The Business Compliance Unit is a branch of the Special Operations Bureau that oversees the compliance of various businesses operating within the city. The unit works closely with City Hall to screen business licenses and permit applications related to public safety. Once a business is granted a license to operate, the BCU conducts regular inspections and enforces regulations to ensure compliance is maintained. Some of the businesses that fall under the BCU’s purview include tow truck companies and drivers, taxis and other vehicles for hire, food trucks, low-speed vehicles, and Dancer’s Division II.
The BCU’s responsibilities include investigating operational and licensing complaints, reviewing, and updating ordinances in collaboration with the Office of the City Attorney, working with the City of Birmingham’s Finance department to ensure delinquent businesses are financially compliant, and conducting research to present information to the Public Safety and Transportation Committees.
Depending on the type of business, an applicant must complete the necessary application and submit supporting documents to the BCU. Electronic copies of the applications are available below.
Completed applications may be hand-delivered or emailed to:
City Hall
1st Floor
Business Compliance Unit
710 20th St North
Birmingham, Al 35203
Monday- Friday 8 am- 4 pm
bcunit@birminghamal.gov
Permanent Dancer’s Permit cards are issued on Thursdays ONLY at City Hall from 9:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Excluding Holidays
Birmingham Nightclub Best Practices 2023
If you need to apply for a Parking Lot Permit (all commercial and non-commercial lots), please visit the City of Birmingham’s Department of Transportation website, and click on APPLY FOR A PERMIT.
