Ala. Code § 45-42-162.18: Planning and Land Use Controls.

(a) A planning commission shall be established and shall have authority to institute, under the general laws of the state, land use controls for the metropolitan-government. The planning commission shall consist of nine members, one member appointed from each of the nine election districts.

(b) The planning commission shall be the comprehensive planning agency and shall administer a metropolitan-wide planning program which includes zoning subdivision regulations in accord with municipal laws of the State of Alabama. Such shall have effect in each service district established.