Frequently asked questions
The following questions apply to areas of Unincorporated Jefferson County. If you live in a city or town, you will need to call your local Municipal Office or Public Works Department.
If you are calling outside of normal business hours and have a question or would like to report a problem, you can leave a message on the after hour Hotline 205-325-5792.
I have a broken or clogged storm drain. Who do I call?Call the Roads and Transportation Department if you live in Unincorporated Jefferson County 205-325-5157. If you live in a city or town, call your local Public Works Department.
The storm drain cover is missing or broken. Who do I call?If you live in Unincorporated Jefferson County, call the Roads and Transportation Department 205-325-5157. If you live in a City or Town, call your local Public Works Department.
Help! My yard/street is flooding!Contact the Roads and Transportation Department to report flooding 205-325-5157.
My neighbor is diverting water onto my property. What can I do? This is a civil matter between property owners.
Help! My yard/street is flooding!Contact the Roads and Transportation Department to report flooding 205-325-5157.
How do I get rid of old medicines or pharmaceuticals? There are a few options, but DO NOT FLUSH prescription drugs down the toilet.
Show how
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- Take drugs out of their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance, such as kitchen waste and discard in household garbage.
- Safely dispose of unused medicines during the biannual National Prescription Drug Take Back Days. Find the nearest location in your area
Is there a local electronic recycling program in Jefferson County?Yes, there are several local options:
- Keep Birmingham Beautiful offers two FREE Electronic Recycle Day events annually – May and October. Click here for more information.
- Alabama Environmental Council’s Downtown Recycling Center allows you to drop off certain items. Go to website
- Technical Knockout accepts various items Go to website
How do I get rid of materials such as: batteries, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning products, motor oil? How do I dispose of old paint?My neighbor is disturbing … the soil, that is, and making a mess. Who can I call?Call the Storm Water Management Department at 205-325-8741 to discuss your particular situation.
I have questions about what I can build on my property. Who do I call to find out what is allowed?Contact the Land Planning and Development Services Department for a zoning approval 205-325-5638
I am putting in a garden. Do I need a permit? Jefferson County regulations do not require a permit for installing a home garden.
Do I need a permit to cut down trees on my property? Call the Storm Water Management Department at 205-325-8741 to discuss your particular situation.
I am replacing a mobile home but reusing my existing septic tank. What do I need to do?First call the Jefferson County Department of Health 205-930-1230 to start the permitting process. Click here to view a diagram of the entire permitting process.
I have questions about what I can build on my property. Who do I call to find out what is allowed?Contact the Land Planning and Development Services Department for a zoning approval 205-325-5638.
A neighbor’s septic tank is leaking. Who do I call? Call the Jefferson County Department of Health at 205-930-1230
There is a sanitary sewer manhole overflowing. Who do I call?Call the Environmental Services Sewer Maintenance 24-Hour Hotline 205-942-0681.
My sink/toilets is backing up in my home, who do I call?A licensed plumber.
How do I get a Land Disturbing Permit?Please check the 'Permit Requirements' tab on our website.
I need a bond/application form for a Land Disturbing Permit. How do I get one? Please check the 'Land Disturbance' section on our website.
Why is there a storm water fee on my property bill and what is it for?Please check "What is Storm Water Fee" under the 'Home' tab on our website.
There is dirt in my street/on my property from a construction site. What do I do or who do I call? Call the Inspection Services Department if you live in Unincorporated Jefferson County 205-325-5321.
