Jefferson County is NOT in a designated wildfire hazard zone. Alabama has no state WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) mapping law. Standard fire code applies. Defensible space is voluntary. Drought-related burn bans may apply seasonally.
Unlike California, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest, Alabama has not enacted a statewide Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) mapping program or defensible space requirements. Jefferson County is NOT designated a high wildfire hazard area by the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC). The Birmingham metro area's climate, vegetation mix, and development patterns produce limited wildfire risk compared to western states. During drought conditions, the AFC and Jefferson County may issue outdoor burn bans under Alabama Code §9-13-141 prohibiting debris burning and open flames. No fire-resistant construction is required. The 2018 International Fire Code as adopted provides standard residential fire safety. Homeowners in wooded subdivisions in the Shades Mountain area may voluntarily maintain defensible space, but this is not mandated.
Burn ban violations: $100-$500 fines under Alabama Code §9-13-141. No defensible space penalties exist. Unauthorized open burning during restrictions: misdemeanor charges possible.
Jefferson County, AL
Jefferson County Animal Services handles animal-related complaints in unincorporated areas including persistent barking. Contact Jefferson County Animal Serv...
Jefferson County, AL
Unincorporated Jefferson County does not have a standalone county noise ordinance. Noise complaints are addressed through Alabama state disorderly conduct la...
Jefferson County, AL
Jefferson County has no leaf blower-specific ordinance. Gas-powered units are lawful countywide in unincorporated areas and across Birmingham, Hoover, Vestav...
Jefferson County, AL
Birmingham and Jefferson County cities regulate amplified music under general noise ordinances. Sound permits are required for outdoor events at venues like ...
Jefferson County, AL
Jefferson County allows EV chargers with a standard electrical permit. No EV-ready mandate for new construction. Alabama has no HOA EV protection law, so HOA...
Jefferson County, AL
Unincorporated Jefferson County relies primarily on Alabama state parking law (Ala. Code §32-5A-136/137) for street parking regulation. The Jefferson County ...
See how Jefferson County's wildfire zones rules stack up against other locations.
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