Planning and Zoning Commission

The City of Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission (Planning Commission or PZC) was originally formed in 1946 to guide and accomplish a comprehensive and coordinated development of the City. Some of the Planning Commission’s duties include approving new subdivisions and recommending changes to the Zoning Ordinance to the Tuscaloosa City Council.

In matters pertaining to subdivision regulations, approval of subdivisions within the City and its Planning Jurisdiction and as to Planned Unit Developments located outside the City limits, the PZC is the final authority.

In matters pertaining to Historic Buffer zone construction, the PZC is the final authority, though the decision is subject to appeal to the City Council per Sec. 24-222(b).

In matters pertaining to original zonings, rezonings, Planned Unit Developments within the City, street vacations, Downtown/Riverfront Overlay District applications, and Riverfront Development District applications, the PZC is a recommending body to City Council.

The Planning Commission hearings are typically held on the third Monday of each month.

Hearings are held in the City Council Chamber on the 2nd floor of City Hall beginning at 5 p.m. A pre-meeting will take place typically 30 minutes before the meeting begins. The Planning Commission consists of nine members appointed by the mayor to serve six-year terms.

In August 2016, the City Council approved two food truck zone locations within the Downtown/Riverfront Overlay District (DROD). Operation must be consistent with the provisions of Section 24-229 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Zone 1

Zone 2

Locations outside the DROD must be reviewed by staff and must adhere to the provisions of Section 24-52 and Section 24-91 (Vehicle-mounted or tent-sheltered food sales or other retailing).