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WHY MODIFY THE RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS?In December 2020, the City of Calera put a moratorium on all new residential building permits to ensure that they align with the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan (i.e., encourage a wide range of residential housing types).
To implement this goal, the City hired the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) to audit Calera's residential zoning districts and make necessary revisions. As a first step, the RPCGB compared the City of Calera's residential zoning districts to 21 surrounding municipalities' residential districts; and found that for a suburban City, Calera's residential zoning districts have regulations that are more urban than suburban in nature. Simply put, Calera's zoning ordinance has reduced setback requirements, higher density provisions, smaller minimum lot sizes, and smaller home sizes. By revising these regulations, the City of Calera can encourage a wider range of housing types. Note: The revised regulations will only effect new residential dwellings and developments. Existing residential dwellings and developments will remain unaffected unless a change in use occurs. |
What zoning regulations are changing?
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Note: Legally, the Zoning Ordinance exists to protect the health, safety, and welfare of citizens - it cannot regulate aesthetics or design features.