Ala. Code § 45-42A-23.01
The governing body may by ordinance designate as a historic preservation district any section within the corporate limits of the City of Athens, which section such governing body may determine possesses such historic significance by reason of antiquity, architecture, historic importance of persons or events identified therewith, of such number of historic structures or sites as to give the section a character of historic significance worthy of preservation for the protection of the historic character of the City of Athens. No ordinance designating a historic preservation district shall become effective unless the establishment of such district is requested in writing to the governing body by not less than 60 percent of the property owners within the proposed historic preservation district. The names of the persons last assessing the property for taxes shall be accepted by the governing body as prima facie the owners thereof.
Ala. Code § 45-42A-23.01 (1975)