restoration Plan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
BUDGET IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE:
GRANT:
LEGAL IMPACT:
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION:
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Knoll Park
Restoration
Project
Justin Hammers
Park Ranger/Urban Forest Manager
Knoll Park, Circa 1920
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Background
•Knoll Park was once a remnant of the
Sandhill Longleaf Pine Forest and was
given to the city to remain just that
•A study done in the late 2000’s showed
there was over 140 different species of
trees, shrubs, and wildflowers in the
park
•Burning has been conducted
throughout the years but no long-
lasting efforts have been made
•There once was 0 pine trees under 50
years old, now they are slowly coming
back Native grasses and flowering plants at Knoll Park, (Espalier
LLC, 2015)
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Previous Actions
•Knoll Park Longleaf Pine Sandhill
Restoration Project was initiated in 2007,
initiated a series of burns
•Over 140 different species were
identified in the park afterwards
•David Dyson, AL RF# 2152 wrote a
management plan for Knoll Park in 2013
•Well written plan, will be used for future
management over Knoll Park
July 2023 Prescribed Burn (Fairhope Times, 2023)
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Previous Actions
•2014, Espalier LLC developed
perimeter plan as beautification
project
•Park was burned again in
2019/20, then in 2022 chemical
treatment against invasives was
enacted.
•2023 the park was burned in July
Current Interpritive Sign at Knoll Park
(City of Fairhope, 2023)
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Current Conditions
•In a report from 2013, there was 200 longleaf and 6,600 hardwood saplings per
acre.
•Today, there are less than 50 young longleaf pines growing, and all are only on
the perimeter of the park.
•Knoll Parks understory is now riddled with invasive and undesired species.
•Greenbriers, young hardwoods, and invasive grasses are dominating the inside of
the park.
•While pine reproduction is not at zero, other species are stunting the longleaf pine
stand
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Current Conditions (Early Spring, 2024)
Hardwoods, invasive grasses, and other undesired species growing throughout the understory of Knoll Park
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Current Conditions (Early Summer, 2024)
Vines and Hardwood saplings dominate the understory while young longleaf pines grow on the perimeter
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Goals
•To return Knoll Park into a native
sandhill longleaf pine stand
•This is to increase the overall quality
of the natural habitat, while also
increasing the aesthetics of the park
and the number of visitors the park
receives annually
Native longleaf pine stand with warm season grasses
(The Nature Conservancy 2022)
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Objectives
•Since the Knoll Park Restoration Project was established in 2007, various efforts have
been made but none have had lasting results.
•Usings efforts like clearing the understory of all invasive and undesired species,
planting native warm season grasses that are commonly found in longleaf pine stands,
and committing to a consistent management schedule of prescribed burns, along with
mechanical or chemical removal of any undesired species that may enter the park in
the future
•By being aggressive with restoration efforts, the park could be set on a path to
success of becoming a sustainable longleaf pine stand.
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Objective 1: Clearing out the understory of invasive
an undesired species
•While in the late 2000’s there was an abundance of native plants growing in the center of the
park, today the park is dominated by invasive and undesired species. Removal of these species
can help Knoll Park become a native sandhill longleaf pine stand once again
•Forests that have neglected understory’s have a heavy litter layer and dense brush in the
understory
•Through methods like prescribed burning, mulching, or herbicide application can help lead a
pine stand towards natural sustainability.
•Mulching helps when the understory is too dense and has been neglected for periods of time,
as well as when there is not enough fuel for a prescribed burn
•Herbicide helps in targeting specific plants that may be too large to remove with burning,
typically paired with mulching to ensure regeneration does not occur
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Prescribed Burns
•Prescribed Burns is the least expensive
and generally preferred method of
understory management
•Without regular fire, hardwoods and other
species will outcompete longleaf pines
•Fire helps promote longleaf pine
rejuvenation
•Knoll Park has been burned several times
before, but none on a sustainable
management schedule
Knoll Park prescribe fire in July (Fairhope Times, 2023)
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Mulching
•Mulching is typically the more expensive, and
more aggressive method of control
•This helps when the understory is too dense
and has been neglected for periods of time
•Can also be used when there is not enough
fuel for a prescribed burn
•Area commonly sprayed with herbicide after
mulching to treat stumps
•Recommended to be done 6-12 months
before planting
Mulching to clear out a dense understory (Hisaka, 2024)
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Herbicide Application
•Herbicide helps in targeting specific plants
that may be too large to remove with
burning.
•Typically paired with mulching to ensure
regeneration does not occur but can also
be used before burning to kill off plants that
may not die from fire.
•Will not remove the unwanted plants as
quickly as other methods
Herbicide targets invasives and keeps natives alive (Graves,
2019)
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Hack and Squirt
•By making a cut deep enough into an
undesired species can kill off the tree
without damaging surrounding species
•Loppers can be used on hardwoods or
camphor's under 3 inches to remove them
entirely
•Less aggressive than mulching, effects
less than foliar herbicide application, and
helps in management when there is not
enough fuel for prescribed burns,
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Objective 2: Planting native warm season grasses
throughout the park’s understory
•Native warm season grasses are common among pine longleaf pine ecosystems
as the grasses provide valuable cover and present forage opportunities for
wildlife, it provides fuel for prescribed burns, and is aesthetically pleasing
•The roots of these grasses are thick and grow deep into the soil. This makes for a
longer lasting, stress tolerant, and low maintenance plant. They also help with
increased absorption of rain and improve drainage rates.
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Native Warm Season Grasses
NWSG Root depth (Rogers, 2023)Healthy Longleaf Pine Stand with NWSG
(The Nature Conservancy, 2022)
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Objective 3: Replacing Ornamental Perimeter
•In 2015 a perimeter landscape plan was
enacted with 25 native flowers to be
placed in Knoll Park
•Several of the original plants remain, the
missing ones will be replanted, and the
irrigation will be turned back on
•With adequate management, Knoll Park
will be a must stop destination next to
Downtown Fairhope
Espalier LLC (2015)
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Cost Assessment
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Possible Grants
•Department of Agriculture/Forest Services
•Urban and Community Forest Program
•National Fish and Wildlife Federation
•Longleaf Landscape Stewardship Fund
•The Longleaf Alliance
•Longleaf Alliance Planting Funds
•Conservation Reserve Program
•Environmental Quality Incentives Program
•Partners of Fish and Wildlife Program
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Implementation Schedule
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1
Knoll Park Longleaf Pine Stand Restoration Project
By
Justin Hammers
Park Ranger/Urban Forest Manager
March 22, 2024
Revised May 1, 2024
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2
Background ……………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Pervious Actions ……………………………………………………………………………….... 4
Current Conditions ………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Goals …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Objectives ..……………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Cost Assessment ……………………………………………………………………….….…… 12
Implementation Schedule ………………………………………………………………………. 13
Summary ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
References ……………………………………………………………………………………… 15
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3
Background:
Knoll Park is a four-acre longleaf pine stand that sits in downtown Fairhope atop the bluff
overlooking the bay. The park was given to the citizens of Fairhope by the Fairhope Single Tax
Colony as a rare remnant of the Sandhill Longleaf Pine Forest. Such forest once dominated the
Gulf Coast covering millions of acres. While having plenty of mature pine trees throughout the
park, the stand could be at risk. Back in 2006, after a stand assessment, it was noted that there
were zero pines under 50 years old and wildflower populations were nearly extinct in the park
(Dyson, 3). As of 2024 there has been less than 50 pine saplings counted that are between 10-15
years old, mostly congregating to the northwest corner of the park, and a handful of wildflowers
blooming around the perimeter of the park.
Knoll Park has been burned a few times in the past decade, and it has already proven to
be beneficial to help restore the pine back to its native roots, but there is still work to be done.
Over 140 Species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers were once identified within Knoll Park but
are slowly diminishing as invasive species start to overcrowd the understory. In 2014, a
landscape plan was drafted and implemented to plant native ornamental plants and shrubs around
the perimeter of the park (Espalier). The plan allowed for people passing by to see native
flowering plants in their local environment. As seen in Figure 1, initial efforts to restore Knoll
Park were proving to be beneficial, but the park needed more attention.
Figure 1. Knoll Park had native grasses throughout the understory and flowering plants showcased
the colorful beauty of a natural sandhill pine ecosystem . Image from Espalier LLC
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Previous Actions:
In 2007, the Knoll Park Longleaf Pine Sandhill Restoration Project was initiated by the
Fairhope Single Tax Corporation with full cooperation with the City of Fairhope. At the time,
Knoll Park had great potential to showcase a native pine stand but was underutilized. The project
committee advocated for a prescribed burn, and in 2007 they initiated a series of burns. After
burning they noticed 140 different species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers were found within
Knoll Park. Boasting of its incredible diversity in such a small area. This diversity brought in
over 30 different species of orchids, with 700 individuals of the Orchid family being identified
by volunteers. These prescribed burns, coupled with brush removal programs, have shown
thousands of longleaf pine seedlings growing throughout the park.
In early 2013, AL Registered Forester David Dyson wrote a well written management
plan over Knoll Park which helped guide it towards the right direction of management. Later the
summer of 2014 saw Espalier LLC, a landscape architect company devised a landscape plan for
the perimeter of Knoll Park. The plan saw 25 different plant species being intricately placed
around the perimeter of the park to increase biodiversity and beautification of the property.
Espalier also would go on to help design an irrigation plan for the perimeter of the park to keep
the plants watered. After its approval, the plan was put into action and the native ornamental
plants were placed around the perimeter of knoll park.
Knoll Park was burned in 2019/2020 before covid put restrictions on what could be done.
In 2022 JJ McCool of Wildlife Solutions volunteered its resources to chemically treat the
invasive plants located inside the park. The plants were chemically treated and then it was
suggested that the park be burned shortly after they started to die off, no further action was taken.
The last thing to be done to Knoll Park in efforts of restoring it to its native features was a
prescribed burn in July of 2023. The burn was put on by the City of Fairhope and CFM Fire
Managers.
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Figure 2. Knoll Park prescribed burn from July 2023. Image from Fairhope Times.
Current Conditions:
Knoll Parks current conditions bring up several points that cannot be avoided in
discussion. While it is nice every once and a while to see nature set its own path in an
unmanicured state. Invasive and undesirable species have started to take over the park and we
must help restore the park to its native roots. The understory is riddled with hardwood saplings,
vines of the Smilax variety (greenbriers), and various weeds.
In 2013, it was reported that Knoll Park was producing 200 Longleaf Pine Seedlings per
acre, and 6,600 hardwood stems per acre (Dyson, 7). In 2013 this amount of hardwood stems
was not largely problematic because it was small enough to be suppressed with fire, but after
years without adequate management, the hardwood stems are now saplings and cannot be taken
out with fire alone. While there are hardwoods growing inside the park, there are several pine
saplings that are growing around the perimeter of the park. Pine reproduction is not at zero, but it
is being beat out by hardwoods inside the park.
While not technically an invasive species, the greenbrier population among the park is
certainly aggressive. It is difficult to find a spot in the park where the understory isn’t coupled
with greenbriers. This plant can be beneficial in moderation, it blooms green flowers and
produces berries that animals love. But the number of briers in Knoll Park is stunting understory
growth.
One of the largest invasive weeds that exist in the park is smutgrass. From the outside it
looks like the target of growing native warm season grasses is being successful. Hailing from
Asia, smutgrass is an invasive grass that takes over whatever environment it is in. This grass is
not favored by wildlife and provides little foraging opportunities. It grows in small bunches
rather than growing together and will outcompete native grasses if not treated properly.
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Figure 3. Hardwood and other undesired saplings growing throughout the understory of Knoll Park
Figure 4. Smilax vines growing rampant throughout the understory.
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Figure 5. Invasive grass takes up space throughout the forest floor.
Goals:
Given the current conditions and the number of visitors the park sees every year. The
goals of Knoll Park are to restore it back to a native sandhill longleaf pine stand. This is to
increase the overall quality of the natural habitat, while also increasing the aesthetics of the park
and the number of visitors the park receives annually.
Objectives:
Restoring Knoll Park into a native sandhill longleaf pine stand is going to be easier said
than done. But by following a steady path and proper management, the park will be restored in a
few short years. While spraying invasive plants and prescribed burns has been proven to yield
some results in restoring the park. Those alone have not been enough to restore it to its natural
state. Since 2007 when the Knoll Park Restoration Project was first established, various efforts
have been made to restore Knoll Park, but no lasting results have been made. By being
aggressive with restoration efforts, the park could be set on a path to success of becoming a
sustainable longleaf pine stand. Aggressive efforts would include clearing out the understory to
rid the park of all invasive and undesired species, planting native warm season grasses that are
commonly found in longleaf pine stands, and committing to a consistent management schedule
of prescribed burns and mechanical or chemical removal of any undesired species that may enter
the park in the future.
Objective 1: Clearing out the understory of invasive and undesired species.
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While in the late 2000’s it was shown that over 140 species of trees, shrubs, and
wildflowers were found and identified within Knoll Park, that number has only been dwindling
in recent years. A quick walk through the park shows that is being dominated by other
undesirable species. All hope is not lost though, a walk around the perimeter of the park shows
that native species are still present and doing their best to survive on the land. By removal of any
invasive and undesired species inside the park, and supplementation of desired species, Knoll
Park can once again become a true sandhill longleaf pine stand.
Using Prescribed fire is the least expensive and generally the preferred method of
understory management. Without regular fire, hardwoods and other species will outcompete
against longleaf pines (Hatch, et al). However, the last burn on the park was conducted in July of
2023, there is not enough fuel on the forest floor to conduct another one. Seeing how recent the
last prescribed burn was and how little fuel is currently on the forest floor, it may be best to look
at some other options.
Herbicide usage is typically the quickest method of control. This method can also be used
as an additive to enhance the effects of a prescribed burn. By chemically treating the understory,
it is possible to target specific plants, shrubs, and trees rather than targeting the entire understory.
Chemically spraying an understory can also help kill off any unwanted flora that otherwise
wouldn’t be affected by burning and allow fire to take over the species and remove it from the
forest floor (Hatch, et al). One downside to herbicide is the potential adverse effects to the
environment, so careful selection of herbicide is crucial and ensuring proper spraying methods
are being used are of the utmost importance.
A more selective method of management would be to hack and squirt. By taking a tool
with a sharp edge (machete or hatchet) or pair of loppers, one can hack at the bark of an
undesired hardwood or camphor trees and squirt herbicide into the open or cut species.
Generally, undesired species under 3 inches will be cut down and species over 3 inches will just
be cut into. It is vital to ensure that the proper herbicide mix is used during this method. Using a
herbicide that is not “soil active” is crucial, seeing as soil active could result in damaging a non-
target species (Minogue, et al.) This method is helpful when there is not enough fuel on the forest
floor for prescribed burns, and is less intrusive than some other methods of understory
management.
A final, and more aggressive method of control would be understory mulching. Mulching
is more commonly used among forests that have been fire excluded for long periods of time.
When the understory is full of dense vegetation or small midstory trees that are not easily
reduced by fire, mulching can quickly reduce it. Following up with herbicide treatment after
mulching is generally recommended to treat stump sprouts (Hatch, et al). Understory mulching
can leave a deep mat of wood chips on the forest floor, so it should be conducted 6 months to a
year before beginning the process of regeneration.
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Figure 6. This pine restoration project in NW Georgia shows a cleared understory from tactics such a spraying
herbicides and prescribed burns. Picture from Heart and Sole
Objective 2: Planting native warm season grasses throughout the park’s understory.
In order to regenerate a longleaf pine stand, it requires preparing the site to control the
understory. One way to help keep the understory in control is to plant native warm season
grasses. NWSG has advantages over other grasses because of their ability to withstand harsher
environmental conditions like high temperatures, drought, and nitrogen limitations. During a
drought the NWSG can minimize its water loss while other grasses may lose up to 95% of their
water intake through transpiration (Kaeser and Kirkman). Native warm season grasses are
common among the long leaf pine ecosystems as many grasses provide valuable cover and
present forage opportunities for wildlife. It is also an important source of fuel for prescribed
burns.
Usage of native warm season grasses is beneficial as not only is it as aesthetically
pleasing grass, but the grass roots also are beneficial to the ecosystem. The roots of these grasses
are thick and grow very deep into the soil. This makes for a longer lasting, stress tolerant, and
low maintenance plants. Their root systems can also help with increased absorption of rain and
improve drainage rates. NWSG root systems are dense and can prevent unwanted weeds or
invasives from growing in the understory, making for a low maintenance forest floor.
Choosing a local ecotype is imperative because native plants will have a better time
adapting to their new environment through conditions like drainage, temperature, soil types,
precipitation, and elevation. A soil survey of Baldwin County shows Knoll Park to be a sandy
loam, which suits native warm seasons grasses if they are planted around ¼ inch deep (McBride
and Burgess). The Conservation Reserve Program Longleaf Pine Initiative (CRP-CP36)
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recommends planting a mixture of grasses including big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), yellow
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), with
wiregrass (Astrida stricta) being a substitute for Indiangrass or big bluestem (Kaeser and
Kirkman, 9).
Some things to consider with planting native warm season grasses is the land preparation
requirements and the planting conditions. It is recommended that sites should be pre-treated with
herbicides to get rid of any unwanted grasses of plant life for 6 months to a year before planting
the grasses. Treatment of sites should be done in spring (late-February through mid-April) and
again in the later summer months and early fall to produce the best chances of success for
NWSG. (Kaeser and Kirkman, 9). In the southeast, grass mixture should be planted between
February and May for successful growth. Planting in the early spring lets seedlings establish a
root system before the hot and dry summer months and allows them to effectively compete with
weeds. It could take up to two years before the native warm season grasses are fully established
and show noticeable above ground growth.
Figure 7. This longleaf pine stand shows thriving native warm season grasses and an understory free of
invasive species. Picture from The Nature Conservancy
Objective 3: Replanting of ornamental perimeter
In 2014, Espalier LLC, a landscape architectural firm, made a conceptual landscape plan
for the perimeter of Knoll Park. The Plan included 25 carefully selected native flowers and
flowering plants to be placed around the park, along with a new irrigation route. In 2015 the plan
was put into effect and after the park was updated, Espalier LLC was presented with the 2015
Fairhope Beautification Award for their work on this project. Since then, many of the plants have
died off and a select few are still surviving around the park.
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After walking through the park and reading over the former plans, Fairhope Horticulture
Supervisor Jamie Rollins determined it was worth using this former plan as inspiration to bring
back the beautification of the perimeter of Knoll Park. After determining which plants have
survived the at knoll park over time, and which ones can bring vibrant colors to the park, a
handful of the original plants will be replanted around the park. He also noted that the irrigation
system is not currently working at the moment and will need to be repaired. But after repairs,
planting, and proper management of the perimeter, Knoll Park will be a must stop destination
right next to downtown Fairhope.
Figure 8. Knoll Park in 2015 after Espalier LLC had planted the perimeter.
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Costs Assessment:
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Implementation Schedule:
Summary:
Since the creation of the Knoll Park Longleaf Pine Sandhill Restoration Project was
created in 2007, the management of the park hasn’t been as consistent as the park needed. First
efforts to restore the park were once shown to be fruitful, with the park changing from having
zero young pines to showing more than 200 saplings sprouting. But with inconsistent burns on
the park and lack of oversight, invasives and undesired species soon took over. Pine stands need
fire to grow and to suppress unwelcome species and it is recommended that they see fire every 2-
3 years. Knoll Park went over 10 years without a prescribed burn taking place. The ornamental
perimeter around Knoll Park also saw the same fate. Since its conception in 2014, the irrigation
system that once watered the plants is now out of order, and over half of the once blooming
plants have died off or become overgrown with vines and invasives trees.
While efforts to restore Knoll Park will need to be a bit more aggressive, keeping the park
a native sandhill longleaf pine stand requires simple, yet regular maintenances efforts. Knoll
Parks understory is currently overgrown with invasive and undesired species. Removing these
prevalent species is crucial to helping set Knoll Park up to be a sustainable ecosystem. The
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number of hardwoods and greenbriers growing in the park has made it difficult for longleaf pines
to rejuvenate. Knoll Park was given to the city from the Single Tax Colony nearly 100 years ago
and has been a beloved Fairhope location. By targeting the unwelcome plant species, we can
return the rare longleaf pine stand back to its native habitat.
These aggressive efforts will only be performed one time during this restoration process,
with regular maintenance of prescribed burns and chemical spot treatment coming later. Since
the park was burned recently and there is not enough fuel on the forest floor, mulching the
understory is a must to rid it of hardwoods that have grown too large to be removed with fire. In
an article posted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System covering costs and trends in
forestry management, we can expect to pay close to $3,000 in preparing the understory to return
Knoll Park into a native longleaf pine ecosystem. This price covers having a forestry mulcher
come in and clear the understory, followed with chemical treatment and having a prescribed burn
to prepare the understory in planting native warm season grasses. Longleaf pine stands tend to
have a blend of native warm season grasses. Given Knoll Parks soil content, it is recommended
that a blend of Big Bluestem, Indiangrass, and Little Bluestem get planted. After averaging the
prices of these grasses, it is estimated to cost roughly $435 to plant these grasses. With proper
management at Knoll Park, this will only need to be a one-time purchase. Filling in the
ornamental perimeter will be the final step. After walking the park and looking at the current and
former plants that were once active. Seven species of plants have been selected based on
appearance and survival rates to fill in the perimeter. Repairs to the irrigation system will also
need to be carried out to help these plants survive. Ordering the same number of these plants as
the original plan, including the irrigation repairs, will cost roughly $468.
With proper management of the park and following a consistent schedule, Knoll Park can
once again be the sandhill longleaf pine stand that it once was. This will not be a change that
happens overnight, but within a few short years, the park can once again be a beloved location
between downtown Fairhope and Mobile Bay.
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References
“Controlled Burn at Knoll Park Today.” Controlled Burn at Knoll Park Today,
thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com/2023/07/controlled-burn-at-knoll-park-today.html.
Accessed 27 Mar. 2024.
Dyson, David S., Alabama Registered Forester #2152; Management Plan for the Knoll
Park Longleaf Pine Sandhill Restoration Project, Prepared for The City of
Fairhope, March 19, 2013.
Graves, Jordan. “Using Herbicides - Management Minute Video.” Alabama Cooperative
Extension System, www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry/using-herbicides-management-
minute-video/. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Hatch, Nathan S., et al. Uneven-Aged Management of Longleaf Pine: An Often Overlooked
Option for Landowners. Alabama Extension Services, 6 Dec. 2018,
https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry/uneven-aged-management-of-longleaf-pine-an-
often-overlooked-option-for-
landowners/#:~:text=Mulching%20can%20quickly%20reduce%20dense,to%20begin%20t
he%20regeneration%20process.
Hisaka, Mizuki. “Forestry Mulching: Can You Hack It? The Pros, Cons, and Costs.” Angi, Angi,
6 Mar. 2024, www.angi.com/articles/forestry-mulching.htm.
Kaeser, M. J., and L. K. Kirkman. Field and Restoration Guide to Common Native Warm-Season
Grasses of the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at
Ichauway, www.jonesctr.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/warm_season_grass_guide.pdf.
“Knoll Park - Fairhope, Alabama.” Landscape Architects Fairhope, Daphne, Mobile, Gulf
Shores, AL - Espalier, LLC, www.espalierdesign.com/knoll-park-fairhope-alabama.
Accessed 27 Mar. 2024.
“Longleaf Pine Forests—a Southern Treasure.” The Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org/en-
us/what-we-do/our-priorities/protect-water-and-land/land-and-water-stories/longleaf-
pine-restoration/.
Maggard, Adam and Natzke, Jeremy. “Costs & Trends of Southern Forestry Practices
2022.” Alabama Cooperative Extension System,
www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry/costs-trends-of-southern-forestry-practices-2022/.
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McBride, E.H.; Burgess, L.H. 1964. Soil Survey of Baldwin County, Alabama. USDA Soil
Conservation Service, Washington, DC 110 p.
Minogue, Patrick J., et al. “Controlling Hardwoods in Longleaf Pine Restoration.” EDIS, vol.
2007, no. 20, 19 Nov. 2007, https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fr181-2007.
Rogers, Ted. “Native Grasses: Are They Right for Your Lawn?” Lawnstarter, 18 July 2019,
www.lawnstarter.com/blog/lawn-care-2/native-grasses-are-they-right-for-your-lawn/.
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CITY OF FAIRHOPE
AGENDA MEMORANDUM Item ID: 2024-369
FROM: Hannah Noonan, HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: Discussion of the City of Fairhope Employee Personnel Handbook
Revisions 2024
AGENDA
DATE:
May 13, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Hannah Noonan, Human Resources Director to discuss with Council the City of
Fairhope Employee Personnel Handbook Revisions 2024.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
BUDGET IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE:
GRANT:
LEGAL IMPACT:
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION:
Page 80 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
1
• 1.D, Employment for Classified Positions
o Establishes that request to fill vacant position must be approved by HR Director, Treasurer, and
Mayor
o Establishes that applications will be “active” for 6 months for civilian positions and 12 months for
Public Safety. “Active” means that the eligibility list may be used to fill additional vacancies of
the same classification for the period defined based on the type of job.
o Establishes that the City complies with Department of Homeland Security & E-Verify by
confirming eligibility to work in US upon hire.
o Establishes that the City is drug-free & tobacco-free workplace.
• 1.E, Probationary Employees
o Establishes that employees may use sick leave during initial probationary period
o Establishes 6-month probationary period for civilian positions, and 12-month probationary period
for Sworn Officers
o Establishes that additional pay opportunities may be available during or after completion of
probation so long as it was approved at the time of hire on appropriate internal forms.
• 1.F, Reemployment of Former Employees
o Establishes that if an employee is rehired within 180 days of separation, they may return at the
same relative pay rate (same grade, same rate subject to any COLAs applied in the separation
period)
o Establishes that the employee will be considered a new employee for all purposes except any
vested retirement service with RSA, in which case would follow RSA rules.
Page 81 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
2
• 2.A, Wage & Salary Administration
o Establishes that Mayor has final authority over offer rate for newly hired employees which will
not exceed midpoint of assigned range. Mayor has final authority over offer rate for promoted
employee which may exceed midpoint of assigned range but may not exceed maximum of assigned
range or amount budgeted.
o Confirms Ordinance 1635, 1738 establishing additional pay opportunity for obtaining CDL or
specialized certification/training will be effective for hourly employees on the first of the pay
period following completion of requirements.
o Includes Marina Staff as eligible to receive tips and required to report such income.
• 2.B, Attendance
o Confirms concept of existing Attendance policy but moves to a 52-week lookback period rather
than a calendar year.
o Moves to addressing unplanned absences, rather than excused or unexcused absences, since the
lack of planning causes more of a hardship on department operations rather than the classification
of excused or unexcused.
o Establishes that determination of excused status is at the discretion of the Department Head in
consultation with HR Director
• 2.C, Work Hours and Time Records
o Establishes that exempt personnel must advise designated employees of any absences so that the
timecards may be reflected accurately.
• 2.D, Breaks and Lunch Periods
o Establishes responsibility of employee and supervisor/Department Head to report an interrupted
unpaid break to Payroll Administrator so that the notation may be entered on the timecard
o Confirms Ordinance 1617 which establishes that certain hourly employees will have lunch breaks
automatically deducted from their timecards, and establishes responsibility of employee to report
any interruptions of the unpaid break to their supervisor/Department Head
• 2.E, Working Before/After Regular Hours
o New policy which ensures consistency in best practice
• 2.F, Overtime
o Confirms Ordinance 1573 establishing overtime practices
• 2.G, Compensatory Time
o Increases limit to 64 hours for 2080 employees and to 96 hours for 2184 employees. In recent
years due to staffing shortages, opportunities to use vacation time or compensatory time for time
off have been limited and have pushed employees to max out on accrued time
• 2.H, On-Call and Stand-By Employees
o Revises Ordinance 1662 which establishes on-call pay for designated employees
o Establishes that beginning 10/01/24, there will be differentiation between on-call and stand-by
designation for certain classifications/roles/departments within the City.
o Confirms that employees on stand-by must reside within police jurisdiction to ensure timely
response. Also confirms the pay structure for employees on stand-by will remain as 8 hours at 1.5
times base rate for each day on stand-by or the actual time worked, whichever is greater, for
weekend & holiday
o Establishes a per diem of $100 per week that an employee is on-call to be available if needed
during non-business hours. Employees responding to a call during this time frame will be paid for
the actual time worked, and the pay will be in accordance with Policy 2.I, Emergency Call-In.
• 2.I, Emergency Call-In
o Revision to align with 2.H, On-Call and Stand-By Employees. Will revise what was adopted in
Ordinance 1662
• 2.J, Hurricane Operations Plan for City Employees
Page 82 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
3
o New policy adopted in Ordinance 1755
• 2.K, Additional Pay During
o Establishes ability to apply administrative pay for a whole or partial day to those employees who
are directed not to report to work due to a declared emergency
o Establishes premium pay rate for exempt employees on duty during a declared emergency if
exempt staff required to work an abnormal schedule. Pay will be at a calculated hourly rate and is
capped at 8 hours per 24-hour period. Mayor may allow exempt employee to accrue vacation time
in lieu of additional pay capped at 8 hours per 24-hour period. Any additional vacation time must
be used within 180 days of emergency event.
o Establishes premium pay rate for non-exempt employees on duty during a declared emergency if
working in traditional role. No additional pay if assigned to alternative duties. If working
traditional role during declared emergency, will be paid 1.5 times base hourly rate for duration of
regularly scheduled shift. If an employee works longer than regularly scheduled shift, will be paid
2 times the base hourly rate for additional hours. Overtime will be determined based on regular
threshold and rate will be adjusted accordingly.
o Establishes that any employee assigned to provide mutual aid to another agency will be paid in
accordance with that agency’s pay policies.
o Each of the portions of the policy ensure FEMA reimbursement of wages during the declared
emergency and during mutual aid. Also provides incentives to employees to report to work as
required during a declared emergency, and to remain competitive with other government/utility
agencies in the area.
• 2.N, Military Leave Pay
o New policy to remain in compliance with federal law
• 2.O, Pay Periods & Direct Deposit
o Confirms Ordinance 1687 defining Part Time employment and establishes lookback period to
monitor part time hours worked
o Establishes that direct deposit will be mandatory for all pay periods and establishes procedure for
submitting a direct deposit change request
• 2.Q, Safe Harbor Policy
o New Policy establishing the good-faith effort of the City to pay all employees in accordance with
state and federal law.
• 2.R, Garnishments & Levies
o New Policy establishing that the City will garnish wages when directed.
Page 83 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
4
• 3.A, Equal Employment Opportunity
o Expansion of policy based on sample provided. Elaborates on forbidden types/forms of harassment
and sexual harassment. Expands protected classes to include pregnancy, childbirth, and other
related medical conditions.
o Expands on sexual harassment prohibitions and obligations of all employees. Will request
inclusion of harassment of sexual orientation & gender identification as prohibited forms of
harassment
o Expands on complaint procedure and investigation procedure
• 3.E, Workplace Violence Prevention
o New Policy to remain consistent with best practices
• 3.F, Americans with Disabilities (ADA)
o New Policy to remain compliant with federal regulations
• 3.G, Pregnancy Non-Discrimination
o New Policy to remain compliant with federal regulations
• 3.H, Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPPA)
o New Policy to remain compliant with federal regulations
• 3.J, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
o Expanded Policy to remain compliant with federal regulations. Relocating to “IV Leave Policies”
o Will also require employee to use any available sick leave accrued before using vacation or
compensatory time during the approved leave period
• 3.K, Whistleblower Protection
o New Policy to remain compliant with federal regulations
• 3.L, Uniformed Services Employment & Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
o New Policy to remain compliant with federal regulations
Page 84 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
5
• 4.C, Dress Code
o Establishing examples of unprofessional clothing/fashion. Establishing outlines for “casual
Friday” dress. Reminder to employees to be mindful of the nature of their job when discerning
what to wear to work
• 4.E, Worksite Standards
o New Policy to remain consistent with best practices
• 4.I, Travel Expense Reimbursement
o Confirms Ordinance 1739 with minor additions to the structure
• 4.K, Personal Property
o New Policy to remain consistent with best practices
• 4.L, Use of City Property
o New Policy to remain consistent with best practices
• 4.O.IV, Solicitation
o Establishing process for requesting to be on City premises for solicitation purposes
• 4.P, Inclement Weather
o New Policy to remain consistent with best practices
• 4.Q, Cross-Training
o New Policy to remain consistent with best practices
• 4.R, Promotions
o Establishes pay structure following promotion to a job classification assigned to a higher grade.
Promotion pay will be 5%-10% above the current rate of pay, or the minimum of the new grade,
whichever is greater. Pay will must be approved by Mayor.
o Establishes that exceptions are to be considered where an increase of more than 10% may be
warranted but these exceptions must be approved by the Mayor
• 4.T, Transfers
o Establishes that a “transfer” is defined as a move between two classifications which are assigned
to the same pay grade.
o Establishes the effective date of transfer must be the beginning of a pay period, and that the
employee is required to provide a notice to their current Department Head.
o Establishes that the notice period may be shorter or longer to ensure the transfer occurs at the
beginning of a pay period and to ensure no undue hardship on City operations
• 4.U, Temporary Assignments
o Establishes that the Mayor may temporarily assign an employee to a vacant role within the City
and may assign a temporary pay rate of the Mayor feels it is appropriate based on the nature of the
temporary assignment.
o Establishes that additional, temporary pay may be granted with the Mayor’s approval if the
temporary assignment will last longer than 15 consecutive working days
Page 85 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
6
• 5.B, Notice for Individuals Declining Health Coverage
o Revising Ordinance 1691, 1760 to remain compliant with federal regulations
• 5.D, Identification Cards
o Revising Ordinance 1691, 1760 to remain compliant with federal regulations and consistent with
best practices
• 5.E, Annual Enrollment/Transfer Period
o Revising Ordinance 1691, 1760 to remain compliant with federal regulations and consistent with
best practices
• 5.F, Benefit Premiums/Payroll Deductions
o Revising Ordinance 1691, 1760 to remain compliant with federal regulations and consistent with
best practices
• 5.H, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)
o Establishes that Human Resources is the point of contact for COBRA eligibility questions.
o Establishes that medical coverage at the group rate is not applicable to an employee who elects
COBRA due to expiration of a qualifying leave of absence. Ensures consistency with terms of the
medical plan
• 5.I, Life Insurance Benefits
o Confirms Ordinance 1691
• 5.J, Change in Status
o Revising Ordinance 1691, 1760 to remain compliant with federal regulations
• 5.K.4, Retirement Benefits
o Establishes retirement benefit qualification standards adopted in Ordinance 1760
• 5.L, Disability Retirement
o Confirms Ordinance 1691, 1760
• 5.M, Disability Insurance
o Revision to remain consistent with best practices
• 5.O, Longevity Pay
o Confirming Ordinance 1734
• 5.P, Incentives for Recruiting New Employees
o Confirming Ordinance 1782
Page 86 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
7
• 6.A.5, Official Holidays
o Revising Ordinance 1780 and establishing an opportunity for employees to opt out of taking Mardi
Gras day as a Holiday if they are assigned to work Special Events during the pay period so as not
to lose overtime opportunities.
o Establishes that the employee must submit an official request which is subject to a deadline and
approval by the Department Head. Department Head must ensure work is available for the
employee regardless of whether other City operations are open or closed.
o Employees will have opportunity to use 8 hours of Holiday pay on another day within six (6)
months of Mardi Gras Day.
• 6.B, Vacation Leave
o Establishes that employees will be eligible to begin using accrued vacation time after completion
of their six- or 12-month probationary period rather than after 12 months of employment.
o Establishes a new accrual rate for employees at 6-10 years of employment. Ensures
competitiveness with other local agencies and provides incentives for employees to remain with
City during a crucial period of their tenure in an effort to reduce turnover
o Establishing no vacation leave advances
o Establishing vacation buy-back option on a quarterly basis which includes eligibility requirements,
timeframe for payroll processing, and conditions for buy-back
o Due to the staffing crisis of recent years, many employees have been unable to take full advantage
of accrued vacation time and have lost unused time.
• 6.C, Sick Leave
o Confirms eligibility to use for employees who are still in a probationary status
o Expands on General Requirements to require a minimum of 30-minute notice for use of sick leave,
and states that after an exhaustion of accrued sick leave that vacation leave or time without pay
will be applied
o Expands on Requirements for Extended Use to require a medical report to return to work if using
sick time for 3+ days and states that the employee may qualify for FMLA after 3 days
o Establishes definition of Fraudulent Use and its consequences
o Requires use in 1-hour increments
• 6.D, Bereavement Leave
o Establishing step-relations as qualifying as immediate family and 24 hours of bereavement leave.
o Clarifies that Bereavement Leave is available in 24- or 8- hour increments to align with various
work schedules in the City
• 6.G, Political Leave of Absence
o Establishing that an unpaid leave of absence is required of any employee who wishes to run for
political office in accordance with Code of Alabama 1975
Page 87 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
8
• 7.D, Disability
o New Policy to remain compliant with federal regulations
• 7.E, Death
o New Policy to remain consistent with best practices
Page 88 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
9
• 8.A, Progressive Discipline Procedures
o Renames first step in Progressive Discipline from Verbal Warning to Employee Counseling
o Revision to remain consistent with best practices
• 8.C, Suspensions Without Pay
o Establishing that the Department Head will determine the date(s) of suspension and provides
limitations to the length of time between approval by Mayor and suspension date(s)
• 8.H, Limitations on Disciplinary Appeals
o Establishing limitations for appeals topics to only allow an appeal hearing for changes in
employment status or pay rate.
o Law Enforcement PGOs referenced are out of date and no longer used.
Page 89 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
10
• 9.A, Ethical Conduct
o New Policy to remain compliant with state regulations
• 9.B, Statement of Economic Interests
o New Policy to remain compliant with state regulations
• 9.D, Secondary Employment
o Establishes guidelines for secondary employment/moonlighting to ensure employment with City
remains a priority
• 9.E, Nepotism
o Expands on current policy to establish limitations if relatives are to be employed by the City.
o Establishing a “grandfathered” clause and an exception to be approved by Mayor. Will request that
“exemption” will not be considered if existing relatives apply for transfer or promotion to the
relative’s department
Page 90 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
11
• 10.D, Transitional Duty
o New Policy to remain consistent with best practice
o Also known as “light duty”, establishes procedures and guidelines when considering transitional
duty following an accident on injury which occurred on the job.
Page 91 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
12
• 11.A, Alcohol & Drugs, Drug-Free Workplace Policy
o Expands on existing guidelines to remain in compliance with current Workers’ Compensation
Carrier requirements for a Drug-Free workplace. Ensures continued discount due to Drug &
Alcohol program
o Establishes standards to remain in compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Participation is mandatory for any agency who employes CDL drivers
• 11.I, Personnel Board
o Adopted in Ordinance 1573, Revised in Ordinance 1612
Page 92 of 103
Employee Personnel Handbook – Revision Summary for Council (Detail)
13
• 12, Use of City Vehicles
o Expanding from original policy, Adopted in Ordinance 1618
• 12.D, Assignment of Vehicles
o Confirms Ordinance 1618
Page 93 of 103
CITY OF FAIRHOPE
AGENDA MEMORANDUM Item ID: 2024-367
FROM: Erik Cortinas, BUILDING OFFICIAL
SUBJECT: Discussion of Schedule of Fees for Construction and Building
Permits
AGENDA
DATE:
May 13, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Discussion of Schedule of Fees for Construction and Building Permits.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
BUDGET IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE:
Account No. Account Title Current Budget Cost Available
Budget
$___ $___ ($____)
GRANT:
LEGAL IMPACT:
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION:
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up:
Individual(s) responsible for follow up:
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or
emailed):
Page 94 of 103
ORDINANCE NO. ______
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 1599,
CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ALTER THE SCHEDULE OF FEES
FOR CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING PERMITS.
WHEREAS, The City of Fairhope desires to ensure proper construction standards are utilized
to provide for adequate health, public safety, and welfare of our citizens; and,
WHEREAS, The City of Fairhope desires to be competitive in the user fees charged so as to
adequately cover the expenses incurred by the City in enforcing established construction
standards;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE,
ALABAMA:
1. THAT, the following schedule of user charges are hereby adopted:
New Construction Permit Fees
Fees residential commercial
Building Permit Fee
$5.00 per $1000.00 of project value
(min $25.00)
$6.00 per $1000.00 of project value
(min $100.00)
($1.00 per $1000.00 of value additional
fee for non-residential construction in
compliance with Alabama Act 2015-
308)
Electrical Permit Fee $75.00 $1.00 per $1000 of value (min $100.00)
Temporary Elect. Fee $25.00 $25.00
Plan Review Fee
$75.00
(additional $150.00 per revision
submitted after a permit has been
issued)
$2.50 per $1000.00 of value (additional
$250.00 per revision submitted after a
permit had been issued)
Plumbing Permit Fee $75.00
$1.00 per $1000.00 of value (min
$100.00)
Mechanical Permit Fee $75.00
$1.00 per $1000.00 of value (min
$100.00)
Security/Structured Wire/
Fire Alarm stand-alone
permit $25.00
$ .50 per $1000.00 of value (min
$25.00)
Fire Suppression hood
(stand-alone project) N/A $1.00 per $1000.00 of value
Sprinkler System $50.00 $1.00 per $1000 of value
Sewer Tap Inspection Fee $25.00 $50.00
Gas Permit Fee See fees in Ordinance 1701 See fees in Ordinance 1701
Plan Review Fee
$50.00
(For informal reviews with no
contractor of record listed, a review
fee of $200.00 will be charged)
$2.50 per $1000.00
(For informal reviews with no contract,
fee will be charged at calculated rate
with construction costs determined by
ICC Building Code Valuation Tables)
(For projects sent for 3rd party review,
the review fee shall be either the cost of
the review or the standard charge of
$2.50/$1000, whichever is greater)
Page 95 of 103
Fence Permit Fee
$5.00 per $1000.00 of value (min
$25.00)
$5.00 per $1000.00 of value (min
$25.00)
Sign Permit Fee N/A
$5.00 per $1000.00 of value (min
$25.00)
Demolition Permit Fee $25.00 $25.00
Reinspection Fees
$100.00 for the first reinspection, $200.00 for the second reinspection, $300.00
for the third reinspection. All fees must be paid in person at the Building
Department.
Swimming Pool Fees $50.00 $100.00 $100.00 $250.00
Roofing Permit Fee
$5.00 per $1000.00 of value (min
$25.00)
$5.00 per $1000.00 of value (min
$25.00)
Name of electrical contractor and electrical permit required for issuance of Swimming Pool Permit
Fine for continuing work
without approved
inspections
$500.00 per occurrence as determined by the Building Official.
Remodeling Permit Fees
Fees
Project value
$0.00 - $5,000.00
Project Value
$5,001.00 - $20,000.00
Building Permit Fee $25.00
$6.00 per $1000.00 of value
($1.00 per $1000.00 of value additional
fee for non-residential construction in
compliance with Alabama Act
2015-308)
Electrical Permit Fee $25.00 $35.00
Temporary Elect. Fee $25.00 $25.00
Plumbing Permit Fee $25.00 $35.00
Mechanical Permit Fee $25.00 $35.00
Sewer Tap Inspection Fee $25.00 $25.00
Gas Permit Fee See fees in Ordinance 1701 See fees in Ordinance 1701
Fees $20,001.00 - $50,000.00 $50,001.00 - above
Building Permit Fee
$5.00 per $1000.00
$6.00 per $1000.00
($1.00 per $1000.00 of value additional
fee for non-residential construction in
compliance with Alabama Act
2015-308)
Electrical Permit Fee $50.00 new construction rates
Temporary Elect. Fee $25.00 new construction rates
Plumbing Permit Fee $50.00 new construction rates
Mechanical Permit Fee $50.00 new construction rates
Sewer Tap Inspection Fee $25.00 new construction rates
Gas Permit Fee See fees in Ordinance 1701 See fees in Ordinance 1701
Right of Way Permit Fee See fees in Ordinance 1757 See fees in Ordinance 1757
Page 96 of 103
Building Moving Permit Fees
Building Moving Permit $50.00
Required Police Escort $300.00 (minimum)
Required Utility
Department Work $120.00 per hour (minimum of 3 hours)
Regulations governing the moving of existing buildings are outlined in City Ordinance 1035
A convenience fee for all credit cards charges may apply and will be assessed directly by the credit
card processing vendor.
Waiver of Permit Fees
Permit fees may be waived at the discretion of the Mayor for projects including, but not limited to:
• projects providing public infrastructure or facilities specifically for use by the citizens of
Fairhope;
• non-profit 501c3 organizations that are non-discriminatory and non-political in nature that
are performing work for citizens in need, and that will not be offered for sale;
• Required repairs that occur due to a natural disaster may have the fees waived at the
discretion of the Fairhope City Council, to be determined at the time of such event.
FINES AND PENALTIES
Where work for which a permit is required by this Code is started or proceeds prior
to obtaining a permit, the fees herein specified shall be doubled, but the payment of such
double fees shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the requirements of this
Code in the execution of the work nor from any other penalties prescribed herein.
Fine for continuing work without approved inspections (relocated from another section)
Fine for beginning or continuing work without approved inspections of
$500.00 per occurrence as determined by the Building Official. After the 2nd documented case, all
further permit applications from that contractor will be denied until the case has been adjudicated by
the Fairhope Municipal Court.
Fine for submitting incorrect contractors on a permit application
$100.00 fine per occurrence if an inspection is scheduled and performed with an incorrect
subcontractor listed on the permit. There will be no fine or charge if a contractor changes and the
information is submitted to the Building Department prior to any inspection being performed.
Occupying a Structure without a Certificate of Occupancy
A fine of $500.00 will be assessed if a homebuilder or owner builder allows a structure to be occupied
prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. After the 3rd documented case of a builder
allowing this to occur, all further building permit applications from that builder will be denied until
the case has been adjudicated by the Fairhope Municipal Court.
Refund Policy
Building Permit fees of $250.00 or greater may be refunded within 180 days of the expiration of the
permit if no work has taken place. The refund policy only applies to primary building permit and
Impact Fees, and a written request to refund the fees and void the permit must be submitted in
writing by the permit applicant. An administrative fee of $50.00 will be deducted from the amount of
the refund to be issued.
Page 97 of 103
2. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, If any subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this
ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this ordinance.
3. EFFECTIVE DATE, This ordinance shall take effect upon its due adoption and
publication as required by law.
ADOPTED THIS 13TH DAY OF MAY 2024
_________________________________
Corey Martin, Council President
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Lisa A. Hanks, MMC
City Clerk
ADOPTED THIS 13TH DAY OF MAY 2024
_________________________________
Sherry Sullivan, Mayor
Page 98 of 103
ORDI ANCE NO. 1599
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 1586,
C ODE OF ORDINANCES TO ALTER THE SCHEDULE OF FEES
FOR CONST R UCT IO N AND BUILDING PERMrTS.
WHEREAS, The C ity of Fairhope desires to ensure proper co nstru c ti on standards are utilized t o
provide for adeq uate hea lth , publi c safety, and welfare of o ur c itizen s; and,
WHEREA S, The City of Fairhope des ires to be com petitiv e in th e user fees c harged so as to
adeq uately cover th e ex pen ses in c urred by th e C ity in enforcing esta bli s hed con stru c ti on s tanda rds ;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY T H E C ITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA:
I . THAT, th e fo ll owing sc h edul e of user c harges are he re b y a do pted :
New Co nstr uction Permit Fees
Fees residential commercial
$6.00 per$ I 000.00 of project va lue (min
$100.00)
($1 .00 per$ I 000.00 of va lu e additiona l fee
$5.00 per$ I 000 .00 of project va lu e (min for no n-residential construction in
Buildin11: Pennit Fee $25.00) co moli ance with A labama Ac t 20 15-308)
Electrical Permit Fee $75.00 $1.00 oer $!000 of value (min $100.00)
Temporary Elect. Fee $25.00 $25.00
Plumbin11: Permit Fee $75.00 $1.00 per $ I 000 of value (min $ I 00.00)
Mechanical Pennit Fee $75.00 $ 1.00 oer $ I 000 o f va lu e (min$ I 00.00)
Security/Structured Wire $25.00 $ .50 oer $1000 of value (mi n $25.00)
New Co nstru ction Permit Fee s
Fees residential commercial
Sewer Tao ln=tion Fee $25.00 $50.00
Gas Permit Fee $40.00 $75.00
$2.50 per$ I 000.00
(For informa l reviews with no co ntrac t, fee
will be charged at calcu lated rate with
constructio n costs determined by ICC
Building Code Va luati o n Tab les)
$50.00 (For projects se nt for 3rd party review, the
(For infonnal review s with no contrac tor review fee sha ll be eit her the cos t of the
of record li sted, a re view fee of$200.00 review or the standard c harge of
Plan Review Fee wi II be charged) $2.50 /$1000, whi chever is grea ter)
Fence Pennit Fee $5.00 oer $ I 000.00 of va lu e (min $25.00) $5 .00 oer $ I 000.00 of va lu e (m in $25.00)
Sill:D Permit Fee NIA $5.00 per$ I 000.00 of value (min $25.00)
Demolition Permit Fee $25.00 $25.00
$ I 00.00 for the first reinspect ion, $200.00 fo r th e second reinspect io n, $300.00 for th e
Reinsoection Fees third reinspection . All fees must be paid in person at th e Building Department.
Swimmin11: Pool Fees $50.00 $100.00
Name of electrical contrac tor and elec tri ca l pennit required fo r issuance o f Swimming Pool Pennit
Page 99 of 103
Fine for continuing work $500.00 pe r occ urrence. F in e sha ll be pa id in pe rso n at th e Build in g Departm e nt
without aooroved insoections a nd co ntrac to r/ow ne r mu st co rr ec t a ll no ted de fi c ienc ies
Roofin2 Permit Fee $5.00 oer $ I 000.00 of va lu e (min $25 .00) $5 .00 oe r $1000.00 o f va lu e (min $25.00 )
Remod elin g Permit Fees
Project value Project Value
Fees $0 .00 -$5 000.00 $5 001.00 -$20 000 .00
$6.00 per $1000.00 of va lu e
($1 .00 per $1000.00 of va lu e additi ona l fee
fo r no n-res id enti a l constru cti o n in
Building Permit Fee $25.00 com pli ance with Alabama Ac t 20 15-308)
Electrical Permit Fee $25.00 $35.00
Temoorarv Elect. Fee $25.00 $25.00
Plumbin2 Permit Fee $25.00 $35.00
Mechanical Permit Fee $25.00 $35 .00
Sewer Tao lnmection Fee $25.00 $25.00
Gas Permit Fee $25.00 $25.00
Fees $20 001.00 -$50 000 .00 $50 00 I .00 -above
$6.00 per $1000.00
$5.00 pe r $ I 000 .00 ($1.00 pe r $1000.00 o f va lu e ad diti o na l fee
for non-res id e nti a l co nstru c ti on in
Building Permit Fee co mp lia nce wi th Alabama Ac t 20 15-308)
Electrical Permit Fee $50.00 new co nstru c ti o n ra tes
Temnorarv Elect. Fee $25.00 new co nstru c ti on ra tes
Plumbin2 Permit Fee $50.00 new cons tru c t ion ra tes
Mechanical Permit Fee $50.00 new co nstru c ti on ra tes
Sewer Tao lnsnection Fee $25.00 new co nstru cti on rates
Gas Permit Fee $35.00 new co nstru c ti o n rates
Building Moving Permit Fees
Buildin2 Movin2 Permit $50.00
Reauired Police Escort $300.00 (minimum )
Required Utility Department
Work $120.00 oer ho ur (minimum of 3 hours)
Regul ations gove rn ing the movi ng of ex istin g b uildi ngs a re outli ned in Ci ty Ord in ance I 035
Whe re work for which a permit is required by this Code is started or proceeded w ith prio r
to o btainin g said pe rmit, th e fees here in specifi ed sha ll be doubled , but th e pa yment of s uch
doubl e fees shall no t reli eve any persons fr o m full y compl y ing wi th the requirements of thi s
Code in the exec uti o n o f th e work nor fr o m an y other penalties presc ribed here in .
1 Page 100 of 103
2 . SEVERABJLITY CLAUSE, If an y sub sec ti on, sentence, c la use, or phrase of thi s
ordinance is for an y reaso n held to be un co nstituti ona l or o th erw ise in va lid by a co urt of
co mp etent juri sdi c ti on, such dec ision shall not a ffect th e va lidi ty of th e rema inin g porti ons
of this ordin ance .
3. EFFECTTVE DATE, This o rdin an ce s hall take effec t upon its du e ado pti o n and
publi catio n as required by law .
AD OPT ED THI S 14TH DA Y of AUGUST, 20 17
Page 101 of 103
CITY OF FAIRHOPE
AGENDA MEMORANDUM Item ID: 2024-382
FROM: Kim Creech, CITY TREASURER
SUBJECT: FY2023 Audit Review by Warren Averett
AGENDA
DATE:
May 13, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Warren Averett to present FY2023 Audit Review to Council.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
BUDGET IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE:
GRANT:
LEGAL IMPACT:
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION:
Page 102 of 103
CITY OF FAIRHOPE
AGENDA MEMORANDUM Item ID: 2024-383
FROM: Kim Creech, CITY TREASURER
SUBJECT: 6-Month Financial Review
AGENDA
DATE:
May 13, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Kim Creech, City Treasurer to present 6-Month Financial Review to Council.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
BUDGET IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE:
GRANT:
LEGAL IMPACT:
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION:
Page 103 of 103