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Engineering

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1. May I have a "children at play" sign on my street?

National standards and City of Northport policy do not recognize the "Children at Play" signs for these reasons: warning signs are designed and intended to advise motorists of an unusual or unexpected physical roadway condition ahead. Signs such as this give the wrong message to both children and parents, fostering a false sense of security. There is no evidence to show that these signs help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents or lower travel speeds.

The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) does not support these signs because the signs are suggesting that it is acceptable behavior for children to play in the streets.

2. May I have a speed limit sign on my street?

In accordance with City Ordinances, unless posted otherwise, the speed limit in a residential or business district is 25 MPH with or without the presence of a speed limit sign. Although not required, 25 miles per hour speed limit signs may be posted at entrances to residential or business areas. Multiple postings of 25 MPH speed limit signs on residential streets not only detract from a neighborhood's curb appeal, but it often fails to achieve the desired result of reducing the speed of motorists.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) published by the United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Administration Highway is the national set of standards for traffic engineering. The MUTCD recommends that the following five factors be evaluated to establish safe and reasonable speed zones:

• Roadway characteristics such as shoulder condition, grade, alignment, and sight distances.
• Speed characteristics such as the 85th percentile speed.
• Roadside development and friction.
• Roadway curves and hazardous locations on and along the roadway.
• Parking and pedestrian activity.

3. How does a traffic signal know if a vehicle is present?

There is a wire in the pavement behind the crosswalk/stop bar called a loop detector. The wire creates an electric field in the air above the pavement. When a large object interrupts the electric field, the signal knows that a vehicle is present and will provide a green light at the proper time in the established traffic signal cycle. During peak travel times, the wait should be a maximum of two minutes. During non-peak travel times, the wait should be a maximum of 90 seconds.

Some people think that if they back up and drive forward again, they will make the signal change quicker. This does not work. The mechanism does not count the number of vehicles waiting.

At some locations, motorcycles or high-rider vehicles will not be able to interrupt the electrical field. If this occurs, please note the street, the intersection, the lane, and the time of day and report this to the Traffic Engineering Division. Some people feel that if they get out of their car and push the pedestrian button, they will get the green light more quicker. They will not. The pedestrian push button does not make the green light come on sooner. It does make the green light longer. It takes longer for a person to walk across a street than it takes for a car to drive across a street.

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Fire Department

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1. Can I get a burn permit?

The City of Northport Fire Department will issue a burn permit for commercial burns if you meet the Alabama Department of Environmental Management criteria and all city codes described.

Burn permits are not issued to residential citizens. For more information regarding current city laws on residential burning please review Chapter 38 Articles III Outdoor Burning and IV Open Burning of the City of Northport's Municipal Code.

2. When and where can I get my child safety seat installed?

Citizens must provide their own car seats. Car seat installations can be scheduled by calling 205-333-3020 for an appointment.

3. Who do I contact for public education requests?

If you are interested in Fire Safety, First Aid, Rope Rescue/Rapelling, Vehicle Extrication, or Fall/Slip Prevention education call 205-333-3020 and ask for the Battalion Chief to schedule your appointment.

4. Who do I contact for visits from the Fire Department for daycares or special events?

Public Relations requests for field trips, daycare and classroom visits, or other special events must be scheduled by calling 205-333-3020. Please ask for the Battalion Chief on duty.

5. Who do I contact to report a Fire code violation?

Fire code violations for nuisance burning, parking in a fire lane, exits blocked inside a business, business exceeding occupancy, etc., can call 205-469-0263 or email Tony Gill or email Cameron Taylor.

6. Can i have my smoke alarms tested?

Yes. Call 205-333-3020 and ask to speak to the battalion chief on duty.

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Payment Locations: You may pay your bill by mail (City of Northport, P.O. Box 748002, Atlanta, GA 30374-8002), inside the water office, through our drive-through window, by automatic bank draft, in our after-hours depository located at the West End of the building, or make your payment online. We accept cash, money order, check, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Current rate information can be found on our website.  If you have any questions, please call our office at 205-339-7024.  

2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

Submit a service request by using Northport Connect.

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

All current and ongoing job opportunities are viewable on our Jobs page.

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Submit a service request by using Northport Connect.

5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

Please call the Planning and Inspections Department at 205-339-7000 for guidelines on having a garage sale within city limits.

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

The City of Northport has various Boards and Commissions.  All Agendas & Minutes may be viewed by selecting the board or committee you wish to view.

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Planning & Inspections

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1. What is the zoning of my property?

Please call 205-339-7000 and ask to speak to a member of the Planning staff. We are working on having a zoning map available on our website.

2. When is the deadline to submit applications for the Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment?

View List of Dates and Deadlines (PDF)

3. Do I need a permit to install a fence on my property?

Yes, download Fence Permit here.

4. Do I need a permit for a storage shed, portable building, carport, or other accessory structure on my property?

Yes, an accessory structure permit application may be found on the Forms page under the Planning and Zoning section.

5. Is my home or building in a municipal historic district?

Please call 205-339-7000 and ask to speak to a member of the Planning staff.

6. Does my home or building need flood insurance?

Please call 205-339-7000 and ask to speak to a member of the Engineering staff.

7. I’d like to do some interior renovations at my house, do I need a permit?

Please call 205-333-3027 and ask to speak to a building inspector.

8. Who do I call about someone having tall grass or weeds on their property?

Call the Code Enforcement Officer at 205-339-7000.

9. Where can I find the Northport Zoning Ordinance online?

Read the Zoning Ordinance (PDF) on the Planning and Inspections Department page on the City of Northport website.

10. Who do I contact about a barking or free-roaming dog?

The Animal Control Officer at the Northport Police Department, 205-339-6600.

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Public Works

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1. Who is responsible for dead animals?

The Police Department is responsible for dead animals.

2. Who is responsible for dead animals on Highway 43 and Highway 69?

Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is responsible for dead animals on Highway 43 and Highway 69.

3. Who is responsible for overgrown lots?

Planning - Code Enforcement is responsible for overgrown lots.

4. Who is responsible for the condition of vacant lots privately owned?

Planning - Code Enforcement is responsible for the condition of vacant lots privately owned.

5. What to do if a street light is out?

Public Works notifies the Power Company.

6. What to do if a power line or cable line is down?

Public Works notifies the appropriate utility company if power line or cable line is down.

7. How to report someone that is pouring paint, oil and or putting debris in a storm drain?

Report it to the Planning - Code Enforcement Department.

8. Where do I dispose of electronics?

Tuscaloosa Recycling can be used to dispose of electronics.

9. Who does line locates?

If you need a line located please call 811 (Alabama 811). They will create a ticket and email it to the City of Northport Utilities Department who will then locate the water and sewer lines.

10. Who cuts grass on Highway 69?

Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) cuts grass on Highway 69.

11. How often does the city scrape the dirt roads?

The City scrapes dirt roads quarterly.

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Revenue Department

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1. What taxes are administered by the City of Northport Revenue Department?

Sales, Use, Rental, Lodgings, Gas, Wine, Liquor, Tobacco, and Business Licenses are administered by the City of Northport Revenue Department.

2. What are the tax rates?

Tax rates are as follows:

• Sales - General 3%, Automotive 1.125%
• Use - General 3%, Automotive 1.125%
• Rental - General 3%, Automotive 0.50%, Linens/Garments 1%
• Lodgings - 11%
• Liquor - 7% of purchase price
• Gasoline - $0.01 per gallon
• Tobacco
  • Cigarettes $0.10 per pack (PJ $0.05 per pack)
  • Cigars $0.02 per cigar (PJ $0.01 per pack)
  • Smokeless Tobacco $0.10 per package (PJ $0.05 per pack)

3. When are taxes due?

Taxes are due by the 20th day of the month following the reporting period in which the tax is collected or accrued. Liquor tax is due by the 15th day of the month.

4. When is a City of Northport business license required?

A business license is required by any person or other entity prior to starting any service or business activity in the City of Northport.

5. Why do I need to purchase a business license?

Each person located or engaged in any business, vocation, occupation or profession in the City of Northport or its Police Jurisdiction shall take out and pay a City business license. A license is required if you are doing business in the City, but not located in the City. Depending on the type of business you have, a license for both cities may be required. The Police Jurisdiction extends 3 miles around the corporate limits of Northport.

6. What is the cost of an initial business license?

The cost of the initial license is based on your estimated gross receipts from the time you open until December 31st plus the base license fee. For a business located in the city of Northport there is a one time $30 application fee.

7. What type of license do I need to open a business?

The type of license issued will be based on the type of business you will be operating. We can determine what type of license is necessary by asking you questions concerning your business. In several cases, more than one type of business license is required.

8. What are the steps in getting a license?

The first step is determining where your physical location will be. If this location is inside the city limits or its police jurisdiction, then you will be required to get your business location approved through a Code Compliance. Once this Code Compliance is complete, then a business license will be issued based on your estimated gross receipts for the remainder of the calendar year. When the license is renewed at the end of the partial year, an adjustment to the amount originally paid will be made on the next year's license amount. A license is required if you are doing business in the City, but not located in the City. You will also need to check with other governmental agencies to see whether or not a license is needed. 

View License and Business Tax Information Local Agencies.

9. How long does it take to acquire a business license?

If the business is physically located in Northport, then the various city departments must approve your location before you can open for business. If you are located outside the City, then the license can be issued that day.

10. When does the license expire?

All City licenses expire December 31st and you have until February 15th to renew without a penalty.

11. Do I need to be tested for a contractor's license?

The State and County require no testing. However, you may need to contact the State Contractors Board at 334-272-5030.

12. On what is the contractor's license fee based?

It is based on the previous year's gross receipts less payment made to licensed sub-contractors. First year businesses must estimate their gross receipts through December 31st of that year.

13. What type of license is needed to clean homes or apartments?

We require a business license if you are receiving any compensation for cleaning a home or apartment.

14. What do I need to open a food service of any type?

You must be approved by the various departments and have a Health Department permit.

15. What is required for a retail automobile license or wholesaler automotive license?

You must complete our requirements for a business license.

16. I am selling products from my home (jewelry, baskets, etc.). What type of license would I need?

You are required to have a license but the type of license required varies.

17. Is a license required for lawn work (cutting grass, raking, etc.)?

You are required to have a business license if you are located, or if you are performing services in the City of Northport or the Northport Police Jurisdiction.

18. Is a license required for washing cars?

Yes a license required for washing cars.

19. What kinds of taxes does the Revenue Department administer?

The Revenue Department administers, collects, and enforces several types of taxes: The following is a list of the taxes administered, collected and enforced by the City of Northport Revenue Department:

• Business License
• Consumers Use Tax
• Liquor Tax
• Lodgings Tax
• Rental Tangible Personal Property Tax
• Residential Rental Tax
• Sales Tax
• Sellers Use Tax
• Tobacco Tax

20. What is sales tax?

Sales tax is a privilege tax imposed on the retail sale of tangible personal property. The tax is collected by the seller from their customers and remitted directly to the City of Tuscaloosa or the City of Northport. All sales of tangible personal property are retail sales except those defined as wholesale sales.

The total sales tax percentage for Tuscaloosa County is 10%. The breakdown is as follows:

For sales made within the City Limits of Northport:

• City - 3%
• County - 3%
• State - 4%

For sales made outside the City Limits of Northport, but within our police jurisdictions (1/2 of rate within City Limits of Northport):

• City - 1.50%
• County - 4%
• State - 4%

21. What are wholesale sales?

Wholesale sales are sales of tangible personal property to licensed merchants, jobbers, dealers, or other wholesalers for resale. It does not include sales to users or consumers that are not for resale. The seller must maintain the sales tax number or exemption number for these customers.

22. When is sales tax due?

The sales tax is due monthly, with returns and remittances to be filed on or before the 20th day of the month for the previous month's sales. However, beginning with the calendar year 1999, a taxpayer may elect to file and pay sales tax on a calendar quarter basis if the total State of Alabama sales tax for which the taxpayer is liable averages less than $200 per month during the preceding calendar year. Also, if a taxpayer's total State of Alabama sales tax liability during the preceding year is $10 or less, the taxpayer may file sales tax on a calendar year basis. The request to file quarterly or on a calendar basis must be made in writing to the taxing jurisdiction.

23. If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, when is the due date?

To be considered a timely filing, the return must be postmarked on or before the next working day, or paid in the revenue office the first working day following the weekend or holiday.

24. Is the seller allowed a discount for timely filing and paying the sales tax that is due?

Yes, a discount is allowed if the tax is paid before the 20th day of the month in which the tax is due. The sales tax discount consists of 5% on the first $100 of tax due, and 2% on all tax over $100. Please note, however, that the monthly discount may not exceed $200.

25. Is there a penalty imposed for not filing timely and not paying the sales tax that is due?

The penalty is the same as the State of Alabama. The penalty for failure to file is 10% or $50, whichever is greater, and 10% for failure to pay.

26. What is Rental Tangible Personal Property tax?

Also known as rental tax, this tax is a privilege tax levied on the lessor for the leasing or renting of tangible personal property. Gross receipts, including any rental of tangible personal property are subject to the rental tax at the following rate.

If lessee is located inside the City of Northport:

• Automotive vehicles - 1/2 of 1% (.005)
• General Rates - 3% (.03)
• Lines and garments - 1% (.01)

Police Jurisdiction rate would be ½ of the above listed rate.

27. What is Consumers Use Tax?

This tax is for tangible personal property bought for use, storage, or consumption in which the seller did not collect tax on the sale of the property.

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Utilities - Water & Wastewater

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1. Whose responsibility is the sewer lateral?

Per City Code, sewer laterals, including main connection, are the responsibility of the homeowner from their house to the City's sewer main.

2. Where are the utility lines located at or near my property?

Please call 811 to file a locate request for the public utilities at or near your residence.

3. Can I connect to water or sanitary sewer?

Please call Utilities Administration at 205-342-3636, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 4 pm.

4. I smell sewer, have sewer backing up into my house, have sewer on the ground in my yard, or there is a manhole overflowing in the street. Who do I call?

Monday through Friday, 7 am to 4 pm, please call Utilities Administration at 205-342-3636. Afterhours, weekends, and holidays, please call the Water Treatment Plant at 205-333-3017.

5. Why is my water off?

Your water may have been turned off for non-payment. If this is the case, a lock will have been placed on the curb stop in your meter box.

6. How do I report a water main leak?

Please call Utilities Administration at 205-342-3636, Monday through Friday, 7 am to 4 pm, afterhours, weekends, and holidays, please call the Water Treatment Plant at 205-333-3017.

7. Who do I contact about my account, online bill pay, or other billing questions?

Please call the billing office at 205-339-7024, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.

8. Why is my water bill so high?

You may have a water leak. Quite often the culprit is a leaking toilet. One way to check for a leak is to make sure that no one in the house is using water, and go check the water meter. There is a small red triangle on the meter face. If this is turning while no one is using water, then you have a leak on your side of the meter.

9. What are the fees associated with account set up?

Please call the billing office at 205-339-7024, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.