General Questions
What are your operating hours?
We are open Monday thru Friday 8am-4pm, with lunch from 12pm-1pm. You may reach us at 251-649-5752. Our fax number is 251-649-5788
Where are you located?
Public Works Department 3940 Illinois Street Semmes, AL 36575
The facility is located on Illinois Street which is located between Regions Bank and the Post Office, 2 miles west of Moffett & Schillinger Road.
Parks and Right-of-Ways Questions
How do I report high grass and roadside litter?
Call 251-649-5752 and make a citizen’s request or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
How often do you cut the City’s Right-of-Ways?
We have full time crews on site every working day.
Does the City remove dead trees?
We remove dead/diseased trees located on City property or Right-of-Ways only.
Does the City inspect trees for residents that may pose a hazard?
Yes, but only if they are on the City’s Right-of-Way. Please call 251-649-5752 to submit a citizen request or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
Does the city trim, cut or remove vegetation that may pose a public hazard?
The City only removes trees, brush, bushes, or grass from the right-of-way.
What do I do if a tree limb has fallen into the street?
During business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) call the Public Works Office at 251-649-5752, after hours or weekends call 251-366-0404 or 251-442-4334 or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
Who is responsible for “street trees?”
“Street trees” are defined as trees that are located within the right-of-way. Responsibilities for street trees are divided between the city and the owner of the property adjacent to the street tree. In order to keep the City streets and sidewalks safe for the public, the City is authorized to remove dead street trees in the right-of-way and may remove street trees or limbs from street trees when, in the opinion of the Public Works Director or his/her designee, they threaten imminent danger to the public in the right-of-way, street, utility, or sidewalk. Where a street tree does not interfere with sidewalk or street traffic or pose a threat to public rights-of-way, but may pose a concern to the Owner of the adjacent properties, remediation of that tree concern shall be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. The adjacent property owner shall obtain a permit for any removal or substantial pruning of street trees, if deemed a “Heritage Tree” (See COS Ordinance 2015-04).
A street light is out or not working properly, who do I call to get it repaired?
Alabama Power repairs and maintains all city street lights. They can be contacted at 1-888-891-0938, or online at https://customerservice.southerncompany.com/Outage/Streetlight.aspx or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
Who should I call about a dead animal in the street or R.O.W.?
Call Public Works at 251-649-5752 or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided. The City does not pick up dead animals on private property.
Who should I call if the traffic signals are not working?
Call Public Works at 251-649-5752 or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
My street is too dark. Can I get a street light installed?
At this time the City only provides street lighting throughout the City limits in areas that are potential traffic hazards (intersections, sharp curves). If you would like to request a location to be lighted you may submit the request to the Public Works Department or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
Who should I contact if a stop or street/traffic sign is missing or a post is broken?
Call Public Works at 251-649-5752 or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
I have a pothole in my street or if I have a need for street repairs, who do I call?
Call Public Works at 251-649-5752. Please have the general location of the road issues available or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
Who do I call to report a drainage issue?
Call Public Works at 251-649-5752. We will determine if you are in our city limits or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
I have some tree limbs will the city pick them up?
The City of Semmes does not currently pick up tree debris or garbage. Please make arrangements to have your debris removed or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
My ditch needs cleaned/cut, will the city perform this service?
The City does maintain ditches within the City limits or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
My sewer is backed up or I have a sewer smell in my house. What can I do?
The City of Semmes does not currently have utility services. Depending on your location, you may call South Alabama Utilities or Mobile Area Water and Sewer Service (MAWSS). Visit our new Resident Portal to get more information out utility services
Where can I find information about city funded street and utility projects that are taking place in Semmes?
You may check this website under Current Capital Projects/Improvements, or call Public Works at 251-649-5752.
Where are the utilities located or near my property?
Call 811 and they will perform a utility locate for you.
I need a traffic sign installed.
Call Public Works at 251-649-5752. We will make a determination if a traffic sign is needed or visit our Action Page and fill out the form provided.
Does Public Works provide water and power services? If so, in which areas?
The City of Semmes does not currently provide water and power services. Depending on your location, MAWSS or South Alabama Utilities provide water, and Alabama Power provides electricity. Visit our new Resident Portal to get more information out utility services
Where can I dispose or recycle household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste like paint, expired medicines, solvents, fertilizer, pesticides, household cleaners, oil, batteries, computers, and televisions?
Mobile County has a recycle center on Hitt Road.
Planning Questions
Where is the Permitting Office and what are the hours of operation?
Our Permitting office is located within our Public Works Building, which is 3940 Illinois Street Semmes, AL 36575. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00AM- 4:00PM. Closed 12:00PM- 1:00PM for lunch.
How many structures may I have on a property?
There cannot be more than 2 living structures on a parcel of land.
To add a third structure would require a commercial site plan.
How do I obtain an address for my residence?
To obtain an address for a residence, call our Permitting Office at 251-649-5752.
What is the permit process for an addition to an existing home? Where can I find information regarding setbacks, height, building size, etc.
Call the Building Inspector or Permitting Clerk at 251-649-5752.
How do I get my property subdivided?
Call the Planning Department and schedule a meeting with one of the Planning Staff. They will review the procedure for subdividing property and give guidance on the necessary submittals.
What is a Right-of-Way Permit?
A Right-of-Way Permit is necessary for activities such as cutting, removing, or reconstructing curbs, curb and gutter, parkway drains, driveways, and/or sidewalks. It is also used for any non ALDOT right of way work done within the city limits. The purpose of the permit is to enable the City to monitor work and activities performed within the roads and right-of-ways. Issuing permits assures that plans comply with the Design and Construction Standards and other provisions of the city, county, and state Codes. The Right-of-Way Permit Application is available at Public Works and on our page on the website.
Where is my property line? How do I find it?
In order to find the exact location of your property line, please contact a licensed surveyor.
I am not in the City of Semmes, why do I fall under Semmes Planning Commission standards?
The Semmes Planning jurisdiction extends five miles outside of the city limits. Anything dealing with land use within the Planning jurisdiction is governed by the Semmes Planning Commission.
Does the City of Semmes have Zoning?
No. At this time the City does not have a zoning ordinance.
What is the process for submitting a request for Commercial Development?
Call the Planning Department and schedule a meeting with one of the Planning Staff. They will review the procedure and give guidance on the necessary submittals.
How often and when does the Planning Commission meet?
How can I speak to the Planning Commission?
Schedule a meeting with one of the Planning Staff and if they can’t answer your question they will put your concern on the agenda for the next meeting.