Show All Answers

1. Why is the census important?

The census is required by the Constitution, which has called for an "actual enumeration" once a decade since 1790. The 2020 population numbers will shape how political power and federal tax dollars are shared in the U.S over the next 10 years. The number of congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state gets are determined by census numbers. They also guide how an estimated $880 billion a year in federal funding is distributed for schools, roads and other public services in local communities. The demographic data are used by businesses to determine, for example, where to build new supermarkets and by emergency responders to locate injured people after natural disasters.

2. When does the 2020 census officially start?

The head count is set to officially begin on Jan. 21, in Toksook Bay, Alaska — more than two months before Census Day (April 1), which is a reference date. Most households can start participating around mid-March, when letters with instructions are scheduled to be sent to 95 percent of homes around the country.

3. How is the census taken?

The 2020 count will be the first one to allow all U.S. households to respond online. Paper forms will still be available, and, for the first time, you can call 1-800 numbers to give responses over the phone. Census workers will make home visits to remote areas — including rural Alaska, parts of northern Maine and some American Indian reservations — to gather census information in person. Households in the rest of the U.S. that do not respond themselves by early April may start receiving visits from door knockers trained to conduct census interviews and collect responses using smartphones.

4. Who gets counted in the census?

The Census Bureau includes every person living in the U.S. — regardless of citizenship or immigration status. International visitors on vacation or work trips to the U.S. during the census are not included. Residents are counted at the address where they usually live and sleep. The Census Bureau has a detailed breakdown of how the 2020 census will count deployed troops, college students, incarcerated people, those displaced by natural disasters and other groups in unique living situations.

5. What questions will the 2020 census ask?

Most of the questions will be similar to what census forms have asked for in recent counts.  For example:

• The number of people living or staying in a home on April 1, 2020.
• Whether the home is owned with or without a mortgage, rented or occupied without rent.
• A phone number for a person in the home.
• The name, sex, age, date of birth and race of each person in the home.
• Whether each person is of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin.
• The relationship of each person to a central person in the home.

6. Can I refuse to answer a census question?

You can skip questions, submit an incomplete census form, and still be included in the head count. But you can be fined for refusing to answer a census question or intentionally giving a false answer, although the penalty has been enforced rarely in the past. Returning a partially filled-out questionnaire may result in a follow-up phone call or visit from a census worker.

7. Are census responses confidential?

Under current federal law, the bureau cannot share census responses identifying individuals with the public or other federal agencies, including immigration authorities and other law enforcement, until 72 years after the information is collected. The Census Bureau, however, can release anonymized census information about specific demographic groups at a level as detailed as a neighborhood.

8. Can I respond to the census in a language other than English?

While paper forms will only be available in English and Spanish, you can respond online or by phone in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese. The bureau is also providing video and printed guides in 59 non-English languages, as well as a video in American Sign Language.

9. How do I apply for a census job?

Applications for the half-million temporary census positions, including door knockers and outreach specialists, must be submitted online. You can find more information on the bureau’s recruitment website.

10. When will the 2020 census results be released?

The Census Bureau is expected to announce the new population counts by Dec. 31, 2020. That’s the bureau’s deadline for sending to the president numbers for the reapportionment of congressional seats, which goes into effect beginning with the 2022 elections. 2020 census data used for state and local redistricting are set to be released by March 31, 2021. The bureau is planning to release other new census data beginning in spring 2021.

Show All Answers

1. What is annexation?

Annexation is a process of a property located outside of a city limits moving into the city limits, allowing the city to include that property.

2. Are there different types of Annexation?

YES.  There are two types of annexation:

1. The most frequent type of annexation the City of Chelsea uses is where the property owner petitions the city council and requests their property be moved/included within the city limits.
2. Annexation by election:  This is where a city will seek interested property owners to sign a petition, to build an annexation map to identify the areas that are interested and want to be included in the annexation by election.  Once the area is determined, and the petition is signed, the petition will be handed to the probate judge, whom will go through the legal process to set up an annexation by election.  Each voter included in the map will be eligible to vote, for or against the annexation of the area.

3. If I annex my house into a city, will my address change?

NO.  Your address will remain the same, as the zip code that is on your current mailing address, only indicates where your mail is delivered.

4. If I annex my house, will I have to pay fire dues to the Chelsea Fire Department?

NO, because once you are in the city, the city does not charge for fire dues.

5. If I annex my house into the City of Chelsea, what services will change for me?

1. Once your home is annexed into the city limits of Chelsea, you will be able to take advantage of the city garbage contract, which currently includes four bulk trash pickups, throughout the year. 
2. You will receive your fire and EMS coverage from the Chelsea Fire Department, which does not charge fire dues.
3. You will receive additional police coverage from the City of Chelsea’s contract law enforcement agreement with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.  Due to this contract, Chelsea has dedicated deputies within the Sheriff’s Department that patrol and respond to the City of Chelsea calls.

6. Will annexing into the city, increase my property tax?

At this time, the City of Chelsea does not have a property tax.  An example of when the city may have a property tax would be the creation of a City School System.

7. If my neighborhood is a private gated neighborhood, Will the roads remain private and the gates remain up?

Yes, your neighborhood would be annexed in, as is, and would remain a private gated neighborhood with private roads.

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a building permit?

Complete a Zoning Verification Form and submit to City Clerk along with a plot plan.  Once it's approved, the form is sent to Shelby County Building Department and they would issue the actual permit, schedule any pertinent inspections, and complete Certificates of Occupancy as needed.

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a Business License?

Complete a Business License application and contact City Clerk, Crystal Etheredge for fees and issuance of license.

2. How do I get an FEIN number?

Contact the Internal Revenue Service at www.IRS.gov.

Search EIN and Click on "Apply Now".

Or call 800-829-1040.

3. How do I calculate the amount I owe for my business license?

First, review the business license fee schedule.  Determine the NAICS code that best describes your business.  If the amount is a letter, refer to the end of the fee schedule.  If you need assistance determining the amount owed or have any questions, contact cityclerk@cityofchelsea.com.

4. What do I do if I don't receive a renewal notice?

If you have not received a renewal notice by December 15th, please contact businesslicenses@cityofchelsea.com to request an electronic copy.

5. How do I renew my business license?

There are several options for renewals:

   1. The renewal notice and payment should be mailed to City Clerk, c/o City of Chelsea, PO Box 111, Chelsea, AL  35043

   2. The renewal notice & payment may be brought to City Hall located at 11611 Chelsea Road, Chelsea, AL  35043

   3. The renewal notice may be emailed to cityclerk@cityofchelsea.com and payment may be paid by phone

6. What forms of payment are accepted?

We can accept cash, credit/debit cards, checks, and money orders.

7. Why did I receive a notice from HdL?

The City of Chelsea contracts with HdL Companies to help identify non-compliant businesses in Chelsea and to collect applicable taxes due to the City.  Any questions, please contact the Revenue Department @ 205-678-8455, Extension 113.

8. How much is the issuance fee for a business license?

The City of Chelsea charges $12.00 issuance fee per license.  The only exception to this is a delivery business license which is $10.00.

9. Am I required to pay sales tax for my business?

Prior to selling taxable goods or offering taxable services in Alabama, the business is required to register for an Alabama Sales Tax Number with the Department of Revenue.

To remit local sales tax, visit Avenu and click on "for Taxpayers".

Select your state and click Online Filing & Registration.  If you need assistance, call 800-556-7274 (Option 1).

10. Do I need an ABC License?

Do you plan to sell beer, wine, liquor?  If yes, you must complete an ABC application and submit it to the City Clerk for council approval.

How to Apply for an ABC License or Permit

Please print your pre-application and contact your ABC division office to schedule an appointment. At the time of your appointment, you will need your completed pre-application and all required documentation from the checklist (form LCD-2) with you.

Click on the links below to open and print the Pre-Application form and checklist.

• Pre Application Checklist
• Pre Application Form

Show All Answers

1. How do I get a membership at the community center?

Visit Chelsea RecDesk to create an account for membership.

2. How to rent a room.

Please call the community center 205 677 2052 ext.1 to rent a room.  Visit the community center facilities page for room descriptions and details.

3. How to register for a program

Please call community center 205 677 2052 for details.

4. When is the gym open for basketball.

Hours vary depending on teams practicing or conducting games. Gym is multi use most days. BE SURE AND CHECK BOTH THE GYM "A" AND GYM "B" CALENDARS FOR AVAILABILITY!  Call community center 205 677 2052.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Feasibility Study?

A feasibility study is simply a study design to determine the feasibility, or possibility, of Chelsea having its own city school system.  It is a preliminary step to determine if having our own school system would be a practical idea and make sense for our citizens.  A feasibility study is in no way a decision to move forward with an actual plan to create our own school system.  It is merely a process that will be used to determine if this is a viable idea for Chelsea. 

2. What will we learn from the study?

The study will look at available tax revenues and identify any additional revenues needed to support a new school system in Chelsea, annual expenses assets, transportation costs, long-term debt service and identify adequate revenue streams to maintain a one month operative reserved for the school system.  It will also provide information on future capital needs, expanded technology capacities and needed/required services for special needs students.

3. How long will the study take?

The feasibility study will take about 90 days to complete.

4. Why does Chelsea need its own school system?

Chelsea is one of the fastest growing cities within Alabama.  From 2010 through 2019, the city’s population grew by nearly 4,000 residents – an increase of 39%.  It is projected that an additional 650 homes will be built within the city by the year 2025.  That growth also extends to Chelsea’s adjoining sister communities whose families’ children currently attend one of the schools in the Chelsea student attendance zone.  

As we look ahead at educating a growing student population, we know the needs of our students are increasing.  They will require and deserve new and improved school facilities, increased learning opportunities, and more.  As other parts of Shelby County also continue to grow, the increasing demands placed upon the county school system to provide resources and financial support across the system to its many schools also grow.  We believe that now is the right time to take the responsible next steps in gathering information to explore the possible formation of a Chelsea school system that would be solely focused upon meeting the needs of students living within the communities our schools currently serve.

5. What schools make up the current Chelsea student attendance zone?

Forest Oaks Elementary School (grades K-5), Chelsea Park Elementary School (grades K-5),  Mt Laurel Elementary School (grades K-5), Chelsea Middle School (grades 6-8), and Chelsea High School (grades 9-12).  The combined student enrollment for the schools is more than 4,600.

6. How would a new school system be funded?

There are costs associated with operating any school system, including the county system of which Chelsea’s schools currently are a part.  The Chelsea City Council has authorized a feasibility study to be completed to identify the costs of forming and sustaining a city school system.  That study is to be completed no later than this upcoming October with the findings to be publicly presented during a Chelsea City Council meeting.  We will not know any actual costs associated with a new city school system until the study is completed.  The goal at this time is to gather as much information as possible, share that with the public, and then present opportunities for informed decisions to be made when that time comes.

7. Are there successful and recent examples within our area of cities that have formed their own local school systems?

Yes.  Within Shelby County, the City of Alabaster formed its own school system in 2013.  The following year in 2014, the City of Pelham created its own city school system.  Across the state, other recent examples include Gulf Shores in Baldwin County beginning its city school system in 2019,  and Pike Road in Montgomery County forming its city school system in 2015.

8. What about those families who live outside the city limits whose children currently are zoned to attend one of the Chelsea student attendance zone schools?

What happens to these students if the city forms its own school system?  We want to take every possible step to enable these families and children to continue being served by our schools.  Along with students residing within Chelsea’s city limits, these young people are important and valued members of our student population.  Once the feasibility study is completed and publicly presented this fall, we all will know the steps required to form and operate a new city school system.  At that time, we will reach out to all our families, both those living within the Chelsea city limits and those not residing within the city limits but currently being served by our schools, to provide all such information.  We think it important for all our students to continue without interruption their attending schools where they have established friendships with classmates and participated in extracurricular activities and sports alongside peers they have known over the years.

9. How will a final decision be made determining the possible formation of a new city school system?

The Chelsea City Council has approved the exploratory process to begin with its having authorized a feasibility study to be completed regarding a possible new school system.  Upon its completion, the study will provide information as to what may be required to create and support a new Chelsea City School System.  Once the results of that study are presented publicly this fall, the City Council then will review and determine possible necessary next steps to be taken.  Following that time, residents of Chelsea along with those families living outside the city limits whose children attend one of the Chelsea attendance zone schools – knowing what a new school system will mean and provide for them and their children- will be provided clear direction as to the opportunities that may be required for their consideration in helping determine and shape the future of a new school system.

10. What is the most pressing facilities need within the Chelsea schools?

With the formation of a Chelsea city school system, this will drop the student count from the high school, making the high school closer to the correct size that it needs to be.  A new Chelsea Middle school would be a priority along with updating and repairing the current high school.  Adding a gym to Chelsea Park and new classrooms to either Chelsea Park or Forest Oaks.

11. If a new Chelsea City School System is formed, what might be the earliest date it would begin operating?

At this point, we are in an exploratory phase with the authorization of a feasibility study and until the findings of that study are completed, that question cannot be accurately answered.  We do know that in some instances of new school systems being formed, it has taken approximately two years to begin on a sound and well-planned foundation.  For us, that would mean a rough estimate of July 2023 at the earliest.  Again, at this point the first step being taken is the authorization of a feasibility study to be completed.

12. How will we be kept informed of this process moving forward?

We are committed to an open, transparent, and inclusive process involving the public that is based upon factual information starting with the findings of the feasibility study that will be publicly presented this upcoming fall.  After receiving those findings, next steps in the process will be identified with the public being informed of what might be those possible and necessary next steps in the formation of a new Chelsea school system.

Show All Answers

1. How to get a library card?

Shelby County Residents:

In order to receive a library card you must present two forms of identification with your current address. This card must be renewed once every three years.
For minors, a legal guardian must be present and sign for the minor's card along with presenting two forms of ID.  This card must be renewed once every three years.

Employee within Shelby County Limits:

If you work within the Shelby County limits, you can receive a library card upon proof of employment and two forms of identification. This card must be renewed once a year.

Student:

If you are a student, you may receive a library card with proof of enrollment and an ID with your current address. This card must be renewed once a year.

Out of County Resident:

Adults 18 or older who live out of county can receive a library card with two forms of identification. An out of county card has an annual fee of $30.00. Card must be renewed once a year.

Temporary:

Residents who are in impermanent and/or transient housing situations may receive a library card upon proof of residence or letter from their host or the administration of the organization. This card must be renewed every 6 months. 

2. How to sign into your library account

You can access your online library account by going to the online catalog. You now can log in under the "My Account" tab. You will be prompted for a barcode and password. The barcode is the number on the back of your library card starting with "21726". Enter the barcode number without spaces. Your password is your month and day of birth. This is a four digit number. For example: if your birthday is January 1, your password will be 0101.

3. Are there age restrictions for getting a library card?

There is no age limit to get a library card. However, if a minor (anyone under the age of 18) wishes to get a card, a legal guardian must sign for the minor and assume all responsibilities for said card. This includes late fees, replacement costs, and other monetary fees associated with the account.

4. How long is a library card valid?

Library cards expire at different times depending on the type of card you have. Check below to see how long your card is good for:
** to renew your library card regardless of the type of card, you must present the documentation required for your card. See the requirements here.

Shelby County Resident:

If you are a resident of Shelby County, your card is good for 3 years. After the 3 year time period, you must come into the library and renew your card to resume use of your card and library materials.

Employee in Shelby County:

If you work within the Shelby County limits, your card is good for 1 year. After the 1 year time period, you must come into the library and renew your card to resume use of your card and library materials.

Student:

If you have a student account, your library card is good for 1 year. After the 1 year time period, you must come into the library and renew your card to resume use of your card and library materials. 

Out of County Resident:

If you are an out of county resident who has paid for a library card membership, your card is good for 1 year. After the 1 year time period, you must come into the library and pay $30.00 for another years subscription to renew your card and resume use of your card and library materials. 

Temporary: 

If you have a temporary card, your card is good for 6 months. After the 6 month time period, you must come into the library and renew your card to resume use of your card and library materials.

Show All Answers

1. How do I sign up for sports.

Visit Chelsea RecDesk to create an account for all sports sign ups.