CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday evening held first readings and public hearings for proposed rewording of certain portions of its zoning ordinance to allow for “non-conforming” construction and reconstruction, along with a new “residential enhancement” incentive program for removal and replacement of blighted and derelict structures on non-conforming lots.
- Section 165 “Reconstruction of damaged buildings or structure.” The new wording would allow the reconstruction of buildings damaged by fire or weather in their original form, even if that form does not conform to current standards, as long as certain criteria are met.
- Section 32 “Lots, yards and open spaces.” The update would allow construction of nonconforming structures, with City approval, if other nonconforming structures are nearby and the proposed structure is consistent with them.
- Section 163 “Nonconforming Lots.” The update would allow construction on certain undersized lots, and subdivision of certain residential lots containing two separate structures, both with City approval.
Along with the updates, the council also held a reading and hearing for a new ordinance that would offer financial incentives for what it termed “residential enhancement” defined as “the construction of a new residential structure with all exterior walls, including exposed foundation walls, being clad with the approved masonry materials. Smooth-faced standard concrete block is prohibited. Masonry cladding shall extend from grade to roof eaves. Gable end walls and dormers may be clad with any material permitted by the International Residential Code.” Construction of new buildings meeting that definition on a non-conforming lot could qualify for a $10,000 reimbursement, with the amount doubled if the new construction required the removal of an existing derelict structure.
Standards adopted for electric vehicle charging stations
The council also adopted an ordinance that will govern the installation of electric vehicle charging stations in the city. The ordinance sets regulations including:
(a) Electrical Compliance. Installations shall comply with Article 625 of the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC), which governs Electric Vehicle Power Transfer Systems.
(b) Location and Setback. Charging stations shall be located a minimum distance of fifty (50) feet from any building to ensure safety and reduce fire hazards.
(c) Vehicle Impact Protection. Barriers shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.2 of the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) to protect charging stations from vehicle impacts. Barriers shall not obstruct accessibility as required by ADA standards. Vehicle impact protection posts shall meet the following specifications:
- Materials: Constructed of steel not less than four (4) inches (102 mm) in diameter and concrete filled.
- Spacing: Spaced not more than four (4) feet (1219 mm) between posts on center.
- Depth: Set not less than three (3) feet (914 mm) deep in a concrete footing of not less than fifteen (15) inches (381 mm) in diameter.
- Height: Set with the top of the posts not less than three (3) feet (914 mm) above ground.
- Distance: Located not less than three (3) feet (914 mm) from the protected object (charging station).
Stations will require “regular maintenance to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards,” as well as “clear signage indicating usage instructions, safety warnings, emergency shut off, and emergency contact information.” Those failing to follow the regulations can be fined up to $500.
Other council business
The council suspended its regular procedural rules to approve an ordinance to repeal and replace Section 4 of Ordinance No. 2026-25 requesting two certified appraisals on surplus property and that all property offers to be submitted to the city council for future consideration at a public meeting.
The council passed an ordinance to annex property owned by Brock Miracle Egg, LLC, located on County Road 1466 as R-3 Residential District. The site is being developed to hold 30 single family homes and 20 townhouses.
The council voted to amend the position control and job descriptions of the City of Cullman to:
- Update nine job descriptions for the Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Add two new job classifications for the Wastewater Treatment Plant: Lab Technician and Operator (uncertified)
- Reclassify a position at the WWTP from Administrative Clerk to Lab Technician
- Add a new job description for an Assistant Director for the Cullman Economic Development Agency
- Add a new job description for a Museum Director
- Add a full-time Director position at the Cullman County Museum
- Remove a part-time position at the Museum
The council approved special event requests:
- From Amanda Garrison of Sonic for a drive-in car show on the first Friday of March through October from 6-8 p.m.
- From Joyce Nix of St. Bernard Prep School to host the annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair April 18-19, 2026
The council set a public hearing on March 23, 2026, for an ordinance to rezone property owned by Rodney Hawkins located at 701 Main Ave. SW from R-4 Residential to B-2 Business District.
The council held additional first readings of ordinances:
- To rezone property located at 2211 Second Ave. NW from R-1 Residential to B-3 Business District
- To establish procedures for the sale of real property owned by the City
- To establish a process for a property owner located outside the city limits to request sanitary sewer service from the City
- To establish a process for a property owner located outside the city limits to request water service from the City
- To adopt an official tree list for the City as recommended by the Tree Commission
- To annex property owned by Joseph Culpepper located at County Road 1273 into the city limits of Cullman as AG-1 Agricultural District
The next Cullman City Council meeting will be on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the city hall auditorium. The public is invited to attend.
