Alabama Administrative Code Title 500 - Alabama State Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects
Title 500 of the Alabama Administrative Code governs the Alabama State Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects (ABELA). This Board is responsible for the licensure and regulation of landscape architects in the state, ensuring that individuals practicing this profession meet specific qualifications and adhere to professional standards to protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.
The administrative rules under Title 500 are organized into key chapters that define the Board's operations and the requirements for landscape architecture practice:
Chapter 500-X-1 - Organization of Board:
Board Composition: Defines that the Board is composed of three registered landscape architects appointed by the Governor, with specific experience requirements (e.g., practicing in Alabama for two or more years).
Board Operations: Outlines details such as quorum requirements for meetings, the frequency of meetings (at least two per year), and the use of prescribed forms for applications and requests.
Definitions: Provides fundamental definitions relevant to the Board's functions, including what constitutes the "practice of landscape architecture" in Alabama. This clarifies the scope of work covered, emphasizing design for land areas, but explicitly excluding the design of structures typically handled by engineers or architects.
Chapter 500-X-2 - Examinations, License, Fees, and Services: This is the most substantial chapter, detailing the core regulatory functions.
Definitions (specific to this chapter): Further defines terms like "Board," "Landscape Architect," and "Practice of Landscape Architecture" to ensure clarity for licensing purposes.
Qualifications for Licensure: This is a critical section outlining the requirements for an individual to become a licensed landscape architect in Alabama:
Age: Must be at least 19 years old.
Education and Experience: Applicants must typically possess a degree from a Board-approved college or school of landscape architecture and demonstrate actual practical experience. The rules specify a total of six years of combined education and experience to be eligible for examination. Each year of study in an approved program can count as one year of experience, up to a maximum of five years. Alternatively, prior to August 1, 2012, eight years of practical experience could substitute for a degree.
Citizenship/Legal Presence: Must be a U.S. citizen or legally present in the U.S.
Examinations:
Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.): This is the national examination developed and administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB), which assesses competence to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
State Supplemental Examination: An additional exam administered by ABELA, testing the applicant's knowledge of Alabama statutes, Board rules, and the Board's Code of Conduct for Landscape Architects.
Application Process: Procedures for submitting applications, documentary evidence (transcripts, affidavits, etc.), and potential requirements for a personal appearance before the Board.
Reciprocal Registration: Rules for individuals licensed in other jurisdictions to apply for licensure in Alabama based on reciprocity, often requiring a CLARB record.
License Renewal: Specifies that licenses expire annually on December 31st and outlines renewal procedures, including fees and continuing education requirements.
Continuing Education: Requires licensees to complete 16 hours of continuing education (Professional Development Hours - PDH) per year, with a minimum of eight hours directly related to public health, safety, and welfare (HSW). Rules detail acceptable activities for earning PDH and record-keeping.
Fees: Lists various fees for applications, examinations, initial certification, and renewals.
Appendix A: This typically contains supporting information, such as fee schedules or application forms.
Core Responsibilities of the Alabama State Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects (ABELA):
Based on its administrative code and enabling statutes (Code of Alabama 1975, Title 34, Chapter 17), ABELA's key responsibilities are to:
Protect the Public: By ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals practice landscape architecture, thereby safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare.
Establish Qualifications: Define the education, experience, and examination standards necessary for licensure.
License Qualified Applicants: Administer examinations (including the state-specific exam) and issue licenses to individuals who meet all requirements.
Regulate Professional Conduct: Enforce a Code of Professional Conduct to maintain ethical standards in the practice of landscape architecture.
Investigate Complaints: Address allegations of misconduct or violations of the law/rules by licensees.
Administer Disciplinary Actions: Impose penalties (e.g., fines, suspension, revocation of license) for violations.
Oversee Continuing Education: Ensure licensees maintain and enhance their professional competency through ongoing education.
These regulations are crucial for defining the scope of landscape architecture practice in Alabama, ensuring professional accountability, and ultimately protecting the public interest in projects that shape the built and natural environment.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult the official Alabama Administrative Code as published by the Alabama Legislative Services Agency and the Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects' official website (abela.alabama.gov), which provides the current laws, rules, application forms, and public notices.
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