Alabama Counties Seek Planning Powers

Alabama has set a 2001 goal for counties to regulate county development through the implementation of planning and zoning requirements.

1 minute read

January 15, 2001, 6:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The Association of County Commissions of Alabama has set a 2001legislative goal of gaining authority for counties to regulate county development through the implementation of planning and zoning requirements.According to The Huntsville Times, for the second year in a row, the association plans to introduce a bill allowing counties to set up rural planning and zoning boards to oversee development -- if residents approve the idea in a referendum. A similar bill proposed last year never made it to the House floor for debate. The association says rural areas in Alabama often growwith no controls, resulting in a jumble of development that brings downproperty values. A number of groups, including the Home BuildersAssociation of Alabama and the Alabama Association of Realtors, could support the measure. But the Alabama Farmers Federation fears counties could zonefarmers out of business.

Thanks to Dateline APA

Saturday, January 13, 2001 in Alabama Live

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A painted bus lane in NYC.

NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades

The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.

September 21 - NYC Streetsblog

A woman looks at a utility bill.

'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide

Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.

September 21 - Smart Cities Dive

A person scuba diving in a coral reef off Guam.

Trump to overrule local leaders, lease millions of acres of America’s Pacific Island territories’ seafloors to mining companies

International law says that the Indigenous people of America’s territories have a right to prior and informed consent regarding projects that impact their countries.

September 21 - Grist