The board of adjustment shall consist of five members, each to be appointed for a term of three years, except that in the first instance one member shall be appointed for a term of three years, two for a term of two years, and two for a term of one year, and thereafter each member appointed shall serve for a term of three years or until his successor is duly appointed; provided, that in all cities having a population of not less than 175,000 nor more than 275,000 according to the most recent federal decennial census, all members of the board, including any alternate member provided for in this subsection, shall be bona fide residents and qualified electors of such cities; provided further, that the members of boards of adjustment created shall serve out their terms, and thereafter the members of such boards shall be appointed in the manner prescribed in this subsection for boards created after August 26, 1971. In addition to the five regular members provided for in this subsection two supernumerary members shall be appointed to serve on such board at the call of the chairman only in the absence of regular members and while so serving shall have and exercise the power and authority of regular members. Such supernumerary members shall be appointed to serve for three-year terms and shall be eligible for reappointment. Appointed members may be removable for cause by the appointing authority upon written charges and after public hearing. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term of any member whose term becomes vacant.
Ala. Code § 11-52-80 (1975)