HB633 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alvin Holmes

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Montgomery County Planning Commission established for unincorporated areas of county, members, adoption of master plan and zoning regulations, elections for voting precincts to come under law, variances, appeals

Summary

HB633 would create a Montgomery County Planning Commission to develop a master plan and zoning rules for the county's unincorporated areas and require precinct-level votes before applying that authority to a precinct.

What This Bill Does

Creates a seven-member Montgomery County Planning Commission for unincorporated areas, with powers to adopt a master plan and zoning regulations and to enforce them, plus staff, budgeting, and record-keeping duties. Sets up for the commission to hire staff or contract with planners and other professionals, and to coordinate with other agencies while keeping public records of its actions. Requires a precinct to hold a special election to decide whether the commission's authority, master plan, and zoning regulations will apply to that precinct, including petition requirements, notice, and costs paid by the county. Gives the county commission final authority on changes to zoning after hearings, and establishes an appeals process for decisions related to zoning, exceptions, and variances.

Who It Affects

• Residents of Montgomery County who live in unincorporated areas: their precincts may be governed by a new master plan and zoning regulations if a majority of voters in the precinct votes to apply the planning authority to that precinct.
• County and local government: the Montgomery County Planning Commission and the County Commission gain new authority to create and enforce zoning rules, manage staff, handle appeals, and oversee the implementation and modification of the master plan and regulations.

Key Provisions

• Establishment and powers of the Montgomery County Planning Commission: seven members (residents and qualified voters), terms of six years, agriculture expertise represented, staffing and budgeting authority, ability to hire staff and contract for planning services, create and enforce a master plan and zoning regulations for unincorporated areas, and provide for appeals and public records.
• Precinct-based implementation and election process: requires a petition (signed by at least 25% of qualified voters in the precinct and unincorporated areas) to trigger a special election (30-45 days later) to decide if the planning authority, master plan, and zoning regulations apply to the precinct; after adoption, changes require notice, public hearings, and approval by a majority of the county commission, with the county bearing election costs.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Montgomery County