SB124 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul Sanford
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Zoning, board of zoning adjustment, appeals required to be filed with circuit court, Sec. 11-52-81 am'd.
Summary: SB124 would require appeals of zoning board decisions to go directly to the circuit court within 15 days, with a separate written notice to the board and a de novo trial in court.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, appeals of final judgments or decisions of a board of zoning adjustment must be filed directly with the circuit court within 15 days of the decision. The appealing party must also file a written notice of appeal with the board, specifying the judgment or decision being appealed. After receiving the notice, the board must certify a transcript of the proceedings to the circuit court. The circuit court case would be a de novo trial, meaning a new trial rather than a review of the board's record.

Who It Affects
Parties aggrieved by a zoning board's final judgment or decision — they must follow the direct-to-circuit-court process and provide a written notice to the board.
Zoning boards and circuit courts — boards must forward the transcript to the court; circuit court cases would be heard de novo.

Key Provisions
Appeals must be filed directly with the circuit court within 15 days of the final judgment or decision.
In addition to filing in the circuit court, the appealing party must file a written notice of appeal with the board specifying the decision being appealed.
Upon receipt of the written notice, the board must certify a transcript of the proceedings to the circuit court.
The appeal in circuit court must be tried de novo (a new trial).
The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it (or after it becomes law).

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