Department of Transportation Permit Applications

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Permit Overview

BDOT manages the permit process for activities that take place in the public right-of-way. This includes streets, sidewalks, and other transportation facilities. 

On this page, you’ll find the different permit types, the application processes, and contact information for assistance. 

 

Permit Application Process 

1. FORMS AND SUBMISSION

Applications are available below as fillable PDF forms to be downloaded, filled out digitally, and submitted via email at any time. The Birmingham Department of Transportation (BDOT) has a public computer available to fill out applications and paper copies of application forms can be picked up and dropped off during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm on 9th floor of City Hall).

2. FEES

The application fee amount indicated on the permit application must be paid before the application can be processed. The payment receipt must be emailed or delivered to BDOT at time of application submittal.

Payment may be made:

3. ASSISTANCE

Event Street Blockage Permit:

Antonio Stewart

205-254-2922

antonio.stewart@birminghamal.gov


Mobile Food (Food Truck) Permit:

Paige Ishmael, PLA

205-746-7762

paige.ishmael@birminghamal.gov.


Public Space Permit:

Christina Argo

205-254-2390

christina.argo@birminghamal.gov


Temporary Traffic Control Permit:

Greg Ogles

205-254-2461

gregory.ogles@birminghamal.gov.


Parking Lot Permit:

Christina Argo

205-254-2390

christina.argo@birminghamal.gov

 

In-person assistance will only be available during the walk-in hours listed below or by appointment at other business hours.

BDOT Permit Walk-In Hours

Monday and Wednesday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tuesday and Thursday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Types of Permits

Street Blockage Permits

The Birmingham Department of Transportation (BDOT) issues several types of street blockage or closure permits related to special events.

PERMIT OVERVIEW / DESCRIPTION
Central Business District
Street Blockage
A registered non-profit or merchants’ association requesting a street blockage on a low-traffic street in the Central Business District.
Demonstration on Public
Right-of-Way
Any demonstration held for political, religious, or other First Amendment related purposes.
For-Profit Street Blockage An organization requesting a street blockage on a low-traffic street for an event that seeks to make a profit.
Public Space A restaurant or retail business which wants to expand into the sidewalk or public parking spaces.
Neighborhood Procession A registered non-profit or Community/Neighborhood Association organizing an event where vehicles (cars, floats, etc.) proceed along a set route.
Noise Required if the event will have outside loud speakers, bands, and/or any noise that can be heard over a block away. No permit shall be required for gatherings of less than 5,000 persons at a private residence.
Parade Any parade, festival, display, or other event (not including a demonstration or run) that is held for amusement, education, or entertainment of the participants or public; to publicize or aid an organization; or to commemorate an event or occasion.
Residential Street Blockage A registered non-profit or Community/Neighborhood Association requesting a street blockage on a low-traffic street.
Run Any race (running, walking, or biking) that will follow a set route.

 

STREET BLOCKAGE PERMIT APPLICANT TIPS

Please review the tips listed below on how to be prepared to apply for a permit.

  1. A street blockage or closure special event-related permit submittal, review and approval is not an immediate process. It takes time to approve or deny any permit.
    • Please refer to the timelines on the application coversheets to make sure you are applying early enough to get a permit application processed in advance of your event.
  2. Read the coversheet carefully and completely. All necessary information required for applying for a permit is listed there.
    • Make sure you submit all necessary documents with the application. For example, a consent letter is required for some street blockages and a route map is required for runs.
  3. Make sure to check your application for completeness before submitting it for review.
  4. Be aware that you might need multiple permits for a single event.
    • For example, many events are required to have a noise permit in addition to a permit for the use of public right-of-way (Run, Parade, Street Blockage, etc.).
  5. Please note that the permit issuing process is a coordinated effort between the Birmingham Department of Transportation, the Birmingham Police Department, and the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.
    • The review/processing times listed ensure the necessary interdepartmental evaluation and coordination needed to make a permit approval or denial decision.

 

STREET BLOCKAGE PERMIT APPLICATION FORMS

The following are the street closure / special event-related permit applications that are managed by the Birmingham Department of Transportation. The links include a downloadable package with an overview of the permit purpose, relevant details, and any application forms that need to be completed (in fillable PDF format).

If you have any questions, please contact Antonio Stewart.

Antonio Stewart

205-254-2922

antonio.stewart@birminghamal.gov

Temporary Traffic Control (Barricade) Permits

A Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Permit is required for the temporary partial or complete closure of a street, sidewalk, or any other right-of-way (ROW) maintained by the City of Birmingham, including, but not excluded to, utility work, placement of a debris dumpster, application of construction fencing, scaffolding, barrels or any other construction related items in City ROW. The link below is to the permit application portal.

If you have any questions, please contact Greg Ogles in our Design Division.

Greg Ogles

205-254-2463

gregory.ogles@birminghamal.gov

Mobile Food Vendor Permits

A Mobile Food Vendor Permit is required for any self-propelled motor vehicle (truck, van, etc.), trailer, pushcart, or other movable means that is used for selling food or drink items in the City of Birmingham. The full permit application form that needs to be completed (in fillable PDF format) can be found below along with a signed conditions form and an application checklist.

If you have any questions, please contact Paige Ishmael:

Paige Ishmael

205-746-7762

food.truck@birminghamal.gov.

Public Space Permits

The City of Birmingham’s Public Space Permit allows a retail store or restaurant to set up outdoor business operations in the City’s right-of-way (sidewalks and on-street parking spaces). The complete ordinance can be found here. The Public Space Permit is an annual, renewable permit. Fees are outlined in the ordinance and can be found below. Inspections will now take place annually, as well as periodically throughout the year.

Contact Christina Argo for more information.

Christina Argo

205-254-2390

Christina.argo@birminghamal.gov

Parking Lot Permit

A parking lot permit is required for all entities operating or maintaining commercial OR noncommercial parking lots within the City of Birmingham. The City also requires standard signage for all parking lots – links to instructions are below.

Contact Christina Argo or Paige Ishmael for signage template files and more information.

bdot@birminghamal.gov

***Visit the Birmingham Police Department’s Business Compliance Unit webpage to access application documents for Towing and Immobilization registration and permits here.


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