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Have a Say in How Decatur Grows: Volunteers Sought for Zoning Review Committee

The City of Decatur is seeking residents to serve on a new Zoning Ordinance Review Committee that will help review and refine the City’s recently adopted zoning ordinance.

The committee will meet monthly for one year to identify concerns, inconsistencies, and potential improvements to the zoning ordinance. Group recommendations will be submitted to the Planning Department and may be considered by the Planning Commission for future text amendments.

The City is seeking seven to nine Decatur residents to serve on the committee. While the opportunity is open to all residents, individuals with professional experience in planning, development, or construction are encouraged to apply.

Meetings will be held in the evenings and offered in a hybrid format, with an in-person location at City Hall Chambers or another public venue to be determined. All meetings will be open to the public.

Committee members will begin meeting in mid-March, and the committee will conclude its work in February 2027. Applications are due by February 13, with appointments expected shortly thereafter. Planning staff will review applications and make recommendations to the Mayor, who will appoint committee members. The City Council is expected to acknowledge the committee through a council resolution.

“The zoning ordinance is the product of hours of public input related to the way that the citizens of Decatur would like to see their neighborhoods, communities, and corridors grow and develop,” said Planning Director Chad Bowman. “It is a living document, and while it is not perfect, this committee gives residents an opportunity to continue refining it into something that works well for our community as Decatur grows.”

Residents interested in serving should submit a resume and a brief statement of interest. Submissions and questions may be directed to Planning@decatur-al.gov.