Planning & Zoning
Planning & Zoning guides Bessemer City's growth and development, from zoning and permits to long-range planning and the City's planning boards.
Department head
Forms & documents
- Appeal Application WorksheetApplication / Form
- Brookline Townhomes: Application Packet (CD 01-2021)Report / Study
- Edgewood85 Commerce Park: Application Packet (MSP 01-2022)Report / Study
- Foundry Commercial: Application PacketReport / Study
- Greenway Feasibility Study (March 2023)Report / Study
- Hidden Valley: Application Packet (CD 01-2026)Report / Study
- How to Look Up ZoningOther
- Lennar Homes: Application Packet (RZ 03-2021)Report / Study
- Overlay District Map (July 2021)Map / Plan
- Pedestrian Plan UpdateReport / Study
- Pedestrian Plan Update: Existing Conditions (March 2021)Report / Study
- Pedestrian Plan Update: Survey Summary (March 2021)Report / Study
- Rezoning Application (Zoning Amendment)Application / Form
- Sign Permit ApplicationPermit
- Stewart Crossing: Preliminary Plat (2023)Map / Plan
- Sunset Ridge: Application Packet (CD 02-2024)Report / Study
- The Towns at Bessemer City: Application Packet (CD 01-2024)Report / Study
- The Towns at Bessemer City: Front Elevations (April 2024)Map / Plan
- Variance Application WorksheetApplication / Form
- Variance GuidelinesPolicy / Procedure
- What Uses Are Allowed on This PropertyOther
- Yellow Jacket Townhomes: Application Packet (CD 02-2023)Report / Study
- Yellow Jacket Townhomes: Supplemental Report (CD 03-2023)Report / Study
- Zoning Map (January 2025)Map / Plan
- Zoning Permit ApplicationPermit
About this department
The Bessemer City Planning and Zoning Department is committed to excellent public service and enhancing the quality of life in the community by guiding its orderly growth and development while preserving its cultural heritage and natural resources. We strive to offer the most efficient service possible in the management of our activities and programs. We always adhere to providing professionally competent advice to officials and citizens on the issues of planning and public policy, land development regulation and community improvement.
Who do we serve?
The Planning and Zoning Department primarily serves the public, but we also serve the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Board, the Board of Adjustment, as well as other City officials, citizen committees, and internal work committees. The following entities are the main boards that the Department supports.
The Bessemer City Council is the elected legislative body made up of seven citizen representatives, including the mayor. This body is responsible for establishing the budget as well as the policies and ordinances that govern the City. The Planning and Zoning Department receives direction from the Council in regards to planning studies and policy initiatives.
Planning and Zoning Board
The Planning and Zoning Board is a five-member citizen advisory body appointed by the City Council. The primary duty of the Board is to give official recommendations to Council on land use, zoning, and development issues.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
The Zoning Board of Adjustment is a citizen board of five members appointed by the City Council. The Board hears appeals of staff decisions as well as requests for variances from the zoning ordinance. The Board also has the responsibility to grant special exception permits for certain uses that may or may not be appropriate in certain zoning districts based on relevant factors and conditions.
Planning and Zoning Administration
This work program includes a variety of functions, including: day-to-day administration of the Code of Ordinances, support of the two appointed boards (Planning and Zoning Board and the Board of Adjustment), long-range planning, annexation, development plan review, and subdivision administration.
Check for Available Utilties
Before obtaining a Zoning Permit, applicants are encouraged to confirm the availability of all necessary utility services, including water, sewer, and natural gas, as applicable to the property. Confirmation of utility availability and the ability to connect must should be obtained from the City prior to issuance of the Zoning Permit. Applicants with questions regarding utility availability, connection requirements, or service areas should contact the City by completing the “Contact Bessemer City” form here.
Stormwater administration
Planning & Zoning handles stormwater administration, including permits, plan review and stormwater regulations. Storm drains, pipes and ditches are maintained by Public Works.