Pre-Council & Council Meetings Oct. 26, 2026
October 26, 2026

Pre-Council Meeting - OCTOBER 26, 2026

Council discussed the Abatement Board's finding that all 55 structures are unsafe at The Park at Buckingham. Discussion also surrounded the next steps in the possible demolition process, concerns about costs to taxpayers, and an increase in police calls at the property. The council also reviewed a proposed Dutch Bros coffee shop at 832 Green Springs Highway, including traffic concerns and a request for full access onto Raleigh Avenue.


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

  • Details

    Electric Vehicle Charging Stations; A proposal to limit the locations where electric vehicle charging stations may be installed in Homewood is ready for further consideration. The item has been under review for several months. Carried Over.


    832 Green Springs Highway – Dutch Bros Coffee; A proposed Dutch Bros Coffee drive-through would require changes to two restrictions placed on the property in the 1980s. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended reducing the required landscaping buffer to the current 10-foot standard but did not recommend allowing full vehicle access onto Raleigh Avenue because of neighborhood traffic concerns. A traffic study found that the proposed business would have enough space for vehicles waiting in line and would have little impact on surrounding traffic, including during school hours. A public hearing is scheduled for November 23. Carried Over.


    The Park at Buckingham; All 55 buildings and supporting structures at the apartment complex were declared unsafe and a public nuisance by the Abatement Board following inspections that identified structural damage, water problems, electrical hazards and fire safety concerns. The property owners will receive notices giving them 60 days to correct the problems or address the unsafe structures. If the issues remain unresolved, the City Council may consider demolition following a public hearing and an additional period for appeals. Discussion also focused on potential demolition costs, responsibility for those costs and growing public safety concerns, with police reporting an increase in calls involving trespassing, drugs and other criminal activity in vacant buildings. Discussion Only.


    Public Works Vehicle Maintenance and Storage Buildings; A bid opening date of November 24, 2026, was proposed for construction of new vehicle maintenance and materials storage buildings for the Public Works Department. The projects are included in the city's approved budget and are intended to support department operations and equipment storage. Added to the Council Meeting.


    City Street Striping Authority; A proposal would allow the city engineer to approve minor street striping corrections without bringing every adjustment before the City Council. This would include correcting existing crosswalk markings or adjusting lines that separate parking areas from travel lanes. Changes involving traffic control, new crosswalks or new signs would still require council approval. Carried Over.


    Warrant Approval Ordinance; A proposed ordinance concerning the city's warrant approval process was held for additional consideration. Carried Over.


    300 Windsor Drive Fence Replacement; A request would allow an existing fence located within the public right-of-way at Windsor Drive and Hampton Drive to be replaced. The fence was originally installed following a variance granted in 2013, and the replacement would not interfere with the existing five-foot sidewalk. The property owner would need an agreement with the city allowing the fence to remain within the right-of-way. Added to the Council Meeting.


    Alabama Mutual Aid System Agreement; An agreement with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency would continue Homewood's participation in a statewide emergency response partnership. The program allows the city to assist other communities during disasters and provides a process for reimbursement of eligible expenses. Homewood has participated in the system for more than a decade, and the agreement carries no immediate cost. Carried Over.


    Mountain Brook Property Annexation; A proposed resolution would allow Homewood to consent to Mountain Brook's annexation of property currently outside Homewood's city limits. Because the two cities have overlapping police jurisdictions, state law requires Homewood's consent for this annexation process. The proposal would not change Homewood's city boundaries or affect property within the city, and officials are waiting for Mountain Brook to complete the necessary steps before moving forward. Carried Over.

Council Meeting - OCTOBER 26, 2026

venue in West Homewood, and Samford University's South Campus student housing development. The council also addressed several properties with excessive overgrowth, approved changes to parking restrictions on 18th Street and set a bid opening for Public Works storage buildings.


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

  • Details

    The Woods Outdoor Entertainment Venue; The final development plan for The Woods, a proposed golf-oriented outdoor entertainment venue in West Homewood, received approval. The project was described as a well-planned addition that will bring a new entertainment option to the area. Approved.


    Samford University South Campus Student Housing; The final development plan for Samford University's proposed South Campus student housing development received approval, allowing the university to move forward with its plans for additional student housing. Approved.


    1622 26th Avenue South Property Nuisance; Excessive vegetation and overgrowth at the property prompted a public nuisance declaration after earlier notices went unanswered. The property was reportedly going through foreclosure, and the mortgage holder requested additional time to address the problem. Approved.


    1600 Berry Road Property Nuisance; Excessive vegetation remained in the backyard despite improvements made to the front yard. The property owner explained that a tree service was scheduled to complete the remaining work on November 5 and requested additional time. The city agreed to allow the cleanup to take place before reconsidering the nuisance declaration. Carried Over.


    304 Mecca Avenue Property Nuisance; Excessive growth in the backyard remained unresolved despite notices sent beginning in August. The discussion also addressed concerns about nearby trees, but those issues were determined to be separate matters between property owners. The public nuisance declaration allows the city to arrange cleanup of the overgrown property. Approved.


    139 State Farm Parkway Property Nuisance; Excessive vegetation, overgrown landscaping, and trees growing into the street remained concerns at the former Landry's restaurant property in Wildwood. A representative of the property owner explained that the site is planned for a large medical clinic and surgery center and that landscaping work had already begun. The city requested that the entire property, including the fenced area and public right-of-way, be addressed. The owner will work with city staff to clarify expectations and complete the cleanup before the next meeting. Carried Over.


    832 Green Springs Property Hearing; A public hearing concerning the property was scheduled for November 23. No discussion of the property's specific issues took place. Carried Over.


    1625 26th Avenue South Property Nuisance; A public hearing concerning excessive vegetation at the property is scheduled for November 23. Consideration of the nuisance declaration will take place at that meeting. Carried Over.


    1316 Carr Avenue Property Nuisance; A public hearing concerning excessive vegetation at the property is scheduled for November 23. Consideration of the nuisance declaration will take place at that meeting. Carried Over.


    1616 Barry Avenue Property Nuisance; A public hearing concerning excessive vegetation at the property is scheduled for November 23. Consideration of the nuisance declaration will take place at that meeting. Carried Over.


    Property Lien Release; A resolution authorized the city to release a previously placed property lien after the applicable requirements were satisfied. Approved.


    Interchange Mowing Bid; A bid opening for interchange mowing services was discussed, with November 30 identified as the bid date. No resolution was adopted at this meeting. Carried Over.


    City Financial Vouchers; Payment vouchers covering city expenses from October 13 through October 26 were reviewed and authorized for payment. Approved.


    Public Works Vehicle and Maintenance Storage Buildings; A bid opening was set for November 24 for proposed Public Works vehicle and maintenance storage buildings. The bid process will allow the city to receive proposals for the facilities. Approved.


    300 Windsor Drive Fence Encroachment; A request to allow an existing fence to extend into the public right-of-way received approval. The fence is located along the side of the property, follows a previously approved variance, and is being replaced rather than newly installed. The existing sidewalk will not be affected, and the approval requires appropriate agreements protecting the city from liability. Approved.


    18th Street Restricted Parking; An existing ordinance restricting parking along 18th Street was rescinded. City engineering staff reviewed the location and confirmed that the required 15-foot sight line was adequate, with no safety concerns identified. Approved.


    Level 3 Communications Franchise Agreement; Amendments extending the existing telecommunications franchise agreement with Level 3 Communications, LLC, received approval. The amendments allow the company's franchise authorization with the city to continue under the updated terms. Approved.


    Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations; A proposal to limit where electric vehicle charging stations may be located within the city remained under consideration. No final action was taken. Carried Over.

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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.

BZA Meeting October 1, 2026

October 1, 2026
The Homewood Board of Zoning Adjustments approved three requests. These included new signage for a hotel at 500 Wildwood North Circle, a screened porch addition at 906 Salter Road, and home renovations at 3105 Overton Drive involving setback variances. The board also discussed property slopes, drainage and existing lot conditions as factors in the requests. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4iKyiX6

Traffic Calming Coming to Hambaugh/Dixon Avenues

September 30, 2026
Concerned about speeding or other traffic issues on your street? There is a process to look at what is happening and determine whether traffic calming measures are needed and what those measures could be. One example is now moving toward a vote. The City received traffic concerns involving Hambaugh Avenue between Columbiana Road and Dixon Avenue, and Dixon Avenue between Broadway Street and Hambaugh Avenue. Traffic data was collected and studied, and both streets qualified for traffic calming measures. The current proposal calls for speed cushions at two locations on Hambaugh Avenue and two locations on Dixon Avenue. The design also takes emergency response into consideration, allowing fire trucks to travel through the middle of the cushions. The City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal October 12, 6pm at City Hall, 2nd floor Council Chambers . View Drawings of Cushion Locations Visit Traffic Calming Page

Traffic Issues on Your Street?

September 30, 2026
Concerned about speeding or other traffic issues on your street? There is a process for looking at those concerns and determining whether something should be done and what measures may be appropriate. Traffic calming is not simply putting in a speed hump or adding a sign. It is a process that uses traffic data, engineering standards and input from several City departments to look at what is happening on a street before deciding what, if anything, should change. It starts with a resident submitting a traffic calming request identifying the location and concern. City Engineering reviews the request and collects traffic data so the street can be evaluated using the City’s standards. If the request continues through the process, it receives additional review from the Complete Streets Advisory Committee. Planning, Traffic, Police and Fire also have an opportunity to look at the request. That is important because a possible solution has to consider more than vehicle speed. Things such as the street itself, pedestrian safety, traffic patterns and emergency response can all be part of determining whether a particular measure makes sense. The mayor and the councilor representing the area also review the request before it can advance to the resident petition stage. If the location qualifies and the request continues, affected residents take part in the petition process required by the City’s traffic calming policy. Only after those steps and required approvals are completed can a location move toward an appropriate traffic calming improvement. The goal is not to assume every traffic concern has the same answer. One street may have different conditions and needs than another. The process gives the City a way to collect information, hear from the people who live in the area and determine whether a traffic calming measure is appropriate and safe. Submit a Traffic Calming Request Visit Traffic Calming Page

2027 Budget Approved

September 29, 2026
A city budget is more than a list of numbers. It’s a vital infrastructure that reflects the City’s priorities and determines how resources are used to provide services, support employees and invest in the community. On September 28, the Homewood City Council approved the City’s FY2027 budget. The General Fund is approximately $77 million and supports the day-to-day services residents rely on. Sales and property taxes provide much of the revenue, while personnel costs account for approximately $42 million. The approved budget adds three police officer positions and includes investments in street paving, stormwater projects, sidewalk repairs, replacement vehicles and equipment, and other infrastructure needs throughout the City. In addition to the revenue that supports City operations, one cent of Homewood’s sales tax is dedicated to the Homewood Board of Education. That penny is expected to generate approximately $11.5 million for Homewood City Schools this year. This was the first budget developed under Homewood’s new council-manager form of government. City Manager Cale Smith worked with department heads to identify operational needs and priorities and presented a proposed budget to the City Council. Council members then reviewed the budget through a series of public budget hearings, asked questions and made revisions before approving the final budget. The work does not end with this vote. The City plans to provide monthly reports on revenues and expenditures throughout the year, providing a clearer picture of the City’s financial position on a regular basis. City leadership will also continue evaluating ongoing expenses and revenues to work toward a sustainable budget that provides the services residents expect while responsibly managing the City’s resources. View the September 28 meeting below. View Approved Budget View All Details Inlcuding Budget Hearings
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