Planning Board Meeting

The City of Birmingham Planning Board held a study session on October 15, 2026, to review a consultant’s preliminary recommendations for updating the zoning ordinance to align with the city’s master plan. Houseal Lavigne’s project team presented recommendations on ordinance usability and review procedures, zoning-district consolidation and map updates, housing and accessory dwelling units, downtown and commercial uses, building and site design, open space, sustainability, and parking. Board members and the public raised concerns about neighborhood character, lot-split opportunities, building scale, housing affordability, parking in residential areas and downtown, and the proposed scope of staff-level administrative approvals. The board did not adopt the recommendations or authorize the next project phase; the report remains preliminary and will be reviewed further at upcoming meetings.

The discussion included the consultant’s ongoing planning work, but no contract award, RFP, vendor selection, procurement vote, or spending authorization was identified. No contract number or dollar amount was provided. Staff will coordinate with the consultants on materials and next steps for a joint meeting with the City Commission scheduled for October 26; the board emphasized that this discussion should remain at a high level.