The Baldwin County Planning Commission voted to recommend denial to the County Commission of a rezoning request that would change 44.25 acres from RA (rural agriculture) to RSF‑2 (residential single-family) in Planning District 22.

Planning staff recommended approval, citing that the future land use map designates the area as moderate development potential and noting nearby areas with RSF‑2-sized lots. The applicant’s representative said the project had been substantially reduced from an earlier, larger proposal and that the developer had coordinated with staff on changes.

Members of the public spoke against the rezoning, raising concerns about existing road conditions, traffic backups, school capacity and lack of sewer. Real-estate agent and resident Abby Epperson told the commission: "Our infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and emergency services are not prepared for such a rapid and dense development." Other speakers described heavy traffic on County Road 20, existing brown water and the prospect that septic—not sewer—would be required, necessitating larger lots.

Commissioners debated balancing existing land use, zoning and the future land-use map. Commissioners were split. After motions and discussion the commission voted to recommend denial to the County Commission. The roll-call recommendation to deny carried 5–3 (yes votes recommending denial: Michael Mullock, Greg Seibert, Jamie Stratiger, George Waters, Reed Key; no votes: Robert Davis, Scott Schamberger, Michael Fletcher). The planning commission noted the case will go to the county commission for a final decision (staff indicated it would likely appear in May).

The transcript records public concerns over road capacity, septic versus sewer, and school capacity; staff said those infrastructure items are reviewed in detail during subdivision review and that lot-size and utility constraints would be examined at that stage. The applicant said the lots would likely need to be approximately 20,000 square feet because septic—not sewer—would be used.