Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com
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| Central business district. |
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| Latest extension. |
TO CONSIDER PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE CHANGES
After hearing again from some downtown-area citizens still unhappy with proposed changes to the zoning laws, the city council extended the city-wide larger-scale development application suspension that began in February of 2025 for another four months.
Only multiple occupancy projects with 3 or more units -- and subdivisions with 3 or more lots less than 10,500 feet are affected.
The citizens' primary concern was still proposed new restrictions on residential use of their commercially-zoned property in the central business district, especially B3A and B3B zoning.
Primary goals of the proposed changes are to protect downtown businesses and limit population density citywide according to some council members.
PLANNING COMMISSION TO RECONSIDER IT
The city's planning commission is scheduled to take up the matter again during an upcoming meeting.
From a February 21st FT report:
BUILDING MORATORIUM EXPIRING SOON
Some proposed changes to the city's zoning ordinance should help preserve the downtown business district -- as well as limit population density citywide, according to councilman Burrell.
A current building moratorium (for larger multiple occupancy projects) imposed a year ago is set to expire next month; the new regulations are intended to be in effect by then.
The zoning change ordinance was introduced at the Feb. 19 council meeting; it will be voted on at the first council meeting in March.Burrell: "That's pretty much the goal. We believe what every Fairhope citizen wants is to protect the central business district (CBD), keeping it viable place to have a business or live, and to control growth and population density."
These changes were triggered mostly by the results from the city's most-recent comprehensive growth plan update, completed about two years ago.
Some residential types will no longer be allowed in B-1 to B-4 zoned districts when it goes into effect January 1, 2027; existing ones would still be grandfathered-in though.
OTHER OBJECTIVES
Some
other goals are to clarify allowed building heights and better-regulate
apartment complexes, PUDS, and mixed-use building projects.
SOME RESIDENTS OBJECTED
Several residents of affected downtown-area neighborhoods currently zoned commercial objected to taking away residential options for their property -- as did architects from the WAV firm.
Given the short timeline, the council passed a resolution pledging to try to address their concerns with further legislation at a later date.
Resolution: "The governing body of the city of Fairhope resolves to start the process for amending ordinance 1263 (if adopted) to protect residential use of property that may be affected by current amendment proposals including B3a and B3b."
Councilman Conyers called the resolution "a sign of goodwill ... if we take action at the next meeting."