City of Mobile looks to update, clarify downtown zoning ordinance

Oct 1st, 2025

Posted in: Public NoticePress ReleaseBuild MobileCommunication & External AffairsPlanning and ZoningMap For MobileCommunicationsCommunity Affairs

 

 

Mobile, Ala. — The City of Mobile Planning Commission will consider proposed updates to the city’s Downtown Development District zoning ordinance during its meeting on Thursday, October 16.

An appendix to the City of Mobile’s Unified Development Code, the DDD helps guide growth and redevelopment in the city’s urban core while also protecting the architectural integrity of downtown Mobile’s historic structures. These proposed updates are the result of a year-long assessment and collaboration with downtown stakeholders. The changes are aimed at making the Downtown Development District (DDD) easier to use and understand, without changing its intent.

The revisions focus on improving clarity, organization, and consistency in how the regulations are applied. They reorganize the existing text into clear sections that group related provisions together and include new tables and illustrative graphics to make the rules easier to follow. For instance, standards for zoning sub-districts, frontage design, and development features like parking, landscaping, and signage have all been consolidated into single, comprehensive sections.

The proposed updates also streamline administrative processes, clarify review procedures, and correct errors and ambiguities found in the existing version of the DDD. Among other key improvements are clearer parking lot screening requirements, updated transparency standards that align with current building codes, and simplified rules for external signage on buildings within the DDD.

On October 16, 2025, the Mobile Planning Commission will consider these proposed amendments to the DDD. Like all zoning ordinance changes, any amendments to the DDD recommended by the Planning Commission will come before the Mobile City Council for final approval.

You can find more information about the City of Mobile’s zoning ordinances, including the DDD, at mapformobile.org/udc/. A presentation highlighting the proposed changes to the DDD is available at mapformobile.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-09-18-BH_DDD-update.pdf.

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