Tornado-Ravaged Alabama Town Debates Zoning Changes

The Tuscaloosa City Council, in Alabama, is considering a new zoning ordinance that would put higher standards on homes being built in areas devastated by tornadoes last April.

The Tuscaloosa News reports the city planning commission will vote Monday on the new standards, which would specify what building materials can be used in homes, apartments and duplexes. If approved, the measure would go before the full council in April.

Councilman Kip Tyner says higher standards are needed for homes being rebuilt after last year’s storms. He says there will be “lots of problems” if residents and landlords simply rebuild what they had before.

The ordinance would require that most of a home’s exterior be made materials such as brick, stone, wood or stucco.