Calera Proposes New EDD Zoning for Big Projects | Birmingham News

Birmingham AL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 7, 2026 · 1m

Calera’s planning commission is unveiling a bold new zoning tool: the Economic Development District (EDD), designed to revolutionize how big, mixed-use projects are approved. Instead of rigid city codes, developers would submit master plans for 50+ acre sites, negotiating custom rules for parking, density, and open space — all tied to economic goals like job creation or investment. Projects must include traffic and landscaping studies, preserve trees, and hit at least three economic benchmarks. If stalled, EDD approvals expire. Public input is vital — vote on this game-changing framework at…