Local Government Update - June 2025

Baldwin REALTORS
Jul 2
5 min read

Fairhope Planning Commission Meeting – June 2, 2025

Summit Street Inn Approved for 6-Unit Hotel

The Summit Street Inn located at the southeast corner of Fairhope Ave. and Summit St. was approved for a 6-unit Multiple Occupancy Project. The .3-acre property is zoned B-3B and is just outside of the Central Business Dist. The site plan shows the historic building layout staying very close to the same. Minor adjustments will be made to the outside deck and the addition of gravel parking on the north side to accommodate future guests. Each unit requires one parking space. The approval was conditioned upon an updated landscape plan. The property is zoned for short term rentals. The applicant intends to provide a lobby/boutique and dining area for guests staying at the Inn.

Spanish Fort City Council Meeting – June 2, 2025

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Amendment Approved

The Spanish Fort City Council gave final approval of a new classification in the special provision section of the zoning ordinance to allow electric vehicle infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations. A charging station would be allowed where fuel dispensing stations are presently allowed. Charging stations adjacent to or incidental to another use would also be allowed. The amendments will establish maintenance obligations and will be allowed by right in all zoning classifications.

Baldwin County Planning Commission Meeting – June 5, 2025

Subdivision Request Tabled Due to Sewer Capacity

A proposed 61-lot residential subdivision named Magnolia Glen was tabled by the Baldwin County Planning Commission until September due to uncertainty over sewer service availability. The development, located south of County Rd. 12 and west of Magnolia Springs Hwy., planned to use the Fort Morgan treatment plant, which is currently over capacity. The 36 acre tract is zoned RSF-2, with the smallest lot size proposed being 15,000 square feet. While the developer’s engineer cited assurances from Baldwin County Sewer Service, the Commission voted to delay approval pending receipt of concrete documentation regarding sewer capacity or rerouting plans.

Heritage Farm Subdivision Gets Green Light

The Baldwin County Planning Commission approved the subdivision of 80 acres located east of County Rd. 83 and south of County Rd. 32, north of the Town of Elberta. The division will create a 23-lot residential subdivision with the smallest lot being three acres. The lots will be serviced by on-site septic systems. Approval was granted with conditions regarding wetland signage and preservation of stormwater management areas.

Spanish Fort Planning Commission Meeting – June 9, 2025

Re-Zoning Recommended for Ember Lane Parcel

The Spanish Fort Planning Commission voted to recommend the re-zoning of property in the Ember Lane Professional Park. The .5-acre parcel is seeking to change from R-1 to B-2. The property had previously reverted to R-1 after the original B-2 zoning expired without development. Given its proximity to existing businesses and consistency with the future land use map, the Commission forwarded a positive recommendation to the City Council.

Rezoning Denied for Mobile Home Use on Spanish Oaks Drive

The Spanish Fort Planning Commission voted to deny a recommendation for re-zoning of property located along Spanish Oaks Drive West. The 1.15-acre property sought to change from R-2 to R-4 (Manufactured Home Residential) with the intent to place a mobile home on the lot. Several residents voiced strong opposition during the public hearing, citing concerns over declining property values, neighborhood character, and site suitability due to steep topography. Despite other nearby R-4 parcels, the Planning Commission voted to forward a negative recommendation to the City Council.

Re-Zoning and Subdivision Sought for Gas Station

The Spanish Fort Planning Commission recommended the approval of re-zoning 3.5 acres on Hwy. 31, west of Unity Fiber. The re-zoning from R-1 to B-3 was accompanied by a subdivision request to divide the parcel into two 1.74-acre lots. The subdivided lots will share a curb cut along Hwy. 31. The applicant noted potential plans for a package store and gas station on one parcel while maintaining the other parcel as an investment.

Orange Beach Planning Commission Meeting – June 9, 2025

Commercial Complex Expanding

The Orange Beach Planning Commission approved the site plan to construct a two-story commercial building located at 4318 Lauder Lane. The .61-acre property is located at 4318 Lauder Lane in the Neighborhood Business Zoning District at the southwest corner of Canal Rd. and Lauder Lane. There are eight office units planned with four being on the lower level and four being on the upper level. The addition will connect to the existing building on the upper level and connect with a breezeway on the lower level.

Site Plan Approved for Grander Marine Boat Barn

The Orange Beach Planning Commission approved the site plan to construct a dry boat storage building located at 26754 Canal Road. The 6.4-acre property is a landlocked parcel to the southeast of Grander Marine, in the Marine Resort Zoning District. The 91,600 square foot storage will not be open to the public.

Gulf Shores City Council Meeting – June 23, 2025

Gulf Shores Re-Zoning Approved

The Gulf Shores City Council approved a rezoning request for a 2.37-acre parcel at 19710 West 36th Avenue. The approval will change the zoning dist. from single-family residential (R-1-4) to neighborhood business (BN). This decision reflects the city's broader vision for mixed-use commercial development in the area, especially given the site's location at a prominent intersection surrounded by offices, warehouses, and a nearby multifamily PUD. While city staff and the Planning Commission supported the change as a strategic buffer between commercial and residential zones, the Council added an amendment to prohibit multifamily residential uses by right within the BN designation, addressing concerns about over-intensifying residential density. The owner stated there are no immediate plans for development but felt the new zoning could unlock future potential. The proposal received no opposition from the public or neighboring property owners.

Baldwin County Commission Meeting – June 24, 2025

Waterfront Residential Development Approved North of Orange Beach

The Baldwin County Commission approved a request for a Planned Residential Development (PRD) on 36 acres. There are an additional 25 acres of wetlands. The property is located east of the Baldwin Beach Express and north of the City of Orange Beach. The PRD approval will change the property from RA to RSF-2 zoning regulations. The 48-lot residential development will be known as Long Bayou Preserve. Thirty-Six of the proposed lots will be waterfront with the remaining twelve lots as interior cottage lots. Amenities will include a 26-boatslip marina, pier and sporting club.

Re-Zoning Approved for Manufactured Housing Expansion

An existing manufactured housing park was approved for expansion with the re-zoning of 15.9 acres. The property is located on the north side of Hwy. 90 and west of the Beach Express. The zoning of the 15.9-acre parcel from RA to RMF will allow for the expansion of the manufactured housing development.

Dollar General Planned East of Summerdale

The Baldwin County Commission voted to approve the re-zoning request brought by The Broadway Construction Company, which typically applies on behalf of Dollar General. The 2.5-acre property is located east of County Rd. 87 and south of County Rd. 32. The zoning will change from RA (Rural Agricultural) to B-2 (Neighborhood Business) to facilitate future commercial development for a convenience store.

Daphne Planning Commission Meeting – June 26, 2025

Car Wash Site Plan Approved

The Daphne Planning Commission approved the site plan for Rich’s Carwash. The 1.47-acre property is located northeast of County Road 64 and Hwy. 181. The property is zoned B-3.