Tuscaloosa, AL Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)

Sec. 25-170(a), in article VI, division 9's green building incentives, lists three incentives available to a development that integrates green building features under the division: first, 'a density bonus of up to one and one-half additional dwelling units per acre beyond the maximum allowed in a base residential zoning district in which the incentive is allowed, and up to two (2) additional dwelling units per acre beyond the maximum allowed in any other base zoning district'; second, an increase in maximum allowable height of up to one story or twelve feet beyond the base district maximum; and third, a decrease in the minimum off-street vehicular parking requirement of up to twelve percent.

Sec. 25-170(b) caps every development at a maximum of two incentives, and specifies that no incentive amount can be increased or decreased beyond the maximum stated in the section. Access to the density bonus depends on certification under Sec. 25-171: a project achieving LEED Gold or an equivalent National Green Building Standard/International Green Construction Code rating can claim one incentive under Sec. 25-172(b), while LEED Platinum or an equivalent rating unlocks two, potentially pairing the density bonus with the height or parking incentive. Sec. 25-169(b) subordinates these incentives to the neighborhood compatibility standards in division 7 if a conflict arises.

Review of an incentive request occurs alongside whatever development application governs the project, per Sec. 25-172(c), including a planned development, conditional use permit, special exception use permit, land development permit, or subdivision plat. The division was adopted by Ord. No. 9572, § 2, effective December 17, 2024.