Planning seeks $150,000 for comprehensive plan update, $20,000 for trails and a zoning administrator

Hoover's planning and zoning director presented multiple requests focused on the city's comprehensive plan, trail construction and administrative capacity.

The department requested $150,000 to update the comprehensive plan and fund robust public engagement, illustrations and consultant support; staff said the last substantial amendment was in 2020 and that many conditions have changed since then. The director also asked to carry forward a previously appropriated matching contribution for an ALDOT/Apple study grant to examine pedestrian improvements in Riverchase Office Park and proposed a $12,000 match for that feasibility effort.

Planning highlighted a $20,000 operating request for trail identification, design and construction tied to a park-and-recreation master-plan implementation; staff reported nearing completion of a two-thirds-mile segment near Riverchase Elementary that will open publicly. A $5,000 request was listed to support the new GIS manager's development of a GIS master plan to increase cross-departmental use of GIS tools.

The department is asking to create a zoning-administrator position (grade 12) to centralize zoning review, relieve building plans examiners and strengthen code-enforcement capacity. Staff argued the role would help ensure certificates of occupancy and business licenses align with zoning and provide additional leadership for enforcement efforts.

Council members heard the planning director explain the public-involvement approach for the comp-plan update and the intent to use consultant illustration work to help communicate proposed changes to residents. No funding votes were taken at the hearing.