The twelve month moratorium includes new subdivisions and multiple occupancy units. The measure goes into effect next week. City planners are bracing for more applications between now and then. City councilman Jack Burrell says Fairhope’s planning department is stretched thin and the moratorium is long overdue.
“If it seems like we're rushing through this,” Burrell told city council members. “I don't think we are. I think that this has been on our plate for quite a while. If it seems like we're in a hurry tonight, we're not. This is something probably maybe slightly overdue, if not long overdue."
The current building rush was created by approved projects that were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and new application. Last week, APR news reported on Baldwin County farming families worried about losing their way of life to exploding development and population growth. Fairhope city personnel who handle new development are apparently showing signs of strain as well. Councilman Corey Martin hopes this moratorium is a chance to take the strain off city planning, public utilities, roads, and other infrastructure.
“It's a good time for us push back and see if we can and get control over this wildfire of development that we have going on,” he said.
Martin hopes the building break will allow time to create a plan for future growth in his community.
