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Planning, Zoning, Storm Water, and Flood Management

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

Zoning Map

 

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. 

 

Alabama Department of Environmental Management Air Land and Water Permit Database

Storm Water Resources

Alabama Storm Water Association

 

Alabama Low Impact Development Handbook

Sanitary or Storm Sewer?

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

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    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.