Ala. Code § 45-2-221.01

The county commission may designate as a historic district any section of the county containing buildings designated by the Historic American Buildings Survey or any other recognized historic buildings survey, and having an overall atmosphere of architectural and historic distinction. In addition thereto, the county commission may also designate a second type of district to be known as a preservation district to preserve the distinctive architectural character of the county by recognizing neighborhoods that continue to grow and develop over the course of years and possess a unique character that merits recognition and protection.