Pre-Council & Council Meetings July 13, 2026

Pre-Council Meeting - July 13, 2026

What could change with traffic calming in Homewood? The Council discussed updated rules for speed cushions and other safety measures, including new traffic and speed thresholds, plus a possible one way conversion on 29th Court South. They also discussed using opioid settlement funds to support Safe and Healthy Homewood's prevention work and property being donated by Samford University that could create new opportunities near Griffin Brook Creek.


Agenda: https://bit.ly/4falZQr

  • Details

    Budget Transfer Approach; Council received an update that the invoice has been corrected and is now in the city's name, meaning payment would go directly to Central Alabama Water rather than the contractor. Staff is checking the updated amount before moving forward. Carried Over.


    Overton Drive Pine Tree Removal; Council discussed a request to privately remove a large pine tree in an unmaintained alley behind 3107 Overton Drive. The property owner would pay for the removal, but council wants more time to review the tree's location, nearby power lines, and whether another tree could be planted in the area. Carried Over.


    Good Neighbor Pledge for Taxco; Council discussed releasing Taxco from Homewood's good neighbor pledge after the business was unable to find a larger space in the city that met its needs. The company has found space in Birmingham and needs the release before signing its new lease. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Samford University Property Donation; Council discussed a proposed donation of property at Broadway and Green Springs Highway near Griffin Brook Creek. City ownership could help with flood insurance program credits and create future beautification improvements. No action needed, dropped.


    Safe and Healthy Homewood Opioid Prevention Funding; Council discussed using about $20,000 in opioid settlement funds to support Safe and Healthy Homewood through September. The funding would help maintain prevention work after a long-term grant ended and prepare the program for expanded opioid prevention efforts in the fall. Carried Over.


    Canyon Drive Retaining Wall; Council reviewed a retaining wall that slightly extends into the public right of way at 419 Poinciana Drive. Council asked for confirmation of the wall's final location and raised concerns about placing irrigation in the right of way because of possible future sidewalk work. Carried Over.


    Compact Parking Regulations at Patriot Park; Council discussed updating the city's ordinance to better define a compact vehicle so two compact parking spaces near Patriot Park can be enforced. The spaces are intended to improve visibility for drivers and children crossing the street. Carried Over.


    29th Court South One-Way Conversion; City Engineer Amy Zari discussed making 29th Court South one way from Central Avenue to Crescent Avenue because vehicles parking on both sides leave little room for two-way traffic. Nearby property owners and businesses were contacted, and no opposition was reported. Carried Over.


    Traffic Calming Policy; City Engineer Amy Zari  provided updates to the city's traffic calming policy, including online-only requests, clearer data standards, new traffic volume and speed thresholds, and a higher petition approval requirement. The changes also clarify when signage, police enforcement, or physical measures such as speed cushions may be considered, with police and fire input required for vertical devices. Carried Over.


    Public Records Request Policy; City Clerk Bo Seagrist provided an update to modernize how public records requests are handled and how fees are charged. The current policy is based largely on page-by-page record. Carried Over.


    Friends of Shades Creek Grant Support; Council discussed supporting a Friends of Shades Creek grant application to improve about 4,000 feet of Shades Creek. The city's resolution would show support for the grant application. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Homewood Fire Department Grant; Council discussed accepting a $5,000 grant for Homewood Fire Department equipment. The department has plans for the funding, and the grant must be used for its intended public safety purpose. Added to the Council Meeting.

Council Meeting - July 13, 2026

The Council approved a repaving parking lot project on Oxmoor Road, the old Waffle House, with work expected to begin before the end of July, and also supported work aimed at creating safer salamander pools in the Homewood Forest Preserve. New budget rules were also approved to require material budget changes to come before the Council by ordinance, adding another layer of transparency. 


Agenda: https://bit.ly/3SLPQHx

  • Details

    Virginia Drive Alley Vacation; Council approved vacating a portion of an unnamed alley next to 200 Virginia Drive. Previous discussion with neighbors helped answer concerns about drainage access and confirmed there were no utility issues. Approved.


    Morse Boulevard Alley Vacation; Council approved vacating a 20-foot public alley between 115 and 117 Morse Boulevard. Approved.


    Money Measure Ordinance; Council repealed an outdated rule tied to the city's former council committee structure. Officials said the rule is no longer needed under the current form of government. Approved.


    Municipal Budget Changes; Council approved a new requirement that material changes to the city's annual budget must be approved by ordinance. The change is intended to increase accountability and transparency. Approved.


    Historic Preservation Commission Ordinance; Council updated the Historic Preservation Commission ordinance to align with the city's current form of government. Approved.


    Homewood Forest Preserve Vernal Pools; Council approved right-of-way access for possible work to create or improve vernal pools in the Forest Preserve. The project is intended to provide better habitat for salamanders and reduce the need for them to cross the road to reach pools on Samford property if grant funding is received. Approved.


    25th Court South Rezoning; Council continued consideration of rezoning the western portion of 1830 25th Court South to make the property consistent with the zoning of most of the lot. Carried Over.


    Rumson Road and Yorkshire Drive Traffic Improvements; Council reviewed proposed yield signs and pavement markings at the Rumson Road and Yorkshire Drive intersection. The ordinance would also prohibit parking around the traffic island. Carried Over.


    405 Woodville Lane Public Nuisance; Council will consider declaring the property at 405 Woodville Lane a public nuisance at its July 27 meeting. Carried Over.


    Surplus City Property; Council declared miscellaneous city vehicles and furniture as surplus property, allowing the city to dispose of items no longer needed for public use. Approved.


    185 Oxmoor Road Parking Lot Project; Council approved an agreement for repaving the parking lot at the old Waffle House in West Homewood. Construction is expected to begin before the end of July and could take four to six months, although the work might be completed in about 90 days. Nearby businesses will be notified about the construction and parking impacts. Approved.


    City Vouchers; Council reviewed and approved city vouchers covering June 23 through July 13. Council noted improvements in the review process and documentation of transfers. Approved.


    Good Neighbor Pledge; Council approved a Good Neighbor Pledge for DAC.SCO, which has outgrown its current needs and was unable to find a suitable walkable location in Homewood. The pledge supports the company's move to Birmingham after officials said it made a good-faith effort to remain in Homewood. Approved.


    Friends of Shades Creek Grant Application; Council approved a resolution supporting a grant application from the Friends of Shades Creek. Approved.


    Homewood Fire Department Grant; Council authorized the city manager to accept a $5,000 grant award for the Homewood Fire Department. Officials said the funding will be used for a camera. Approved.

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BZA Meeting July 9, 2026

July 10, 2026
The Board of Zoning Adjustments approved a variance for a family to build a therapeutic pool on Gran Ave. The variance allows a 105-square-foot increase in impervious surfacing. The applicant demonstrated the project would remain within the city's maximum allowable impervious surface coverage, at approximately 44.6%, while providing enough space for aquatic therapy for their son with cerebral palsy. The board denied a requested variance for a proposed condominium development on Courtney Drive after nearby residents raised concerns about traffic, alley access, and neighborhood impacts, while approving two separate requests for second story home additions on Ardsley Place and Peerless Avenue. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3SCceD3

US 31 Tunnel Closing

July 6, 2026
Beginning Monday, July 6, the U.S. 31 pedestrian tunnel near Piggly Wiggly will be closed on both ends as construction begins on a major renovation project. Construction is expected to take a few months to work on new landscaping, lighting, and other upgrades designed to create a safer and more welcoming connection for everyone walking through the area.

On-Demand Rides Now Available in Homewood

July 2, 2026
Microtransit is now available for Homewood residents, adding an on-demand option to move around our city from the Birmingham Transit Authority (BJCTA). It works just like ride sharing whereby riders will be able to request a trip through an app and get picked up nearby, with routes designed in real time to keep trips efficient and wait times low. The service provides point-to-point transportation anywhere within the city limits for just $1.50 per trip. For more details, GO HERE. How this pilot program is being funded?  The initial phase, running from July 2026 through September 2027, is fully funded through the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham , at about $792,000. This allows the city to launch the service without immediate long-term cost commitments. After that, projected annual costs are expected to be around $610,000 to $630,000, depending on how the service is adjusted according to our needs. This pilot approach gives Homewood time to see how people actually use the system, where demand is strongest, and how the service can be refined. It also keeps flexibility built in, with the ability to adjust hours, coverage, and fleet size based on real data. You can VIEW THE PRESENTATION presented to the Council on April 13, 2026.

A Safe Place to Meet

July 1, 2026
It's not just the temperatures rising this summer, online buying and selling is hot too. Which means more people are meeting strangers to complete transactions. If that's you, consider meeting at a safe location. As a reminder, the Homewood Police Department offers an official 'Community Meetup Spot' in the parking lot in their parking lot. The designated exchange area is located just to the left as you enter the parking lot and is marked by two parking spaces with green lines. It is a well lit area with security cameras, and of course, police officers all around you. This is an easy way to protect yourself and the other person.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings June 22, 2026

June 23, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - June 22, 2026

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.

Star Spangled Homewood

June 11, 2026
Star Spangled Homewood is a community fundraiser and patriotic decorating contest celebrating Homewood's Centennial and America's 250th anniversary. At the heart of this effort are three organizations that serve our community throughout the year. With a $25 donation, you can support the Homewood Police Foundation , the Homewood Fire Foundation , and the Homewood Patriot Band . Every dollar goes directly to the organization you select. In return, you will receive a commemorative Star Spangled Homewood yard sign. A second way to participate is through a decorating contest. Between now and June 26, residents, businesses, and even entire streets can put up patriotic displays in their areas. Judging will take place July 1 through July 3 with categories that include Best Home, Best Business, Best Street, and Best HWD100 Spirit, with special Homewood themed prizes awarded to the winners. To donate, register, or learn more, visit starspangledhwd.com . Questions? Connect with Ward 3 Councilor Chris Lane: chrislaneward3@gmail.com .

Comprehensive Plan

June 10, 2026
NEXT MEETING INFO: Beginning Wednesday, July 22, community meetings at the Homewood Public Library will focus on topics like growth, parks, transportation, housing, arts and culture, and economic development. The day will wrap up with a community presentation at 6:00 p.m. in the Homewood City Hall Council Chambers. On Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24, an Open Studio at the Homewood Public Library will give residents the chance to stop by, review ideas, ask questions, and share feedback. Additional topic specific meetings will also take place throughout both days.

Data Centers & Hemp Licenses

June 9, 2026
Two popular topics were discussed during the June 8 Pre-Council meeting. These were Alabama's new consumable hemp product licensing law and the possibility of a temporary moratorium related to data centers.  It is important to note that these were discussion items only. No decisions were made, and no policies were adopted on either topic. To move these forward, they would return through the public Pre-Council and Council meeting process for additional discussion and consideration before any action is taken. Data Center Moratorium The data center discussion focused on whether Homewood should consider a moratorium on data center applications while zoning regulations are reviewed. A moratorium would pause the acceptance and review of any new data center applications. There have been questions about a proposed data center project near Lakeshore Parkway. As clarification, that project is located within the City of Birmingham and is subject to Birmingham's approval process, not Homewood's. Hemp Licenses Homewood's City attorneys provided information about Alabama's recently enacted licensing system for consumable hemp products. Under state law, cities play a role in the license application process, but the ABC Board makes the final decision on whether to approve a license and enforces the laws on what can be sold under the license. There are three license categories to be considered, shown below. Municipalities can allow any number of them, all of them, or none of them: 1. Licenses for grocery stores to sell certain beverages. 2. Licenses for pharmacies to sell certain pharmacy-related products. 3. Specialty retailer licenses, which are only for package stores and standalone hemp retailers.

Pre-Council & Council Meetings June 8, 2026

June 9, 2026
Pre-Council Meeting - June 8, 2026
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