The city has set a public hearing on proposed data center regulations and a series of town halls to prepare standards on accessory dwelling units.

In its meeting Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council set a public hearing to discuss the proposed changes to the city’s zoning ordinance pertaining to new data center developments for Tuesday, June 9, during the council meeting that begins at 9:30 a.m. at City Hall.

After recently hearing testimony from dozens of concerned residents, the council voted unanimously to postpone a decision to early June.

“Throughout this process, residents have taken the time to share their perspectives on these developments,” Council President Wardine Alexander said. “It is important that we ensure those concerns are meaningfully incorporated into the final framework of the ordinance, which will be discussed during the June 9 public hearing. Our goal moving forward is to keep residents informed about the proposed updates, what they could mean for future projects and how these safeguards are intended to better protect residential neighborhoods.”

The city also announced Tuesday that it is beginning a conversation on accessory dwelling units and set a series of meetings next month to talk with the public before possibly adopting policies.

ADUs are small, independent living spaces located on a lot with a primary residence, such as backyard cottages, garage apartments and in-law suites. AUDs exist across Birmingham, especially in historic neighborhoods, but they are not currently permitted in all residential districts under zoning regulations, according to a statement issued by the city.

The city’s Planning Division is considering establishing consistent standards for ADUs and wants to get early community comment on what residents might want.

The city in its statement said ADUs are one tool cities nationwide are using to expand housing options and improve affordability. They can provide realistic housing options for older residents and young adults as well as giving homeowners a way to generate extra money and the city a way to grow gradually while maintaining neighborhood character, the statement read.

To hear from residents, the city has sent the following town halls:

• East Side: Social Venture; 5529 1st Ave. South; Tuesday, June 9, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• South Side: Avondale Public Library; 509 40th St. South; Thursday, June 11, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Central (Livestream Available): Birmingham Public Library – Central Branch; 2100 Park Place; Tuesday, June 16, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• North Side: North Birmingham Public Library, 2501 31st Ave. North; Wednesday, June 17, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Virtual (Microsoft Teams): Tuesday, June 23; 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• West Side: 5 Points West Public Library;  4812 Ave. West; Tuesday, June 30, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The city has a website with more information about ADUs and upcoming meetings.