Planning commission recommends approval of Kimbrough rezoning despite nearby residents’ objections

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted Jan. 9 to recommend approval to the County Commission of rezoning case Z24‑50, a request to change roughly 114 acres on County Road 12 from RA/RR to RSF‑2 (smaller single‑family lots).

Why this matters: residents and neighbors urged caution, citing wetlands, drainage and increased traffic on local roads that are not county maintained in places. Some residents also questioned whether public notice had been sufficiently conspicuous prior to the planning commission hearing.

Staff said the area includes a mix of agriculture, commercial and residential uses and that RSF‑2 is compatible with the county’s current future‑land‑use designation of “rural agricultural and low‑impact development,” with potential for conservation subdivision options to preserve open space. The staff report noted adjacent zoning includes RSF‑2 and RSF‑3 in parts of the area and recommended approval.

Several residents who live adjacent to the property asked the commission to delay or deny the request. Sheena McCluskey, whose family farm adjoins the property, said the rezoning sign was not placed on the more heavily traveled County Road 12 for three weeks before the hearing and that the site contains wetlands and headwaters of Skunk Bayou which should be protected. Nerissa Nelson and other neighbors asked for more time and clearer notice so the broader community could review potential impacts.

Commissioners discussed notification procedures and staff replied that mailed notices to adjacent landowners were sent and that additional signs were placed on County Road 12 after concerns were raised; staff said newspaper advertising is tied to the county‑commission hearing date and would be run ahead of that hearing. The commission voted to recommend approval; the matter moves next to the Baldwin County Commission for a formal public hearing and final action.