Commission approves rezoning for Hackberry Lane site to permit four triplexes near campus

On Sept. 15, 2025, the City of Tuscaloosa Planning and Zoning Commission approved a rezoning petition for approximately 0.78 acres at 1431 Hackberry Lane, changing zoning from UC (University Commercial) to MRU (Mixed Residential University). The applicant, Chase Adcox, represented by Cabiness Engineering, presented a conceptual plan showing four triplex buildings intended for multi‑unit rental near the campus area.

Al Cabiness, representing the applicant, said the site’s dimensions limit functional commercial redevelopment and that residential triplexes better match surrounding redevelopment patterns such as recent Cloverdale projects. The conceptual plans show about 54 beds across the site, which Cabiness said equates to roughly 57 beds per acre and is “well under the allowable zoning.” He also said the triplex units would be leased by unit (one lease per unit), not by individual bed.

Planning staff said the request conforms to the Comprehensive Plan designation of Campus Services and that MRU permitted uses are appropriate for the site. Staff noted revisions to the site plan and asked the applicant to submit clearer parking and layout details at the preliminary‑plat stage; commissioners requested more legible parking counts and clearer drawings for the next submission.

No members of the public registered opposition or support at the meeting. After discussion, the commission approved the rezoning without recorded conditions; the applicant will return with a preliminary plat and more detailed site plans that address parking geometry, sidewalks, and final elevations.

Next steps: applicant to submit preliminary plat and final site plans for staff review and administrative approvals as required.