Local Government Update - May 2026

Fairhope Planning Commission Meeting – May 4, 2026

Foosackly’s and Just Chillin Site Plan Approved

The Fairhope Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a site plan request for Foosackly’s and Just Chillin, to be located on Lot 4 of the Encounter Commercial Development at the northeast corner of the intersection of Hwy. 181 and Hwy. 104. The property is zoned B-2 and was previously approved in February 2025; however, that approval expired after exceeding the 365-day validity period, requiring resubmittal. The proposed development includes two restaurant uses with 48 parking spaces.

Rezoning Sought for Morphy Avenue Residential Development

The Fairhope Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request for approximately 3 acres located at 8501 Morphy Avenue, at the northeast corner of Morphy Avenue and Bishop Road. The request seeks to change the zoning classification from R-4 (Low Density Multifamily Residential) to R-1 (Low Density Single Family Residential).

Under the existing R-4 zoning, the property could yield up to 21 multifamily units based on a density of seven units per acre. The proposed R-1 zoning significantly reduces allowable density, permitting a maximum of approximately eight single-family lots based on minimum lot sizes of 15,000 square feet. The applicant has indicated an intent to subdivide the property into four large single-family residential lots.

Baldwin County Planning Commission Meeting – May 7, 2026

Oak Ridge RV Park Phase II Approved Near Bay Minette

The Baldwin County Planning Commission approved the final site plan for Phase II of Oak Ridge RV Park. The expansion will add 35 RV units to the existing development located on the east side of Hwy. 287/Rabun Road and north of Lewis Cooper Road near Bay Minette. Phase I of the development already contains 116 RV units.

An updated traffic study submitted by the applicant determined that no additional roadway improvements were required along the primary roadway network. However, Lewis Cooper Road may require additional roadway improvements as the secondary entrance to the development. Traffic will be able to access the development from either entrance and utilize an internal cul-de-sac for circulation.

Oak Ridge RV Park

 

Cheval Farm Subdivision Approved in Robertsdale Area

The Baldwin County Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for Cheval Farms, a nine-lot residential subdivision located on the east side of County Road 48, south of County Road 65 in the Robertsdale area. The un-zoned property contains approximately 27 acres. The proposed subdivision will utilize wells for water service, on-site septic systems, and electrical service from the City of Robertsdale.

Baywood of Point Clear Subdivision Approved

The Baldwin County Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for Baywood of Point Clear, a 21-lot residential subdivision located north of County Road 34 and west of County Road 13 in the Point Clear area. The 29-acre property is currently zoned RSF-1. The subdivision will feature lots with a minimum width of 120 feet and minimum lot sizes of 30,000 square feet.

Proposed Plat - Baywood of Point Clear

Licking Good Donuts Site Plan Approved in Fairhope Area

The Baldwin County Planning Commission approved the site plan for Licking Good Donuts, a proposed 5,070-square-foot commercial building with two tenant units located east of Hwy. 181 and south of County Road 104 in the Fairhope area. The 0.9-acre property is zoned B-3 General Business District.

Dental Office Approved in Montrose Community

The Baldwin County Planning Commission approved the site plan for a new dental office located west of U.S. Hwy. 98 and north of Graham Street in the Montrose community.

The approximately 1-acre vacant property is zoned B-2 and surrounded by a mixture of commercial and residential zoning classifications.

Fairhope City Council Meeting – May 11, 2026

De La Mar Phase II Site Plan Approved in Downtown Fairhope

The Fairhope City Council approved the site plan for De La Mar Phase II located at 314 De La Mar Avenue on the southeast corner of De La Mar Avenue and Bernhardt Lane. The .24-acre property is zoned B-2 within the Central Business District. The project includes two residential units and one office unit to be constructed behind the existing De La Mar mixed-use development.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on infrastructure improvements within Bernhardt Lane, particularly the replacement of decorative concrete within the parking authority property where utility work will occur. The council discussed replacing the existing-colored concrete with brick pavers similar to Arts Alley. Ultimately, the City Council approved the project with conditions, including a 50/50 cost share between the developer and the city for installation of pavers within the affected portion of Bernhardt Lane. Council members also discussed preservation of a large existing oak tree on the site. The project design includes retaining walls and grading protections intended to preserve the tree and minimize disturbance to the root system.

 

Sidewalk Requirement Removed for Downtown Mixed-Use Development

The Fairhope City Council approved a modification to the previously approved site plan for a mixed-use development located at the northeast corner of Magnolia Avenue and North Church Street. The approximately .52-acre property is zoned B-2 within the Central Business District. The request centered on removing a previously required sidewalk along Church Street due to concerns about impacts to several large heritage live oak trees located within the public right-of-way. Staff recommended removal of the sidewalk requirement after concluding installation could significantly damage the trees.

Gulf Shores City Council Meeting – May 11, 2026

Airport Right-of-Way Vacation and Property Exchange Approved

The Gulf Shores City Council approved a series of resolutions authorizing the vacation of approximately 1.37 acres of unopened West Gulf Avenue right-of-way near First Baptist Church and the relocation of that right-of-way to Commerce Drive in the Airport Business and Aviation Park area.

The property being vacated is located between 20th Avenue and 22nd Avenue near West 1st Street and is currently utilized as circulation space for church parking. The right-of-way is bordered entirely by property owned by First Baptist Church. The vacation follows a previous partial vacation of West Gulf Avenue associated with construction of the nearby Circle K convenience store.

In exchange for the vacation, the city will receive 1.37 acres of right-of-way near Commerce Drive and Waterway East. The property will facilitate construction of a secondary access roadway into the Gulf Shores International Airport terminal area. City officials stated the roadway connection is included within the city’s Major Street Plan, the Business and Aviation Park Overlay District, and the Waterway East transportation improvement project.

The additional roadway access will improve circulation to the airport terminal, reduce future congestion, and provide enhanced emergency access for police and fire services. The roadway connection is also tied to the ALDOT Restore Grant project associated with Waterway East.

Spanish Fort Planning Commission Meeting – May 11, 2026

Highway 31 Re-Zoning Recommended for Automotive Service Use

The Spanish Fort Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a re-zoning request involving property located at 11699 U.S. Hwy. 31. The applicant requested the zoning change from R-1 (Low Density Single Family Residential) to M-1 (Light Industrial) to allow automotive-related commercial activities including body work, vehicle painting, powertrain repair, and related automotive services.

Following discussion, the Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve a B-4 zoning classification instead of the requested M-1 classification. Commissioners stated that B-4 more appropriately aligned with the proposed automotive-related uses while providing more restrictions than the broader industrial classification. The recommendation will move to the Spanish Fort City Council for final consideration.

Longleaf PUD Amendment Recommended for Approval

The Spanish Fort Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of amendments to the Longleaf Planned Unit Development (PUD) located along Alabama Hwy. 225 and White House Fork Extension. The applicant requested revisions to the approved PUD narrative primarily concerning temporary operational facilities associated with the Longleaf golf course development. The amendment would allow temporary golf course operations prior to construction of the permanent clubhouse facility. Temporary uses within the residential lot area must be removed and the lots restored to residential use no later than July 31, 2028. Temporary operations relocated to the future clubhouse site could continue until December 31, 2031.

Spanish Fort Reviews Commercial and Industrial Zoning Categories

During Planning Commission discussion regarding the Highway 31 re-zoning request, planning staff and commissioners discussed the possibility of future amendments to the City’s zoning ordinance. Additional commercial and industrial zoning classifications can better address transitional land uses between residential neighborhoods and heavier industrial areas.

Potential future changes discussed included:

• Creation of a B-5 commercial zoning district

• Additional industrial zoning categories such as M-2 or M-3

• Expanded permitted use tables for contractor yards and waste management operations

• Additional protections for transitional corridors along U.S. Hwy. 31

Baldwin County Commission Meeting – May 21, 2026

Silverhill Area Re-Zoning Request Tabled After Municipal Concerns

The Baldwin County Commission voted to table a re-zoning request involving property near the Silverhill town limits after concerns were raised by town officials regarding density and compatibility with future municipal planning efforts. The 19-acre property is located east of County Road 49 and north of Hwy. 104.  The request involved changing zoning from RSF-2 to RSF-3 to allow smaller residential lots on property located near Silverhill. The Silverhill mayor expressed concern that the proposed density increase would conflict with the town’s ongoing comprehensive planning and zoning updates. The tabling will allow additional discussions between the applicant and town officials before the matter returns for consideration.

Auto Repair Shop Re-Zoning Approved Along U.S. Highway 98

The Baldwin County Commission approved a request to re-zone approximately one acre north of U.S. Highway 98 and east of Mary Ann Beech Road Extension in the Fairhope area from BCZ to RR to permit a future auto repair shop. The triangular-shaped parcel had historically contained an automotive repair use decades ago. During discussion, commissioners raised concerns regarding the property’s limited size and the 125-foot highway construction setback required along Highway 98, particularly if future road widening occurs. County staff advised that any development would still require a Highway Construction Setback Appeal during site plan review. The applicant stated they were aware of the constraints and intended to continue pursuing redevelopment of the site. Commissioners ultimately approved the request while cautioning the owner about long-term highway expansion risks.

Orange Beach City Council Meeting – May 19, 2026

Buena Vista RV Resort Receives PUD Modification for Coach House Expansion

The City Council approved a minor modification to the Buena Vista RV Resort PUD affecting Lot 72. The request allows an attached golf cart garage to be added to an existing coach house design. Under previous PUD approvals, coach houses were limited to a maximum building footprint of 1,056 square feet, with outdoor kitchens permitted up to 300 square feet. The approved modification increases the footprint for Lot 72 to 1,216 square feet by permitting the attached garage addition. The proposed outdoor kitchen would total approximately 247 square feet. The Buena Vista Property Owners Association did not object to the request.

Gulf Shores Planning Commission Meeting – May 26, 2026

Sunset Point Subdivision Expansion Approved

The Gulf Shores Planning Commission approved the final plat for Sunset Point Phase II, allowing the subdivision of three existing lots into four single-family residential lots at the terminus of Sunrise Drive north of Windmill Ridge Road. The property is zoned R-2, which ordinarily allows duplexes; however, the applicant agreed to permanently restrict all four lots to single-family homes only, reducing potential density from six dwelling units to four. The lots range from approximately 9,000 to 10,500 square feet.

Sunset Point

Osprey Landing Phase IV Receives Final Plat Approval

The Gulf Shores Planning Commission approved the final plat for Osprey Landing Phase IV, a 42-lot single-family subdivision on 14.6 acres located south of Coastal Gateway Boulevard and west of existing phases of Osprey Landing. Lots range from approximately 8,000 to 12,000 square feet and are zoned R-1-5. The development includes public streets, sidewalks, detention ponds, street trees, and approximately 25% open space. Several conditions remain outstanding, including installation of additional trees, completion of a mulch trail connecting common areas, installation of a future roadway connection sign, and utility acceptance by Gulf Shores Utilities. Residents from earlier phases expressed appreciation for recent improvements, including relocation of community mailboxes and sidewalk repairs, but requested protection of common areas during future construction activity. Commissioners noted that future roadway connections are required by subdivision regulations to maintain long-term connectivity between adjoining developments.

Osprey Landing – Phase 4

Gulf Shores Utilities Expansion Recommended for Approval

The Gulf Shores Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit and site plan for major upgrades to the Gulf Shores Utilities Water Treatment Plant located at 3499 West 1st Street. The project will expand treatment capacity from 4.3 million gallons per day to 8.6 million gallons per day, helping accommodate future growth and improve service reliability. The facility occupies approximately 15.5 acres and is zoned BA (Arterial Business). Proposed improvements include new filtration systems, aeration systems, treatment equipment, and a large new treatment building. The Planning Commission's recommendation will now proceed to the Gulf Shores City Council for final consideration.

Water Oaks Conservation Subdivision Approved

The most heavily debated item of the Gulf Shores Planning Commission meeting was the proposed Water Oaks Conservation Subdivision, a 64-lot single-family residential development on approximately 40 acres located on the south side of Fort Morgan Road between West Brigadoon Trail and Middle Brigadoon Trail. The property is primarily zoned R-1-5, with a small portion zoned R-1-4. The proposal preserves approximately 25 acres of open space, including more than 17 acres of wetlands, representing roughly 63% of the site. Homes will be subject to architectural standards requiring a minimum size of 2,400 square feet, with a maximum height of three stories. Commissioners added a requirement that homes be elevated with parking located underneath as presented during discussions.

The Planning Commission voted to approve the preliminary plat with multiple conditions related to wetland conservation, trail construction, roadway improvements, drainage infrastructure, tree protection, utility approvals, and ALDOT permitting.

Water Oaks Rendering

Daphne Planning Commission Meeting – May 28, 2026

Retreat at Daphne Site Plan Approved

The Daphne Planning Commission approved the site plan for The Retreat at Daphne, formerly known as The Sanctuary. The 18-acre, 240-unit apartment project is located northwest of the intersection of County Road 13 and Milton Jones Road. The applicant reported that stormwater drainage concerns raised during the prior review had been addressed and city staff confirmed that all outstanding requirements had been satisfied. The site plan received unanimous approval.

Italian Village at Daphne Receives Site Plan Approval

The Daphne Planning Commission approved the site plan for Italian Village at Daphne, a planned unit development. During discussion, developer representatives outlined ongoing coordination with ALDOT regarding access onto Highway 181. ALDOT officials are considering requests related to a left-turn movement and a potential new traffic signal. Commissioners also reviewed revisions to turn-lane configurations and intersection improvements. Approval was granted with the condition that all required ALDOT permits, and access approvals be obtained before any land disturbance permit can be issued by the city. The 34-acre commercial and multi-family development is located northwest of the intersection of County Road 64 and Hwy. 181 and plans to house a Wal-Mart as an anchor tenant. 

Rezoning Recommendation Fails; Annexation Recommended

The Daphne Planning Commission reviewed a request involving approximately 19 acres on the east side of County Road 54 West and Centipede Dr. The applicant sought annexation into the City of Daphne along with a pre-zoning designation of R-6(G) Garden Patio Residential, matching adjacent city zoning to the east. A conceptual layout showed connections to neighboring subdivisions and roadways.

Commission discussion focused heavily on residential density, housing affordability, growth management, infrastructure impacts, and consistency with surrounding development patterns. Several commissioners argued that garden patio zoning represented excessive density for the area, while others maintained that smaller-lot housing is necessary to address housing affordability and changing market demands.

A motion recommending approval of the R-6(G) pre-zoning request failed on a 3-3 vote, resulting in no favorable recommendation being forwarded to the City Council. The zoning request will still proceed to the Council for consideration.

The Commission subsequently voted to provide a favorable recommendation for annexation of the property into the city. Commissioners noted that annexation and zoning are separate actions and that annexation could occur even if the requested zoning is ultimately denied.

Randall Avenue Rezoning Advances to City Council

The Daphne Planning Commission considered a request to rezone approximately .38 acres at 805 Randall Avenue from R-2 Medium Density Residential to B-3 Professional Business within the Olde Towne Daphne area. The property is surrounded by commercial zoning on two sides and proposed a small-scale office or mixed-use project consistent with the Olde Towne Daphne Overlay District.

Commissioners debated whether the property should remain residential or serve as a transition between nearby commercial uses and surrounding homes. A motion recommending approval received support from a majority of commissioners but failed to achieve the number of affirmative votes required for a favorable recommendation. The rezoning request will nevertheless continue to the City Council for final consideration.