Gadsden's First New Zoning Law in 40 Years Adopted

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GADSDEN, Ala. - The city of Gadsden has taken a significant step forward by adopting its first new zoning ordinance since 1982, according to city officials who announced the development on Friday.

Over the past year, the city engaged in extensive community outreach to understand what residents value most for the city's future. This process included a series of public meetings where citizens had the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to shaping the direction of Gadsden’s growth.

Mayor Craig Ford emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the city needed to revisit its long-term development plans. "One of the first major projects my administration undertook was the development of the GROW Gadsden master plan," Ford explained. "Gadsden hadn’t had an updated master plan in more than 45 years, and we needed to reassess the city’s long-term development plans."

Once the GROW Gadsden plan was approved in 2024, city officials began working on the revised zoning regulations. "Here we are 18 months later, and I’m excited that it’s been approved," Ford said.

The new zoning ordinance introduces updated guidelines for various areas of the city, including riverfront-oriented development, residential zones, historic districts, and commercial areas. It also includes revised site design standards aimed at promoting sustainable and thoughtful growth.

To ensure the success of this update, the city partnered with urban planning consultant Kendig Keast Collaborative. "New growth doesn’t always fit into old and sometimes outdated codes," Ford noted. "I want to thank the Planning Commission, our Planning and Zoning departments, Kendig Keast, the City Council and the citizens for helping us take another big step towards Gadsden’s future."

The adoption of this new zoning ordinance marks a pivotal moment for Gadsden as it moves forward with modernized planning that reflects the needs and aspirations of its residents. This initiative is expected to support future development while preserving the city's unique character and historical significance.

Key aspects of the new zoning ordinance include:

• Riverfront Development: Guidelines to encourage responsible and sustainable use of the city's riverfront area.
• Residential Zones: Updated regulations to support diverse housing options and community growth.
• Historic Districts: Protection and enhancement of the city's historic landmarks and neighborhoods.
• Commercial Areas: Improved standards to promote business development and economic growth.
• Site Design Standards: Modernized requirements to ensure that new developments meet current environmental and aesthetic expectations.

This comprehensive approach to zoning reflects a commitment to balancing growth with preservation, ensuring that Gadsden remains a vibrant and livable city for generations to come.