Ala. Code § 11-85-4
Any regional planning commission is hereby authorized and empowered to make, adopt, amend, extend, and add to a master regional plan for the physical development of its region. Such plan shall be based on comprehensive studies of the present and future development of the region with due regard to its relation to neighboring regions and the state as a whole and to neighboring states.
Such plan, including maps, charts, diagrams, and descriptive matter, shall show the commission's recommendations for the physical development of the region and may include, among other things, the general location, extent and character of streets, parks and other public ways, grounds and open spaces, public buildings and properties, and public utilities (whether publicly or privately owned or operated) which affect the development of the region as a whole or which affect more than one political subdivision of the state within the region, the general location of forests, agricultural, and open development areas for purposes of conservation, food and water supply, sanitary and drainage facilities, or the protection of future urban development and a zoning plan for the control of the height and area or bulk, location, and use of buildings and premises and of the density of population.
Such master plan shall be made with the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted and harmonious development of the region and of public improvements and utilities which do not begin and terminate within the boundaries of any single municipality or which do not relate exclusively to the development of any single municipality and which will, in accordance with the present and future needs of the region and the state, best promote health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity and general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the process of development.
Ala. Code § 11-85-4 (1975)