The city plans to overhaul its zoning ordinance for the first time in decades.
Zoning ordinances regulate land use within cities, which affects where homes are built and how communities and businesses expand. “Montgomery has grown and our communities have grown,” said Shaletta Jones, land use control specialist with the city.
Montgomery passed the current ordinance more than 60 years ago, and the city’s office said the ordinance “no longer meets the needs of a growing, modern city. This update will align land use policy with the health, safety, prosperity and unique character of Montgomery.” The ordinance was last updated in 1985, 41 years ago.
Workers use heavy equipment to prepare a construction site in Montgomery, Alabama, in October 2021.
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The city’s office said updating the ordinance is important because it is critical to “protecting homes and neighborhoods, promoting smart growth for vibrant neighborhoods, balancing development with environmental stewardship, and protecting Montgomery’s history and character while planning for future growth.”
“Our vision for New Montgomery is to create opportunities for everyone in our community so that everyone can live, learn and earn freely,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed.
The city said residents are encouraged to provide input on the new ordinance at an upcoming public meeting. Although dates for these meetings have not yet been made public, you can register for updates at envivisionmontgomery2040.org/zoning/.
Sarah Clifton reports business for the Montgomery Advertiser. You can contact her at sclifton@montgome.gannett.com or follow her at @sarahgclifton. To support her work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.
This article originally appeared in the Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery updates zoning rules for first time in four decades