Hoover holds first reading of $20 permit fee to fund Central Alabama Home Building Academy

Hoover City Council received an overview and held a first reading of Ordinance No. 26 26 87, which would add an additional $20 to each residential building permit to fund the Central Alabama Home Building Academy. The ordinance was introduced for first reading only; the council did not vote and a second reading and possible vote are scheduled in two weeks.

A representative of the Central Alabama Home Builders Authority, identified in the meeting as "Nick," described the program’s purpose and structure: "So it's $20 for a residential permit," he said, explaining that the fee would be paid by the builder or trade pulling the permit. The program is targeted to people 17 and older, requires eligibility screening and a drug test, and would be free to accepted participants.

Nick cited the Huntsville model (NAHA) as a successful precedent, saying that organization had about 600 graduates and a placement rate of roughly 95 percent (85 percent over a 12-month trailing period). Representative Mike Shaw, who helped sponsor enabling state legislation, said he was "really excited to see Hoover's taking the lead on this," noting the bill was intended to be available statewide.

Council members asked questions about how the program would serve maintenance needs as well as new-home construction, possible local siting for the academy, and impacts on permit costs. Several members encouraged organizers to consider Hoover as the academy’s site if feasible. The clerk noted that because this was a first reading the council would take no action tonight and invited members of the public and builders to return for a second reading in two weeks.