Ala. Code § 45-2-261.02
The jurisdiction of the planning commission for planning and zoning by district pursuant to Section 45-2-261.07 shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Baldwin County. The planning commission shall not have authority over removal of natural resources growing on, placed on, or naturally existing on or under private lands or properties. Provided further, that any owner of record of real property upon the date of the adoption by the Baldwin County Commission of the zoning ordinance for the district in which the property is located shall automatically obtain a variance, if needed, for a single family dwelling notwithstanding the type of dwelling to be placed or constructed on the property. Notwithstanding any provisions, rules, or regulations to the contrary, no application called for or required by the ordinances and zoning regulations promulgated hereunder may be rejected solely on the grounds that the applicant is not the record owner of the subject land, provided that such applicant maintains or owns an interest in the real property made the subject of the application and is seeking to exercise the applicant's rights in such property. The Baldwin County Commission may enter into agreements with municipalities for planning purposes with the extraterritorial planning jurisdiction of the municipalities. The county commission may designate the planning commission to administer subdivision regulations adopted pursuant to the provisions of Sections 11-19-1 to 11-19-24, inclusive, and 11-24-1 to 11-24-7, inclusive, and §45-2-260.1.
Ala. Code § 45-2-261.02 (1975)