Show All Answers

1. Where do I register to vote?

Registration for city elections is handled by the voter registration office located in the Houston County Administration Building at:
444 N. Oates St.
Dothan, Alabama 36303

They may be contacted by calling (334) 677-4774.

Show All Answers

1. How do I inquire about my bill?

Please call (334) 615-4100 to speak with a Billing Representative.

Show All Answers

1. How do I report a street light problem?

To report problems with street lights, you may call (334) 615-3302 any time.

2. How do I request a street light or security light?

Please call (334) 615-3321 for this type of request.

Show All Answers

1. How do I get underground facilities located?

Contact Alabama 811 at (800) 292-8525.

2. How do I find out about wastewater collection links and sewer availability?

Please call the engineering services division at (334) 615-4420.

Show All Answers

1. How do I get underground water facilities located?

You may contact Alabama 811 by calling (800) 292-8525.

Show All Answers

1. Can my utility deposit be refunded?

A residential deposit may be returned to an individual that has had service for a minimum of twelve months and has obtained “Good Customer” status. The initial deposit and credit history with the Utility Collections Division of the Finance Department will determine if the deposit is returned in one lump sum or spilt into annual payments. Commercial deposits are applied to the final bill at the time the service is discontinued. The commercial customer will receive a refund check for overpayment or a statement for any amounts due.

2. Can you accept a credit card payment via telephone?

Yes, simply call 334-615-4100 and select option 2.  Please have your account number number handy when calling.  Dothan Utilities accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a smoke alarm in my home?

Every home should have a smoke detector in each sleeping area of the home and on each level. If you need a smoke detector in your home, call our Smoke Detector Hotline at (334) 615-3473.

Show All Answers

1. What are the payment options for Municipal Court?

Municipal Court accepts cash, cashiers checks, or money orders. An ATM is available in the lobby.

2. Where do I go to make a payment?

Payments may be taken to the City of Dothan Magistrate's Office located at:
115 W. Adams St.
Dothan, AL 36303

3. How much is a speeding ticket?

Speeding ticket fines are as follows:

• 24 mph or less over the limit = $204.50
  
• 25 mph or more over the limit = $224.50

Show All Answers

1. How do I enter an adult team in one of your leagues?

We offer a variety of adult leagues.  Contact Chad Daniels at 334-615-3781 or email him at ccdaniels@dothan.org for more information.

Show All Answers

1. When is the archery range at Eastgate Park open for use?

The archery range is open each day during normal park hours. The exception is Wednesday when the range is closed for maintenance.

2. Does Eastgate Park have bows and arrows for sale or rent?

Unfortunately at this time Eastgate Park does not rent or sale bow or arrows. Any person using the archery range is responsible for providing their own equipment.

3. Is there a charge for using the archery range?

There is no charge for use of the archery range, however all shooters must possess a valid hunting or heritage license.

Show All Answers

1. How old do cheerleaders have to be?

We have cheerleading for girls ages 9-12. Your address determines which Recreation Center where you can register. Call any center and they will help you determine which is the proper center for you. All games are played at Westgate's Northcutt and Doug Tew's Rip Hewes Fields.

2. How much does cheerleading cost?

It costs $20 to register for cheerleading. A sleeveless V-neck t-shirt is provided. Sponsors will ask that you buy matching shorts or a skirt. The colors vary for each team. Each team is allowed to use pom-poms and return them to Leisure Services.

Show All Answers

1. Who oversees Dixie Boy's Baseball in Dothan?

Leisure Services is responsible for Dixie Boys Baseball (13-14) in Dothan. Players must register at the appropriate Recreation Center. All players are then drafted from a common player pool and play at Eastgate and Westgate Parks.

Show All Answers

1. Who oversees Dixie Girls Softball in Dothan?

Leisure services is responsible for Dixie Girls Softball (6-18) in Dothan. You should register at the appropriate Recreation Center for your address. Girl's Softball is a City-wide program. All the players are placed in a common player pool from which teams are drafted.

2. Where do the girl's softball teams play?

All games and practices are held at James Oates Park, 798 Campbelton Highway.

Show All Answers

1. Who oversees Dixie Youth Baseball in Dothan?

There are four parent groups in Dothan, called Wards, which are responsible for Dixie Youth Baseball. They are based out of the four recreation centers, and handle all aspects of baseball from T-ball (4-6) through Dixie Ozone (11-12).

2. Can you play baseball at any Recreation Center or Ward you choose?

No, the Ward in which you play is determined by your home address, which is verified at registration. Call any Recreation Center and they can direct you to the proper center.

Show All Answers

1. Who is eligible to participate in the Dothan Miracle League?

Toddlers, children and adults who are intellectually or physically challenged in the Tri-states area are eligible to participate in the Miracle League. Copy of birth certificate is required.

2. What are the rules for the Miracle League?

Every player bats once each inning (game usually consists of two innings). All base runners are safe. Every player scores-last batter gets a home run. Each team and every player wins. Each player is assigned a buddy who assists them on the field.

Show All Answers

1. How much does gymnastics cost?

Gymnastics is $50 per month. Payment methods accepted are cash or check. Make checks out to DLS (Dothan Leisure Services). Please contact Westgate Recreation Center at 334-615-3760 for additional information.

Show All Answers

1. When is the Industrial Basketball season and where is it played?

The organizational meeting is typically the first Wednesday in November. The season usually starts the first week of December and runs through mid to late March. All games are played at Walton Park Recreation Center.

2. What is the league fee?

It varies from year to year depending on how many teams enter. It usually ranges between $500 and $700 per team.

3. Can I sign up as an individual or do I have to enter a team?

We do not sign up individuals, and only accept teams.

Show All Answers

1. Is transportation provided?

No.

2. Will the Camp Counselors be able to give my child his/her medication?

The Camp Counselors are not allowed to administer medications to the children.

Show All Answers

1. Where do you register for soccer?

You should register at the appropriate Recreation Center for your address. Soccer is a City-wide program, and all the players are placed in a common player pool from which teams are drafted. The older leagues are Coed.

2. Where do you play soccer?

All soccer is played at fields in Westgate Park. The schedules for each team will have the proper field indicated on them.

Show All Answers

1. Who is eligible to participate in Special Olympics?

To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, an individual must be at least 8 years old and identified by an agency or professional as having one of the following conditions: intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays as measured by formal assessment or significant learning problems due to cognitive delays that require or have required specially designed instructions. Participants are required to complete an Application for Participation in Special Olympics and an Official Special Olympics Release form prior to participating.

Show All Answers

1. What volunteer opportunities are available through the Therapeutic Recreation program, Miracle League and Special Olympics?

Volunteers are needed throughout the year to help with programs such as dances, summer camps and special events. Opportunities are also available for volunteer coaches and buddies through Special Olympics and the Dothan Miracle League.

Show All Answers

1. Is transportation available for Therapeutic Recreation programs?

Transportation is available for most of our programs, but only in the Dothan City limits.

2. What programs are offered through the Therapeutic Recreation program?

We offer a variety of programs each season (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer). For more information on what we offer please call our program office at 615-4743 or email alowe@dothan.org.

Show All Answers

1. When does the Volleyball season begin and how long is the season?

Volleyball begins the first week of August and ends the second week of November.

2. How do I enter the volleyball league?

Individuals will form a team and enter their team in the respective league that they want to play in. Players must be 17 years of age or older and must be out for high school. Call (334) 615-3730 for more information.

3. What leagues are offered in the Volleyball Program?

Currently offered are a CO-ED, Church Women and a Church Mens League.
Leagues may be added if future interest is shown.

Show All Answers

1. Where do you register for youth basketball?

You should register at the appropriate Recreation Center for your address. Basketball is a City-wide program, therefore all the players are placed in a common player pool from which teams are drafted. The leagues are Coed.

2. Where do you play youth basketball?

Games are played at Westgate, Wiregrass, and Doug Tew's gyms. The schedules for each team will have the proper gym indicated on them.

Show All Answers

1. How old do boys have to be to play football?

Leisure Services has two age groups for football. Mite is ages 9-10, and Midget is ages 11-12. Your address determines at which Recreation Center you can register. Call any center and they will help you determine which center is the right one for you. All games are played at Westgate's Northcutt and Doug Tew's Rip Hewes fields.

Show All Answers

1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

Show All Answers

1. How can I purchase event tickets?

Tickets can be purchased at the Dothan Civic Center Box Office Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or by calling (334) 615-3175. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.dothanciviccenter.org or www.etix.com.

2. Where do I purchase tickets for an event at the Dothan Opera House?

Tickets can be purchased at the Dothan Civic Center Box Office, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. or by calling (334) 615-3175. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.dothanciviccenter.org or www.etix.com

3. How can I purchase tickets for an event on day of show?

For most events, the Civic Center Box Office will open two hours prior to showtime for a Civic Center event. The Opera House Box Office will open one hour prior to showtime for an Opera House event.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Zoning Ordinance?

The Zoning Ordinance describes the types, size, and shape of uses that can exist in the appropriate zoning districts. These regulations ensure that land uses are compatibly located and benefit the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens. Questions about the Zoning Ordinance can be answered by the Planning & Development Department at (334) 615-4410.

2. What are the Subdivision Regulations?

The Subdivision Regulations are primarily concerned with the division of land, the quality of the improvements constructed on it, and the provision of adequate services to support it. The subdivision of land is one of the first steps in the development process and is a big concern because the public is the owner of the improvements and provider of the services. In most cases, the Planning Commission will determine if the minimum requirements (i.e., size of lot, proper access, etc.) are met before approving the subdivision.

Specific questions about the subdivision process and design standards can be answered by Planning and Development Department staff at (334) 615-4410. Specific questions concerning the engineering and construction standards can be answered by Engineering Services staff at (334) 615-4420.

Show All Answers

1. Can I do the business I want to do at the location I have chosen?

Your first step is to call the Planning & Development Department at (334) 615-4410 to see if the location you have chosen has the proper zoning for your chosen business.

2. After I have determined that the location is properly zoned for my chosen business, what do I do next?

Your next step is to contact the Business License office at (334) 615-3165 to start the licensing procedure.

3. What is the rezoning process and how long does it take?

A Rezoning is a change from one zoning district to another. View the Rezoning Guide for more information. To apply, complete a Rezoning Application.

Show All Answers

1. The Long Range Planning Division is responsible for creating conceptual plans for development or improvements to city properties. Do any of the conceptual plans ever get used?

Often conceptual plans are evaluated and used to run costs for construction or accompany Federal and/or State grant applications as illustrations for the project(s) the City hopes to gain funding. Other times they are a stimulus for discussions and actual plan creation by outside professionals. Some examples are:
a. James A Oates Park led to refinement by a consultant.
b. Houston-Love Memorial Library led to plans by an architect.
c. The development potential for city-owned property in downtown is being evaluated for further action.
d. 100 Block of N. Foster St. led to grant monies for steetscape and utility improvements to the street.

2. The Long Range Planning Division is responsible for the implementation of the Long Range Development Plan. Where do you stand on this?

The staff is engaged in what will result in a detailed examination and plan for each neighborhood in the city. The NE Urban Sector Neighborhoods Plan is complete and we are well underway with others. The Future Land Use Plan is consulted by general staff during plat, zoning, and plan review.

Show All Answers

1. Who can apply for a building permit?

A permit may be obtained by either the property owner, doing his/her own work, or a contractor licensed to work in the City of Dothan.

2. How much does a building permit cost?

Permit fees are based on the Fee Schedule approved by the City Commission.

3. Can I apply for a building permit online?

Permits must be obtained in person at the Permits & Inspections office, located in Room 315 of the Dothan Civic Center at 126 N Saint Andrews Street. Permit applications are processed Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Payments may be made by cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard. Credit card transactions are assessed an additional 1.6% convenience fee. Credit card payments are not accepted by phone.

Contractors may establish an escrow account in order to submit certain types of permit applications by fax or email. Contact Permits & Inspections at (334) 615-4450 for more information on this option.

4. Is a permit required if I'm working on my own home?

Permit requirements do not change if a homeowner is doing the work instead of a contractor. A permit is required on new construction, alterations, or additions and all electrical and plumbing work, per Section 14-5 of the City Code. Accessory structures, portable buildings, and fences also require permits.

A permit is not required for painting, replacing floor covering, or replacing cabinets. Permits may be waived by the Building Official for minor, non-structural repairs valued under $1,000.00.

Please call Permits & Inspections at (334) 615-4450 for clarification on whether or not a permit is required.

5. What is the City of Dothan wind load requirement?

The wind load requirement in the City of Dothan is 120mph.

6. I live outside the Dothan city limits but have a Dothan address. Do I need a building permit?

A City of Dothan building permit is not required if you live outside the city limits of Dothan. However, a building permit may be required by the county or township/municipality the property is located in. Be sure to check with those entities to determine if there are any permit requirements.

If you are unsure whether or not the property is within the city limits of Dothan, please call the Permits & Inspections office at (334) 615-4450 for verification.

7. How do I obtain a Yard Sale Permit?

• Apply Online
• Apply in-person at the Customer Service Center, located on the 1st floor of the Dothan Civic Center
• Call (334) 615-4450

8. How do I obtain a permit for my home alarm system?

The Dothan Police Department issues home alarm permits. Please visit https://www.dothanpd.org/safety/home-alarm-permit/ for more information.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)?

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a transportation policy-making body made up of representatives from local government and transportation agencies with authority and responsibility in metropolitan planning areas. Federal legislation passed in the early 1970s required the formation of an MPO for any urbanized area (UA) with a population greater than 50,000.

2. What does the MPO do?

The MPO implements the metropolitan planning process by the development of documents that outline the planning actions of the region. Those documents include, but are not limited to, the Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and an annual Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).

3. Who belongs to the Southeast Wiregrass Area MPO?

Members of the Southeast Wiregrass Area MPO include; Voting Members: State of Alabama (Seventh Division), City of Dothan, City of Ashford, Town of Cowarts, Town of Grimes, Town of Headland, Town of Kinsey, Town of Midland City, Town of Napier Field, Town of Pinckard, Town of Rehobeth, Town of Taylor, Town of Webb, Dale County Henry County and Houston County. Non-Voting members: State of Alabama, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (SEARP&DC).

4. How is the Southeast Wiregrass Area MPO structured?

The Southeast Wiregrass Area MPO is made up of three active committees: Policy Committee, Technical Advisory Committee and the Citizen Advisory Committee .

5. How is the Planning Area Boundary determined?

The MPO's planning area is required to include the urbanized area and geographic areas likely to become urbanized within the next 20 years.

Show All Answers

1. How may I pay a traffic ticket?

For all traffic citations, city court dates, etc., contact the Municipal Court at:
City of Dothan Municipal Court
115 W. Adams St.
Dothan, Alabama 36303
Ph: (334) 615-4150

2. How can I report a crime anonymously?

Call Crimestoppers at (334) 793-7000 or send an email to Crimestoppers.

3. How can I obtain a copy of my accident report?

Dothan Police Department Records Division
210 North Saint Andrews Street
Dothan, Alabama 36303
(334) 615-4650
Fax: (334) 615-3629
The cost is $15.00
click here for a DPD Accident Report

4. What number do I call for police-related matters?

(334) 615-3000

5. What number do I call when I have an emergency?

911

6. What can I do about stray animals?

Contact the Dothan Police Animal Services Division at 615-4620.

7. Does the City of Dothan have a Leash Law?

Yes. See Chapter 10 of the City of Dothan Code of Ordinances (City Code).

8. What number do I call to find out if someone has been arrested and is in your jail?

Dothan Police Docket Division (334) 615-4635.

9. Where do I report a crime or suspicious drug activity?

Dothan Police Department Vice/ Intelligence Division (334) 615-3661 or (334) 615-3000.

10. What do I need to do after a vehicle crash?

You will need a copy of the Police Department Accident Report in order to file an insurance claim. If the report was filed by a Dothan police officer, a copy of the report can be obtained from the Police Records Division at 210 N. Saint Andrews Street, 615-4650.

Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the crash. The law requires that you file as SR-13 Form with the State of Alabama within 30 days of the accident. If you do not file this form within 30 days, your driver's license will be suspended until the form is filed. You may obtain blank SR-13 forms at the Dothan Police Department, 210 N. Saint Andrews Street.

11. How do I file an incident report?

In person - Dothan Criminal Justice Building, 210 N. Saint Andrews Street, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Duty Officer - 615-3681.

Officer Dispatch - By calling the Dothan Police Department Communications Center at (334) 615-3000. An officer will be dispatched to the site of the incident and will prepare a written report.

12. What are "speed humps" and how can I get them in my neighborhood?

For information contact Charles E. Metzger, P.E. - Assistant Public Works Director at (334) 615-3810 or cemetzger@dothan.org

Show All Answers

1. Why is my street prohibited by city ordinance from having speed humps installed?

The streets prohibited by city ordinance to have speed humps are considered important neighborhood collectors. Traffic calming on these roads would cause unacceptable delays to motorists as well as increase speeding on adjacent streets.

2. What is the process for petitioning my street to have speed humps?

Please view the petition process.

3. Does it cost anything for speed humps to be installed on my street?

There is no charge to residents for traffic calming.

4. I just want to slow down vehicles in front of my house. Why is my petition area so large?

The entire length of the street must be taken into consideration when traffic calming is used. If motorists are required to slow down in one block, they’ll speed up on the other blocks to make up for lost time. This will only increase the amount of speeding in a neighborhood if a holistic approach is not taken.

5. If my petition is approved, why does it take so long before speed humps are installed in my neighborhood?

The city’s Street Division is responsible for installing of speed humps. However, since the same personnel are patching pot holes and making other roadway repairs the city only installs speed humps during spring and fall.

6. How do I find out the status of my traffic calming request?

Citizens can call the city at (334) 615-4477 to get the latest information concerning their request.

7. How do I remove speed humps on my street?

The person making the request must reside on the petitioned street and it has been at least two years since the initial speed hump installation. The city will provide a petition for the citizen who must circulate it within the same area used for the initial speed hump installation. The citizen must get 75% of the residents to agree traffic calming is no longer supported by the neighborhood (including corner lots). Only one adult signature per property and all signatures are final. Ninety days is provided for this step to be completed.


Once completed, please make a copy before you send it to the address on the petition form. Staff will then review and verify the petition.

Show All Answers

1. What if there is a problem with a traffic signal?

To report any signal malfunctions or signal timing concerns call (334) 615-4474 from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. After hours and on weekends call police dispatch at (334) 793-0215. Note: If all lights are not functioning it is caused by a power outage, not a signal malfunction.

2. How does the city decide where to install traffic signals?

Traffic signals are usually warranted based on minimum traffic volumes during eight hours of a typical weekday. These minimum volumes, or “warrants,” vary depending on the speed of the roadway and the number of approach lanes. For a signal to be approved, it needs to meet the necessary warrants and be justified. To be considered “justified,” factors such as access and distance to nearby signals, lane geometry, and future road plans are all taken into account. If all the necessary conditions are satisfied, and funding is available, a signal may be installed.

3. Will a traffic signal reduce crashes at an intersection?

Traffic signals may not reduce crashes at an intersection. Typically, when a traffic signal is installed at an intersection, the total number of crashes increases, but the severity decreases. Traffic signals may result in a decrease in right-angle crashes. However, they may also result in an increase in rear-end crashes.

4. What should drivers do when the traffic signal is all dark?

Be prepared and know what to do.

5. Why do some traffic signals take so long to change?

The length of your wait depends on the traffic signal cycle length. The traffic signal cycle length is determined based on traffic volumes and traffic patterns specific to each site. Heavily congested major corridors may require longer cycles to accommodate higher volumes of traffic. Though these longer cycle lengths may move more vehicles through an intersection in a given time frame, they may increase delays for some drivers. Typically, wait times are no longer than three minutes to get a green.

6. Why are traffic signals synchronized on some streets and not on others?

Traffic signals are timed to minimize stops and delay to all traffic using the intersection and "perfect synchronization" is rarely possible. Many factors contribute to the disruption of ideal progression: varying speeds, the presence of left-turning signals, the distance between signals, varying amounts of green time required by traffic on cross streets, and congestion from very high traffic volumes. Perfect synchronization for one direction of traffic on a street may result in frequent stops and delays for the other direction. A compromise that favors the heavier direction of flow is usually best.

7. Why don’t we allow more left turns on a green ball indication?

Alabama Department of Transportation and City of Dothan can require that left turns be “protected” (green arrow only) when either there are dual left turn lanes, turning volumes are high, the posted speed limit is high, sight lines are restricted, there is pattern of left turning vehicle collisions, or when there is a combination of these factors. Relaxing the policy would reduce wait time at traffic signals and save fuel, but would also likely cause an increase in severe crashes.

8. Why don’t we put in more left turn arrows at signalized intersections?

Left turn signal phases facilitate left turning traffic and usually improve the safety of the intersection for left turning vehicles. However, this is done at the expense of the amount of green time available for through traffic and will usually reduce the capacity of the intersection. Left turn arrows also result in longer cycle lengths (if in coordination), which will in turn have a detrimental effect by increasing stops and delays.

9. Why isn't there enough green time at a traffic signal to get the traffic through all approaches?

The amount of green time for each movement at a signalized intersection varies according to vehicle demand. When there is not enough green time for each movement to get through the intersection it is often because the intersection is over capacity and has more vehicles than it was designed to handle. The city attempts to time these traffic signals to minimize overall delay for the majority of motorists at the traffic signal. Therefore, if you are on a minor approach or a side street, you may experience significant delay where the main movement is along a heavily congested corridor.

10. Why aren't traffic signals put in flashing operation late at night?

Except for a few signalized intersections that meet strict requirements, the city does not place traffic signals in flashing operation during periods of low traffic. The primary reason is for safety.

11. What do the symbols at a pedestrian countdown signal mean?

Learn about the pedestrian signals on the Pedestrian Safety page.

Show All Answers

1. What if I have a traffic visibility problem?

If you encounter an obstruction that blocks visibility at an intersection or along city streets, call the City of Dothan Traffic Engineering Services Division at (334) 615-4474 from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Personnel will determine if the obstruction can be trimmed or removed.

2. Cars are driving too fast on my street, but I don’t want speed humps. How can I get the city to lower the posted speed limit on my street?

The city’s policy is to use "25 miles per hour" as the standard posted speed limit in neighborhoods. However, sometimes a "30 miles per hour" speed limit is posted on residential streets if the roadway is considered a local collector. While there may be speed limits posted lower than 25, these signs will be replaced as the city continues to standardize these speed limits.

3. Does the city have an automated red light enforcement program?

No, the City of Dothan does not utilize any automated red light enforcement.

4. Do the cameras at various intersections record video?

No. The overhead cameras you see at a traffic signal are solely for detecting the presence of vehicles in order to provide the best distribution of green time based on traffic demand. They are cost-effective replacements for in-ground induction loops that are cut into the pavement.


The cameras are not focused on you the driver, but instead on your vehicle as it moves towards the intersection. As your vehicle enters defined areas or "zones" within the camera's field of view, the camera's processor detects a change in the "zone". An output is sent to the traffic signal controller (the computerized "brain" housed in a nearby metallic cabinet controlling the intersection's timing) that says a vehicle is requesting green time for its direction.