SB251 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Baldwin Co., planning and zoning districts, boards of adjustment, co. commission to appt. two bds., jurisdiction of each bd., alternate members, Sec. 45-2-216.10 am'd.

Summary

SB251 updates Baldwin County's planning and zoning boards by creating four district boards of adjustment with alternates to hear appeals in unincorporated areas and clarifying their authority.

What This Bill Does

It establishes four district boards of adjustment whose boundaries match county commissioner districts and who hear appeals related to planning and zoning in unincorporated Baldwin County, including the ability to grant special exceptions under established rules. Each board is made up of regular members from planning districts and includes alternating members who can serve in place of regular members, with the same qualifications and a three-year term that is staggered. The bill sets terms, eligibility limits (no more than one member in real estate-related fields), and procedures for removals, vacancies, bylaws, and open meetings with public records; it also describes how new planning districts would fall under a nearby board if they vote to come under Baldwin County’s planning authority.

Who It Affects

• Residents and property owners in Baldwin County's unincorporated areas, whose planning and zoning appeals would be heard by the new district boards.
• People who may be appointed as regular or alternate board members (electors from planning districts) and the Baldwin County Commission that appoints them, affecting who serves on the boards.

Key Provisions

• Four district boards of adjustment are created with boundaries aligned to current county commission districts; they may hear appeals and grant special exceptions to zoning/land-use rules.
• Each board must include regular members from planning districts and at least one member from each district; alternates are appointed equal in number to regular members and may serve in the absence of regular members, with the same qualifications and a concurrent three-year term.
• No more than one board member may be directly engaged in real estate sales, development, construction, or related fields; terms are staggered and regular members may be removed for cause; vacancies are filled for the unexpired terms.
• Boards must hold open meetings, keep minutes and official records, and adopt bylaws; initial appointments reference local planning districts from 2006; effective date accounts for the act’s passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Baldwin County