Forest Park/ South Avondale Newsletter for January 2020

Forest Park / South Avondale
Brush and Trash Pick Up

Tuesday, Tuesday, January 12
Tuesday, February 2
Tuesday, February 23
Tuesday, March 16

FREE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND SMOKE DETECTORS

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Services have free fire extinguishers and smoke detectors available for City of Birmingham residents.

Call 205.254.6560 to make an appointment. They will schedule an appointment and install free of cost.The South Precinct non emergency number 254 2793Forest Park and Avondale Park Historic Districts
Design Review Information

When applying for a building/construction permit, the City's database will alert the clerk if your address is within one of the City's historic districts. If you reside in one of the City's historic districts, construction / renovation projects will likely be subject to Birmingham's design review process. Forest Park / South Avondale Neighborhood has two historically designated districts (Forest Park and Avondale Park). These districts are subject to design review when new construction, renovation, repair, and remodel projects affecting the exterior of any structure located within the historic district boundaries. Research has show that property values are greater for homes located in historic districts, especially districts that are subject to design review.

When City permitting personnel determines that your proposed renovation/construction project is within a historic district, you will be referred to City's design review personnel for a determination if the repairs, construction etc. are subject to review by the City and local design review committees.

If your case is subject to design review, you will be given a date to present your case to the City's design review committee. You will also be referred to your local "Neighborhood" committee for review. The local committee will schedule your case prior to the date set for review by the City's committee.

Local design review committees are made up of historic district residents with the requirement that at least 2 members of the committee are architects. Local committees make findings and recommendations that are submitted to the City committee. The findings and recommendations of the local committee are binding and can only be overturned by a two thirds majority of the City's design review committee.

As a work of caution, if you think your residence is located within one of Forest Park / South Avondale Neighborhood's Historic Districts, DO NOT purchase materials or commence exterior renovations/construction prior to a determination whether your project is subject to the City's design review process. If your materials / design are not approved during the process, you may not be able to recoup the expense for materials and / or construction labor.