Keeping the streets safe

The City of Helena Street Department’s primary objectives are to keep the city looking its best at all times and to maintain safe city streets for all to travel. Duties include: repairing and maintaining city streets, installing street signs, mowing grass along city rights-of-way, displaying flags on holidays, decorating for the Christmas season, street and traffic light maintenance, and animal control.

The City of Helena has a leash law for dogs, (cats excluded) Ordinance 368-69. All dogs must be kept on your property or be on a leash at all times. All dogs need to be registered with the City of Helena, and dog tags may be purchased at the Helena Municipal Building for $1.00 each. Any questions, please call City Hall at (205) 663-2161. There is no cat ordinance. Report any dead animals during regular business hours at 663-2161.

Public Works

Public Works

Jason Poe

Phone: (205) 663-2161
Email: jpoe@cityofhelena.org
8:00AM – 5:00PM

Republic Services

Phone: (205) 923-1650
republicservices.com
Household garbage and recycling services are provided by Republic Services. Please contact them directly with any garbage and/or recycling questions you may have.

Animal Control and Recycling

The City of Helena has a leash law for DOGS, (cats excluded) Ordinance 368-69. All dogs must be kept on your property or be on a leash at all times. All dogs need to be registered with the City of Helena, and dog tags may be purchased at the Helena Municipal Building for $1.00 each. Dog tags for the year 2004 are in and due.

Any questions, please call City Hall at (205) 663-2161.

THERE IS NO CAT ORDINANCE.

Dog Complaint Report

Republic Services acquired Santek on May 5, 2021, and currently provides the City’s garbage and recycling services. Residents may see a change in the branding of trucks, uniforms, carts, and their quarterly statement.

To ensure safe collection, please place carts within three feet of the curb with the lid opening toward the street. We also ask that the cart be placed far from objects such as mailboxes, power poles, trees, and overhead lines.

Residents may also download Republic Services’ mobile app to get statements, pay their bills, request, and receive other notifications.

Republic Services
Phone: (205) 923-1650

Streets & Sanitation FAQs

No. It’s the contractor’s responsibility to remove any debris from your premises.

The city is responsible for grass cutting along major roads only.

Draining ditches cutting and maintenance are the responsibility of the property owners.

At City Hall.

On a city road, we must receive an appropriate number of reports before the major expenditure of asphalt is approved. If it’s a county or state road, the city is not responsible for pothole repairs.

We will pick-up once reported.

Report to city hall or police department.

Any biodegradable items?

Toilet tissue

Because grease will clog your drain and may clog the main sewer lines to all homes in your area. Household chemicals pose a threat to our entire system because they can kill the microorganisms that treat the water.

When used properly, these products will not hurt the treatment process.

It’s a high-water alarm. We encourage you to call the Utility Department (663-2894) during normal operating hours. After hours, call the Police Dept. at 663-6499.

Call the Utility Department at 663-2894 or Police Department.

No. However, if the project is beyond routine maintenance, it may require a permit.

You must fill out an application at City Hall. Coming soon, you can do it on-line).

It depends. Your permit cost will vary depending on cost and type of project.

Yes.

Typically, it can be issued within 48 business hours. Other circumstances may cause a longer delay.

I want to have vinyl siding put on my house?*

Yes. If anyone other than yourself will be installing your siding, they must also obtain a city business license.

I’m thinking about installing a pool in my backyard?*

Yes, a permit is required for an above-ground & in-ground pool if the pool will hold more than twenty-two (22) inches of water.

I want to fence in my yard?*

No, but contact City Hall first because each subdivision/area may have specific fence guidelines.

I want to purchase a pre-fabricated, storage building?*

Yes because there are specific guidelines for its placement on your property.

I want to build, extend, or repair my wood deck?*

Yes because it needs to be inspected for code and city ordinance compliance.

I want to have a professionally built storage building or garage?*

A permit is required also, as well as the contractor obtaining a business license.

My house is on a multi-acre lot and I want to remove some trees, one that is too near the house and some on the perimeter that I just want down.*

Yes and no. You do not need a permit to remove any tree that endangers your personal property (car, garage, house, etc.) You may be required, however, to obtain a tree-removal permit for the others.

A heating and air service tech is coming to my house?

Maybe. If the technician is servicing or repairing parts, then a permit is not required. However, if they are replacing or upgrading the air handler or condenser unit, a permit is required.

I’m going to refresh my home’s exterior by getting a new roof and painting?*

Maybe. No permit is required for painting your home or if you’re replacing your roofing with like materials. However, if you are changing the roofing material, (e.g. from asphalt shingle to metal), a permit IS required.

Contact the Flood Plain Director at City Hall.

It means a petition has been made to request a different use of the property. Any further information can be obtained from City Hall or by attending the scheduled meeting advertised on the placard/sign.

By attending the scheduled hearing. Contact City Hall for more information.

It depends. You must contact the Zoning Administrator for that information.

* All the aforementioned information pertains to the City of Helena’s requirements, additionally; it is the responsibility of the homeowner to check with any homeowner associations’ covenants or restrictions to ensure compliance.

Yes, a permit is required for a yard/garage sale permit. The cost is $6.00 and it is good for 3 consecutive days. You are allowed 2 yard sale permits per year and they can be purchased at Helena City Hall. They will issue the permit and give you the sign guidelines as well. City Hall is open Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM. If you should have additional questions, please contact us at (205) 663-2161.