Council adopts new zoning map and multiple zoning-code amendments; parks code update also passed

The Huntsville City Council approved a package of ordinances in Monday’s meeting that included a new official zoning map, creation of a Planned Urban District (PUD) classification, a new R5 multi-housing residential district and an amendment to the Parks and Recreation code.

Ordinance 2024-8 (amending Title 12: Parks and Recreation) passed on third reading by voice vote; meeting records show councilors Steven Ford, Leslie Evans, Crystal Lacy, Roger O, Scott Thomas, Guy Roden and Betina Koger voting in favor. Ordinance 2024-9 adopted a new zoning map and base zoning districts and was placed on successive readings and approved with an emergency clause by roll-call vote. Ordinance 2024-10 added a PUD zoning district to allow compatible mixed commercial and residential uses along major thoroughfares and was adopted after successive readings and acceptance of an emergency clause. Ordinance 2024-11 established an R5 residential multi-housing district (including density limits, setback and parking requirements) and related code updates; the council adopted the ordinance and its emergency clause by roll call.

Council suspended the rule requiring three separate readings and moved ordinances through first, second and third readings in the same meeting for 2024-9, 2024-10 and 2024-11; in each recorded roll-call vote councillors present were recorded as voting in favor. No recorded 'no' votes, abstentions or recusals appeared in the transcript for these items.

City staff said colored maps and documents are available for review, and the mayor reminded councilors that annexation and enclave discussions will resume in the new fiscal year. The zoning package will alter the city’s regulatory framework for land use and is expected to guide development along major corridors and support higher-density housing in designated districts.