What are the Downtown and Triangle overlays in Birmingham?

An overlay adds a second layer of rules on top of a parcel's base zoning. Birmingham has two (§ 1.12).

The Downtown Birmingham Overlay works through height zones D2 through D5 (§ 3.04). Each zone caps eave, ridge, and overall height. D2 allows 34, 46, and 56 ft; D3 allows 46, 58, and 68 ft; D4 allows 58, 70, and 80 ft. D2 limits the third story to residential use, and D4 limits the fifth story the same way. D5 follows D4, with an exception tied to abutting building heights available through a special land use permit. The Regulating Plan map decides which zone applies to your parcel (§ 3.02).

The Triangle Overlay uses its own set of zones: ASF3, MU3, MU5, and MU7 (§ 1.12). To learn which overlay zone covers a specific address, check the city's zoning map or call the Planning Division at 248-530-1850.