POLICY DATABASE
Policy Summary

Establishes a "Healthy Food Overlay District" that increases fresh food access in food deserts by decreasing zoning regulations for grocery stores and on-site produce sales. Grocery stores in and within a half mile of the Healthy Food Overlay District may have reduced parking requirements and larger floor areas; density of small box discount stores within the District must be limited.

Background Information

State Alabama
Jurisdiction Name Birmingham
Jurisdiction Type City,
Population Size 200,000-800,000
Legal Strategies
  • Prohibits/discourages something
  • Requires something, sets standards
Reach Limited scope
Only applies to the Healthy Food Overlay District which is mapped using low income/ low access census tract data and a 1/2 mile buffer on either side of the District's boundaries.
Food System Category Distribute; Get;

Policy Details

Refers to priority populations?
Yes

Ordinance focuses on "low income" and "low access" populations and "food deserts." Tit. 1, ch. 8, art. V § 1.

Emergency management?
No
Health-related linkage?
Yes

Ordinance creates a "Healthy Food Overlay District" that encourages diverse grocery store options and community gardens for increased access to fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. Tit. 1, ch. 8, art. V § 1(A).

Environmental linkage?
No

Economic linkage?
Yes

Allows on-site produce in an increased number of districts, decreases regulations to encourage new grocery stores to open. Tit. 1, ch. 8, art. V § 3(B)-(C).

Includes findings?
No

Has a stated intent or purpose?
Yes

The Healthy Food Overlay District is mapped using specific low income/ low access census tract data to focus efforts on food deserts within the city of Birmingham. Tit. 1, ch. 8, art. V § 1(A).

Includes definitions?
Yes

Tit. 1, ch. 8, art. V § 2.

Addresses implementation?
No

Enforcement provisions?
No

Evaluation component?
No

Requires extra investment?
No

Code context and ordinance history

This policy is a Birmingham, Alabama uncodified ordinance, No. 19-157 which amends the Zoning Ordinance of the city. Impacted article is found in Title 1 (Zoning Ordinances); Chapter 8 (Overlay Districts); Article V (Healthy Food Overlay District Regulations).

SHARE ONLINE:

TOP
Help us improve this site!

Help us improve this website by taking a quick two-minute survey.