SB475 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Vivian Davis FiguresSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Rusty GloverBill Hightower

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Class 2 municipalities (Mobile), zoning board of adjustment, members increased to same as number of members of council, member of concurring votes provided for

Summary

SB475 requires the Class 2 municipalities' board of adjustment to have the same number of members as the municipal governing body and sets a fixed five-member concurrence requirement to reverse decisions.

What This Bill Does

In Class 2 municipalities, the board of adjustment's size must equal the number of members on the municipal governing body. The board has the same powers as the official from whom an appeal is taken and may reverse, affirm, or modify the appealed order. Five members must concur to reverse an order, decide in favor of an applicant, or vary an ordinance. The act repeals conflicting laws and becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Class 2 municipalities (such as Mobile) by changing the size of their board of adjustment to match the council size and altering the board's voting dynamics.
• Residents, property owners, and developers who use the board of adjustment to appeal decisions or seek variances, as outcomes may be influenced by a larger board and the five-vote requirement.

Key Provisions

• The number of board of adjustment members shall equal the number of governing body members in the Class 2 municipality.
• The board shall possess the powers of the officer from whom the appeal is taken and may reverse, affirm, or modify the appealed order.
• A concurring vote of five members is required to reverse any order, decide in favor of the applicant on matters the board must pass on, or effect any variation in the ordinance.
• All laws or parts of laws that conflict with this act are repealed, and the act becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it.

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

Subjects

Mobile County