Environmental Development
The Environmental Department’s mission is to protect and assist in the enhancement of the city’s natural resources and ecological health through the utilization of environmental stewardship, education and outreach, municipal leadership, environmental code enforcement, vector control, effective communication, and collaboration with all citizens.
The department accomplishes this mission through a variety of methods including code enforcement related to environmental or public nuisance ordinances. The Department collaborates with other departments within the City for ordinance updates related to development and environmental issues. State and federal permits held by the city are managed by the department as well as the review and inspection of construction site permits for environmental compliance. Coordinating with federal, state and local entities for regional environmental concerns allow us the ability to provide public education and outreach on environmental issues specific to our area. The health of our citizens and environmental is paramount to the City; therefore water quality monitoring and vector control management are key to our department’s operations.
Graham Creek Nature Preserve
Interpretive Center
23030 Wolf Bay Drive
Foley, AL 36535
251-923-4267
Graham Creek Nature Preserve Interpretive Center
Staff & Contact Information
Leslie Gahagan
Sustainability and Natural Resources Director
lgahagan@cityoffoley.org
Nick Williams
Sustainability Coordinator
nwilliams@cityoffoley.org
rnewton@cityoffoley.org
Chris Hills
Environmental Inspector I
chills@cityoffoley.org
The following Environmental Permits can be applied for through the City of Foley Citizenserve portal.
Erosion and sediment control permit
For land disturbance activities greater than 500 square feet and less than ½ acre.$50 application fee, site plan required, and a minimum of two trees per lot for new residential construction required.
E&S checklist
Heritage Tree Removal Permit
For the removal of heritage trees 30” or greater diameter at chest height. $25 application fee and requires two in kind replacement plantings.
Riparian Permit
For new construction or repair of structures adjacent to waters (i.e. Docks, piers, boathouses, bulkheads) Additional permitting may be required through the US Army Corps of Engineers, Alabama State Lands and ADEM
FAQ:
Permitting for land disturbance activity greater than ½ acre?
For land disturbance activity greater than ½ acre you can contact the environmental department. A Land Disturbance Permit may be needed. Land Disturbance Permits are issued through the City of Foley Engineering office. 251-970-1104 phone
How to close out an erosion and sediment control permit?
Typically the environmental department will conduct a final inspection when a CO inspection is requested through the building department. The inspector will ensure all trash and temporary BMPs have been removed from the site, the site is stabilized, and the final landscaping is installed.
How long does it take to get a permit?
This depends on the number of permit applications in front of yours. The Environmental Department will typically process a completed permit application within three business days.
What happens if there are violations?
If an inspection reveals violations of the ordinance, an email is sent to all contacts on the permit application. Corrections must be completed to regain compliance within 72 hours of receiving the notice. Continued violations may receive a “Stop Work Order” or a civil citation until compliance is achieved.
What is a heritage tree?
A heritage tree is any tree that is over 30 inches in diameter at breast height. Pecan trees, palm trees and invasive exotic trees are excluded from the requirement.
What is a riparian permit?
A riparian permit is for the construction of structures in and adjacent to waters such as docks, piers, boathouses, bulkheads, retaining walls, etc. The permit verifies that the construction has minimal impacts to the natural resources as outlined in state and federal permitting.
Chris Hills
Inspector I
chills@cityoffoley.org
Reese Newton
Inspector II
rnewton@cityoffoley.org
Jacqueline McGonigal
Environmental Manager
jmcgonigal@cityoffoley.org
The Environmental Department addresses valid complaints related to the following:
Overgrown Grass and Weeds: defined as developed properties where grass and weeds are overgrown and of a wingy, seedy and downy nature; OR cleared properties over 5 acres where a 50 feet buffer from adjacent properties must be maintained
Public Nuisance: defined as a nuisance that damages all persons who come within the sphere of its operation though it may vary its effects on individuals; including but not limited to accumulation of garbage, litter, debris, blight or deterioration; conditions that constitute fire hazard; conditions that cause insect or rodent infestation; unmaintained pools, spas or other manmade water features that harbor insects or become stagnant
Building Nuisance: defined as unsafe, unsanitary and dilapidated buildings and structures that constitute a public nuisance contributing to blight, disease and crime in neighborhoods
Construction Nuisance: defined as dust, turbid runoff, sediment tracking, litter and concrete wastewater that leaves a construction site and enters adjacent properties, roadways or other public areas
Complaint Form: Please complete the complaint form and email to one of the contacts.
Contact:
Environmental Department
(251) 923-4267
Vector Control’s top priority is the safety and security of the citizenry of Foley. Public education, biological control, surveillance, larvicide operations and chemical spraying of adults are the operations performed to minimize mosquitoes. The City will place larvicide briquettes in public drainage areas as needed. Chemical spraying will be conducted in public areas when mosquitoes are present and weather conditions allow. The City follows all State regulations for chemical application.
Contact:
David Childress, III
dchildress@cityoffoley.org
(251) 284-0192
FAQ:
- How often does the City spray for mosquitoes?
- Typically the City of Foley sprays public right of ways once a week within the City limits of populated areas.
- Why did the City not spray by my house this week?
- If weather conditions are not right due to rain, wind over ten (10) miles per hour, and/or temperatures below sixty (60) degrees, the City is unable to spray. Spraying of pesticides can only occur when all of the following weather conditions are met: 1) no forecast or occurrence of rain 2) winds below ten (10) miles per hour 3) temperatures above sixty (60) degrees. In addition, the City takes steps to reduce spraying if mosquito populations drop through documented trappings or lack of rain. Also the City may be unable to spray weekly due to equipment issues or limited support staff.
- Are there areas that the City will not spray or reasons why the City did spray a certain way?
- The EPA and ADEM have established regulations that provide guidance for spraying operations that the City is mandated to follow. It is prohibited to spray in or around bodies of flowing water. In addition, the City does not spray private property or perform stationary spraying
Mission:
The Sustainability and Resilience Division’s mission is to develop strategies, implement initiatives, and pursue funding to help our citizens and infrastructure survive, adapt, and overcome the effects caused by shocks and chronic stressors. We work to accomplish this mission by developing watershed management, stormwater management, and sustainability and resilience action plans. These plans identify our city’s vulnerabilities, predict future problems, and prioritize projects to make Foley more resilient.
Primary Focus Areas:
Litter Abatement & Increased Recycling Efforts
Stormwater Management Program
- Post Construction Stormwater Management
- Inspection and education on proper maintenance for stormwater management facilities
- Stormwater Management Planning
- Develop, implement and update stormwater management plans
- Identifies priorities for projects to address stormwater issues and areas for low impact development to increase infiltration
- Current plans:
- Beulah Heights
- Bon Secour River Watershed within Foley city limits (under development)
Climate Resilience Program
- Working with partners across the Gulf to identify challenges and solutions to climate related impacts.
- Climate Resilience Plan (under development)
Watershed Management Plan Implementation
- Bon Secour River Watershed Management Plan
- Fish River (Magnolia River) Watershed Management Plan
- Wolf Bay Watershed Management Plan
Natural Resources Restoration & Monitoring
- Management of large scale restoration projects identified in the watershed plans through grant funding
Long term monitoring of the projects to demonstrate success of pollutant reductions in the watershed.