Developers are now required to build sidewalks in all new subdivisions after Monday night’s meeting of the Shelby County Commission.

The commission passed a resolution to amend both county zoning and subdivision regulations to require sidewalks in certain zoning districts including any planned residential or shopping districts.

The amendments were originally passed by the Shelby County Planning Commission after a July 21 public hearing, before being sent to the county commission for approval.

Todd McDonald, director of the county’s development department, said the amendments were the result of the wishes of the planning department, county commission and Shelby County residents.

&uot;It was addressed by the community through the town hall process,&uot; McDonald said.

The commission voted 8-0 to approve the resolution. Commissioner Lindsey Allison was absent.

&uot;Sidewalks and pedestrian ways shall be required to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Shelby County by the Planning Commission,&uot; according to the resolution.

Sidewalks are required on one side of the street in E-1 and E-2, single-family estate districts; R-1, single-family districts; and any lots between 15,000 square feet and one acre.

Sidewalks are required on both sides of the street in R-2, single-family districts; R-3, reserved; R-4 and R-5, multiple dwelling districts and any lots less than 15,000 square feet.

No sidewalks are required in A-R, agricultural-residential; A-1, agricultural; or any lots larger than one acre.

Commissioner Jimmy Bice addressed concerns that the sidewalk requirements were in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

McDonald said sidewalks must be at least five feet wide on minor streets and at least six feet wide on major streets, exceeding current ADA requirements.

A &uot;green space&uot; at least five feet wide is also required in the resolution.

The amendment sets up sidewalks and pedestrian ways &uot;designed and located to enhance natural features as well as tree conservation and preservation.&uot;

In other action, the commission:

Recorded a bid awarded to Jordan Frazier’s Midfield Dodge-Jeep Inc. for $15,000 for a four-passenger electric vehicle for the Sheriff’s Office.

Recorded that no bids were received for an ultrasonic weapons cleaner. Therefore prices will be obtained and purchase made as outlined within the State of Alabama Bid Law.

Entered into an agreement with the state of Alabama for a transportation enhancement project at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera.

Received applications for alcoholic beverage licenses from Publix No. 882, The Landing, Summerhill Quick Stop and Zapata’s.

Nominated Sydney Lamar Clayton of Shelby, James L. King of Pelham and Jeffery R. Murphy of Birmingham to the Department of Revenue for the Board of Equalization for Shelby County beginning Oct. 1, 2003.

Approved to quit claim the right-of-way at the intersection of County Road 12 and County Road 87