GADSDEN, Ala.– The City of Gadsden has adopted its first new zoning ordinance since 1982, marking a significant planning milestone designed to guide growth and development for decades to come.
“One of the first major projects my administration undertook was the development of the GROW Gadsden master plan,” said Mayor Craig Ford. “Gadsden hadn’t had an updated master plan in more than 45 years, and we needed to reassess the city’s long-term development goals.”
Over the course of more than a year, the city hosted multiple community meetings to gather public input on priorities and vision for the future of Gadsden.
“As soon as the GROW Gadsden plan was approved in 2024, we began working on revised zoning to provide updated development guidelines,” Ford said. “Eighteen months later, I’m excited to see it officially approved.”
The City partnered with Kendig Keast Collaborative, a nationally recognized urban planning consulting firm, to develop the updated ordinance.
The new zoning ordinance establishes guidelines for riverfront-oriented development, residential neighborhoods, historic districts, commercial areas, and updated site design standards.
“New growth doesn’t always fit into old and outdated codes,” Ford said. “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 important step toward Gadsden’s future.”
