mayor zaragoza
Mayor Alberto "Butch" Zaragoza
I would like to take an opportunity to talk to our citizens about the zoning process. We follow a certain procedure and would like the public to be aware of the necessary steps to rezone their property.
Zoning is defined as the governmental regulation of the use of land. The procedure to rezone in the City of Vestavia Hills is as follows:
The owner makes application for the rezoning of a parcel of property. The zoning staff will then review the information and possibly meet with the owner to determine if the request meets the specifications of the City’s Master Plan.
Notification is sent to owners of property located within 500 feet of the boundaries of the subject property. In addition, a sign is affixed to the property indicating the date and time of said request.
On the Wednesday prior to the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the Commission will hold a regularly scheduled work session to discuss all upcoming requests. It is open to the public; however, no public input is taken except at the call of the Commission Chairman.
At a regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission, the request is presented by the City Planner. The Commission will question the applicant for any other needed information and a public hearing will then be conducted.
The Commission will make a recommendation that is incorporated into an Ordinance, which is posted in four places in the City. Notification is again sent to all property owners within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property.
Approximately five to six weeks after the Commission meeting, the City Council will consider the request at a regularly scheduled meeting and the Mayor will open the floor for a public hearing. The Council will then vote to approve or deny the request.
Please contact the zoning office if you have any questions.
We hope everyone had a great summer and wish all of our students and teachers a productive new school year.
Your mayor,
Alberto C. “Butch” Zaragoza
