Planning and Zoning Commission

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings with virtual participation capabilities to discuss upcoming applications.

There are several options available to provide input for consideration, listed below:

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, by phone. Comments can also be provided through phone by making an appointment with Staff no later than 10:00am on the meeting date. Following your request, you will receive instruction on joining the meeting via phone to provide your comments.
3. During the meeting, by video conference. To speak for or against an application by video conference, you must schedule an appointment with staff no later than 10:00am on the meeting date or put in your request through the comment form below. You will receive instructions on joining the meeting by email.
4. During the meeting, in person. You can attend the meeting in-person to speak, but you must make a request with Staff no later than 10:00 a.m. on the meeting date. For health and safety reasons, participants will be required to wear appropriate face coverings. During the meeting, you will wait in designated areas and enter Council Chambers when called to comment on the specific application.

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. 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.

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).