Montevallo will begin receiving its inspection services and zoning administration services from the county after the city’s code enforcement officer resigned in early June.

The city will begin receiving the services from the Shelby County Department of Development Services July 1, which will be about a month after the city’s code enforcement officer submitted his resignation.

Because the current economic downturn has reduced the number of building inspections and zoning issues in Montevallo, contracting with the county will allow the city to save money, said Mayor Ben McCrory.

“If business was booming, we may not have made the decision to contract with the county,” McCrory said. “We just feel that with the times and the downturn, the county can do it better than we can.”

With the addition of Montevallo, the county department now provides inspection services for seven Shelby County communities. The department also services Chelsea, Indian Springs Village, Wilsonville, Wilton, Vincent and Columbiana.

Through the agreement, the department will complete Montevallo’s building permits, inspections, utility releases, code enforcement and commercial and residential building plan reviews.

The department will also review and administer developments, like subdivisions. Also, the department will provide planning, subdivision enforcement and geographical mapping for the city.

“By providing cost-effective solutions, our department gives each municipality the opportunity to provide a broader range of services to their citizens,” said Shelby County Development Service Manager Ray Hamilton. “We believe our employees offer a wide variety of technical skills, and we would welcome the opportunity to offer our services to address the needs of any of our municipalities.”

McCrory said the county department has extensive experience working with other communities, and said he is looking forward to working with the county.

“We are glad for them to come aboard. We felt going with the county would streamline our process,” McCrory added. “They have a great reputation with the other cities they’ve worked with in the past.”