Fairhope approves final plat for Rockwell Place and El Pizzo subdivisions

The City of Fairhope Planning Commission convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on subdivision approvals. The meeting began with a public hearing regarding the final plat approval for Rockwell Place, a major subdivision proposed by Sawgrass Consulting on behalf of FST Rockwell LLC. This subdivision encompasses 10 commercial lots spread over approximately 13 acres, located on the east side of State Highway 181, adjacent to the Harvest Green East subdivision.

Mike Jeffries, representing the city, outlined the subdivision's details, noting that it is zoned B2 in a general business district. The proposed layout includes shared ingress and egress points for several lots, with specific access arrangements for Lots 9 and 10. The site has been stabilized and landscaped, and all necessary utilities have been inspected and approved by the city. The commission unanimously approved the final plat for Rockwell Place after closing the public hearing, signaling a positive step for commercial development in the area.

The second item on the agenda was the El Pizzo two-lot minor subdivision, requested by the Elpizo Corporation and represented by Evan Geertz of DDG. This subdivision, located at 8100 McGowan Drive, spans approximately 17 acres and is zoned M1 for light industrial use. The purpose of this subdivision is to facilitate future development by dividing the property into two lots.

Jeffries provided insights into the existing conditions, including drainage considerations and utility access. The commission discussed the need for a temporary drainage easement and the requirement for future development to adhere to city utility standards. The public hearing for this item was opened, but no public comments were made. Following the discussion, the commission moved to approve the subdivision with conditions related to utility coordination and the establishment of an ingress and egress easement.

In summary, the meeting highlighted the commission's commitment to managing growth and development in Fairhope, with both subdivisions receiving favorable recommendations for approval. The next steps will involve further coordination with city utilities and adherence to the established conditions for both projects.