Ala. Code § 45-58-260.05: Powers and Duties.

It shall be the function and duty of the commission to make and maintain in an up-to-date manner a master plan of various areas of the county as and when deemed necessary by the commission and to adopt with the approval of the county commission appropriate zoning regulations as provided by Section 45–58–260.09 the physical development of Shelby County; provided, however, that the adoption of a master plan shall not be deemed a prerequisite to the administration and enforcement of the zoning regulations. Such plan and regulations with the accompanying maps, plats, charts, and descriptive material shall show the commission’s recommendations for the use and development of the territory of the county. The zoning regulations shall also include a zoning plan for selected areas for the control of the height, area, bulk, location, and use of buildings and land. As the work of making the whole master plan and preparation of zoning regulations progresses, the commission may from time to time adopt and publish a part or parts thereof, any such part to cover one or more major sections or divisions of the county. The commission may from time to time amend, extend, or add to the plan or regulations as hereinafter provided. Nothing in this part shall be construed to impair the right of eminent domain conferred on railroads and utilities, both public and private, or their right to construct, use, and maintain structures reasonably required in the public service or their right to exercise authority conferred by statutes, franchises, certificates of convenience and necessity, licenses, easements, or conveyances.