What is Zoning?
Zoning is defined as laws that regulate the use of land within a municipality. The zoning ordinance controls the ways in which the land can be developed and what purposes the zoned land can serve. Zoning is what keeps a residential district residential, a commercial district commercial, and an industrial district industrial. Zoning is a means to preserve the value of property, and the safety and health of the community. It is intended to ensure, for example, that residents do not have to live next door to a loud, polluting factory that could potentially harm their health and lower their property value.
How does Zoning affect mobile homes?
Mobile Homes are permitted in a Residential Agricultural (RA) district and a Manufactured Home (R4) district. Any property currently being uses for a mobile home is considered “grandfathered.” This means the property may continue to be used for a mobile home if the mobile home is not removed or destroyed.
Can I change the zoning district of my property?
Yes. In order to re-zone a piece of property, the owner of the property must complete the re-zoning application along with the associated fees. Once the application is completed, a public hearing and meeting date will be scheduled to go before the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will follow the criteria written in the zoning ordinance to make a recommendation to City Council for final approval.
How do I know what my property is zoned?
Please see the City of Semmes GIS Map. Click on the layers tab located in the top right-hand corner of the GIS map.
Can I build a garage (or shed) on my zoned property?
Yes. You are allowed to build an accessory building on your property as long as it meets the setback, lot coverage, and height and square footage requirements. This requirement is to ensure that a piece of property is not completely covered and does not affect the drainage of the property.
Jeffrey McKee
City Planner
Address:
City Hall-Building Department. One Main Street Semmes, Alabama 36575
Phone: (251) 649-5752
Fax: (251) 649-5788
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1757
Semmes, AL 36575
Hours:
Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 4:00 pm
