Ala. Code § 45-51A-31.85: Public Hearings.

Before taking any action on any matter coming before the planning commission, the commission shall hold at least one public hearing thereon, notice of the time and place of which shall be given as provided for by Chapter 52, Title 11. The members of the city council, commission, or like legislative body of the city may attend such hearings, but shall have no vote in the proceedings of the planning commission. All questions shall be determined by a majority vote of the planning commission, and such vote shall be taken in open session. After the planning commission acts and makes recommendations to the council, commission, or like legislative body of the city, such legislative body must either accept or reject such recommendations within 45 days from the date on which the recommendations are submitted to the legislative body. The council, commission, or like legislative body of the city shall hold such public hearings on such recommendations as in its discretion seem necessary; but the vote of such legislative body on the question of accepting or rejecting any such recommendations shall be made in public and shall constitute a matter of public record.