Planning and Zoning Commission

Interested in participating in a Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing? There are two options available to provide input for consideration:

1. In advance by written comment. Submit written comments by email at planningcommission@tuscaloosa.com or through the comment form below no later than 3:00pm on the meeting date. Written comments from individuals will be provided to the commission for consideration at the meeting and read into the record during the meeting for up to three minutes for each written comment.  If there is a large group with similar comments, we strongly encourage one letter to be written with multiple signatures on the letter. If a large number of letters are submitted for a single case, staff reserves the right to summarize the sentiments of the letters as either for or against.
2. During the meeting, in person. You can attend the meeting in-person to speak by coming to the Council Chambers located at 2201 University Boulevard. Parking is in the Intermodal Facility located at the corner of 7th Street and 23rd Avenue.

*New Speaker Limit: Those wishing to speak in favor or in opposition are both limited to four speakers each, for a maximum of five minutes per speaker. Sign ups will be first come first serve beginning at 4:30 p.m. on the meeting date.

Any individual wishing to provide supplemental information (PowerPoint, handouts, etc.) must submit the information to staff via email no later than 3:00pm the Friday before the meeting date.

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 Planned Unit Developments located outside the City limits, the Planning Commission is the final authority.

In matters pertaining to Historic Buffer zone construction, the Planning Commission 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 Planning Commission is a recommending body to City Council.

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. 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.

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).