SB14 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Municipalities, ordinances, planning, zoning, or licensing of businesses, publication or posting further provided for, Sec. 11-45-8 am'd.

Summary

SB14 lets municipalities with 2,000+ people publish planning, zoning, or business-licensing ordinances in a local newspaper by either publishing the full copy or a notice of substance.

What This Bill Does

For cities with 2,000+ residents, the bill allows publication of planning, zoning, or business-licensing ordinances in a local newspaper by either printing the full copy or a notice of the ordinance. It also allows publishing a synopsis of the ordinance in the newspaper, including required details such as purpose, affected properties or business categories, dates, and where to get the full text. Publication timing is defined: newspaper publication takes effect when it first appears; posting takes effect five days after posting, with postings kept for at least 30 days and the municipality’s website hosting for 30 days. The clerk must attach a publication certificate after recording the ordinance, which serves as presumptive evidence of publication.

Who It Affects

• Municipalities in Alabama with population 2,000 or more — gain options to publish planning, zoning, or business-licensing ordinances in a local newspaper (copy or notice of substance).
• Residents, property owners, and local businesses in those municipalities — receive notice of these ordinances through newspaper publication or a published synopsis, including details and where to obtain the full text.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 11-45-8 to allow municipalities with 2,000+ population to publish planning/zoning or business-licensing ordinances in a local newspaper by either publishing the full copy or a notice of substance.
• Allows an alternative to full publication by publishing a synopsis of the ordinance in a newspaper, including: (a) purpose and effect, (b) for planning/zoning, a description of affected properties and common names, (c) for licensing, the categories of businesses affected, (d) the date passed and the effective date, and (e) a statement that a copy can be obtained from the city/town clerk.
• Defines timing: newspaper publication takes effect on first appearance; posting takes effect five days after posting; posting must remain for at least 30 days; website posting for 30 days is required if the municipality maintains a site.
• Clerk must attach a certificate after recording the ordinance stating the time and manner of publication, which is presumptive evidence of publication.
• Publication of franchise ordinances remains at the expense of the party receiving the franchise.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Municipalities