Planning commission approves 21‑lot Windrow subdivision with two sidewalk/ROW waivers

The Fairhope City Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 3 approved SD 25.02, the preliminary plat for the Windrow subdivision, a 21‑lot, approximately 18‑acre development on Section Street, subject to staff conditions and two separately voted waivers.

City planner Mike Jeffrey told commissioners the site is zoned R‑1 (low‑density single‑family), contains wetlands that require mitigation and enhancement, and will rely on Fairhope Utilities for water, sewer and gas while Riviera provides electricity. Drainage will be collected in multiple on‑site areas, routed to dry retention basins and a wet detention pond, and the stormwater system will use LID techniques such as bioretention swales and ponds; Jeffrey noted maintenance responsibility will remain with the subdivision’s HOA and utility cooperation and maintenance agreements will be required prior to final plat.

The developer sought three waiver components: (1) reduce the Windrow Circle right‑of‑way width from 50 feet to 40 feet, (2) eliminate sidewalks along the north side of a portion of Tall Paw Way (from the entrance to Lot 20) to reduce wetland impacts, and (3) eliminate sidewalks on Section Street south of the entrance. Staff recommended approval of the waivers with the planning commission making the final call.

Commissioners voted separately: they approved the 40‑foot right‑of‑way waiver unanimously and approved the sidewalk waiver for the interior (north side to Lot 20) but declined to grant the waiver along Section Street’s south side, directing that pedestrian connectivity to the south remain. After the waiver votes, the commission approved the Windrow preliminary plat subject to staff recommendations, including the addition of a note on the plat that subdivision drainage remains private and is subject to the cooperative maintenance agreement.

Developer Trey Ginwright of Jade Consulting emphasized efforts to restore and enhance wetlands on site and said the intent is to preserve and replant where practicable. “We’re trying to preserve as much of this property as we possibly can,” Ginwright said during the public hearing.

Residents who spoke during the public hearing urged caution on safety and connectivity along Section Street and raised concerns about potential impacts to wetlands and downstream ponds. Troy Vickers, a professional engineer and local resident, told the commission Section Street is heavily traveled and urged maintaining pedestrian safety rather than routing people across a 45‑mph county road.

The commission’s approval included the waivers that were granted and the staff conditions; final infrastructure details and a cooperative maintenance agreement must be completed before final plat approval.