Homewood Approves Temporary Data Center Moratorium
June 22, 2026

The City of Homewood is committed to responsible planning and ensuring that future growth aligns with the long-term interests of the community. In connection with the proposed temporary moratorium on data center development, the City wishes to provide the following information to residents, businesses, and stakeholders. No permanent zoning regulations are being adopted through this ordinance.


Currently, the City of Homewood has no pending applications for the development of a data center. The proposed ordinance is a temporary measure intended to provide the City with adequate time to evaluate and prepare for the potential impacts of this emerging land use and to ensure that future development is consistent with the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.


The City is currently engaged in a comprehensive review of its Comprehensive Plan and recognizes the importance of establishing thoughtful policies and regulations that address evolving development trends. During the moratorium period, the City intends to study and develop standards and regulations specifically applicable to data center facilities. The purpose of this review is to determine whether zoning, operational, buffering, infrastructure, or other development standards should be adopted before such facilities are considered within the City.


The City's review will focus on several key considerations, including:

• Infrastructure planning and long-term capacity;

  • Utility demands and potential impacts on public services;

  • Compatibility with existing and future land uses;

  • Preservation of the character and quality of life within the community; and


The temporary moratorium will provide the opportunity for careful evaluation and informed decision-making. During this period, City staff and the Planning Commission will study potential regulations applicable to data center facilities and will present any proposed zoning or development standards through the City's normal public review process. Residents, property owners, businesses, and other stakeholders will have opportunities to review proposed regulations, provide comments, and participate in public meetings before any permanent zoning regulations are considered for adoption by the City Council. The City intends to work collaboratively with the Planning Commission and to encourage public engagement throughout this process to ensure that any future regulations reflect the needs and priorities of the Homewood community.


This temporary action is a proactive planning measure and should not be interpreted as opposition to economic development or technological investment. Rather, it reflects the City's commitment to responsible growth, sound infrastructure planning, and the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of its residents.


More

Planning Commission Nov. 3, 2026

November 4, 2026
The Homewood Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of Samford University's proposed 280 space parking project along Shelburne Lane that lines Saulter Road. Neighbors raised concerns about stormwater runoff, tree removal, lighting, noise and construction, while Samford outlined plans to reduce those impacts. The commission also approved plans to divide an office building at Brookwood Place into two condominium units and a covered porch addition at 145 South Pointe Drive. Agenda: https://bit.ly/47SNbjw

Parking Changes on 18th Street

October 30, 2026
Parking changes on 18th Street! The Homewood City Council approved changes to parking restrictions for the three spaces right in front of the Trak Shak and Oak Hill Grill. These spaces have long had parking restrictions Monday through Friday from 8am to 5:30pm. Now, parking will be allowed during those hours.  The 15 foot 'no parking' area near the intersection will remain in place to help drivers safely pull out of the alley

Christina's Trail & New Pavilion Unveiled

October 29, 2026
The City of Homewood unveiled Christina’s Trail and a new pavilion along the Shades Creek Trail near the soccer fields. Christina Chambers was an avid runner and a big part of Homewood’s running community. In her memory, the City also decorated the parking spot she used each time she came to run. Her family shared words of remembrance about Christina and what this community meant to her. The new pavilion brings a much needed addition to this end of the trail, providing public restrooms near the soccer fields.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Oct. 26, 2026

October 26, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - OCTOBER 26, 2026

Bringing Fresh Ideas Back to Homewood

October 22, 2026
Homewood City Manager Cale Smith joined local government leaders from across the country at the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) Annual Conference. The intent is to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore ways to better serve their communities. Throughout the conference, Smith attended sessions focused on high-performing local governments, budgeting, the challenges facing first-time city managers, and improving efficiencies in development services. General session speakers included historian Jon Meacham, leadership expert Kim Scott, and author Simon Sinek, who shared valuable perspectives on leadership, communication, and organizational culture. A highlight of the conference was reconnecting with fellow members of Smith’s Leadership ICMA cohort (pictured), a group of local government professionals committed to developing their leadership skills and strengthening their communities. It was a great opportunity to learn, build relationships, and bring fresh ideas back to Homewood as the City continues working to improve services and operations for its residents.

Discover Homewood Neighborhoods

October 13, 2026
How much do you know about the history of the neighborhood you drive through every day? There is a new way to find out. The Homewood Historic Preservation Commission has created a self guided driving tour that takes you through the people, places and neighborhoods that helped shape Homewood. The tour includes 16 audio and text stops covering Homewood’s five historic wards. You can start wherever you want and explore just one area, or take about an hour and experience the entire tour. Along the way, you will hear stories from Rosedale, West Homewood, Edgewood, Lakeshore, Mayfair and Windsor, and Hollywood. The tour includes the Rosedale Historic District, Edgewood Lake, the old Zelosophian Academy site, the Pink House, the McDaniel House, Samford University and the historic homes of Hollywood. You will also see historic photographs collected from the Homewood Public Library, Birmingham Public Library Archives and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. And you may recognize the voice telling the stories. The tour is narrated by Shelia Snoddy, known to many from her years in radio as Jill Friday. Development was funded by the City of Homewood and in part through a Historic Preservation Fund Grant in Aid from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The free tour is available through the TravelStorys app for iOS and Android and can also be explored online Learn More Here

Pre-Council & Council Meetings Oct. 12, 2026

October 12, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - OCTOBER 12, 2026

Rep. Sewell Secures $250K for Stormwater Improvements

October 7, 2026
More federal funding is coming to Homewood to address stormwater issues. U.S. Representative Terri Sewell presented a check for $250,000 to the City of Homewood. This funding was obtained through the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process and is designated for stormwater improvements. It will be used to provide upgrades and expand culvert capacity in the residential neighborhoods surrounding Edgewood Elementary School to help reduce localized street flooding and better protect nearby homes and infrastructure. This follows an earlier $1 million federal allocation from Rep. Sewell in 2024 that will be used for a drainage culvert project along Griffin Creek in the Huntington Road area. That project continues to work its way through the required process, with construction currently hoped to begin in 2027.

Planning Commission Oct. 6, 2026

October 6, 2026
The Planning Commission approved a resurvey at 215 West Valley Avenue, where a small restaurant is proposed. The Commission also considered changes for a proposed Dutch Bros too be placed at 832 Green Springs Highway, recommending approval of a reduced landscape buffer, but voting 4 to 2 against allowing full access for traffic to flow to and from Raleigh Avenue. That request now moves to the City Council for the final decision. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4zeIxYR

Animal Control Partnering w/ GBHS

October 5, 2026
Have a lost pet, need to report a stray or have a wildlife issue? There are several important changes to Homewood Animal Control services beginning Monday, October 5. REPORT A STRAY To report a stray , call Homewood Police non-emergency dispatch at 205-332-6200 . The City of Homewood, Homewood Police Department and Homewood Animal Control are partnering with Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) for these services. FIND YOUR PET If you think your animal may have been picked up by Animal Control, call the Greater Birmingham Humane Society at 205-591-6522 . Stray animals picked up in Homewood are taken to 6227 5th Ave. North in Birmingham until GBHS opens its new facility opens on Sydney Drive, and then they will be taken there. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 11:30am. GBHS is closed Sunday. Fees for picking up an animal may include $50 if the animal is unaltered, a $30 impound fee, a $20 rabies fee if proof of vaccination is not available and a $50 City fee. wildlife issues Call Complete Animal Removal at 205-208-7777 . Homewood Animal Control will not respond to wildlife calls involving animals such as raccoons, possums, snakes, coyotes or foxes. after hours Stray animals will not be picked up after hours. If you report a stray after hours, Animal Control will handle the call the next business day.
More Posts