A: To promote the conservation of public and private property values and improve the general health and safety of the community at large.

A: The ordinance prohibits parking cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, RVs, motorcycles, boats trailers, and other street legal vehicles from parking on unpaved surfaces in the front yard.

A: Yes, parking at businesses also has to be on a properly permitted and paved parking surface.

 

A: No, parking is only allowed on properly permitted driveways and each vehicle is a separate violation.

A: There are limited exceptions for emergency vehicles and person ACTIVELY ENGAGED in loading, unloading, or washing their vehicle.

A: You may park on the street where allowed. The property owner may also apply for a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, pay a fee, and submit evidence of the hardship to the Board in a public hearing. The Board decides if and under what conditions a variance will be issued to allow parking in the front yard.

A: A properly permitted area constructed for the purpose of accessing a parking space, and surfaced with concrete or asphalt; or surfaced with brick, concrete, or stone pavers. A driveway must be properly permitted.

A: The fine goes to the vehicle owner. If the vehicle owner is not known, the fine goes to the property owner. Ask violator(s) to move or call the Police at 328-9311.

A: Each violation is a separate offense and each ticket is $50. Additional fees may be imposed by the court. Your vehicle can be towed from any public right of way. Typically, it will not be towed from private property under this ordinance.

A: You may protest violations in court, but failure to pay may result in a summons to appear in court, followed by a warrant being issued and additional fines and/or jail.

A: Yes, this ordinance applies to front yard parking.

Reference City of Birmingham Ordinance number 10-11, section 11-8-9 for further information.