Commission approves Ashford Court preliminary plat with conditions on landscaping and sidewalks

The Fairhope City Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 4 approved SD 25.13, Ashford Court Subdivision, a nine-lot major subdivision off Gafer Road extension, subject to five staff conditions that require corrections and additional detail on the final plat and landscaping.

Peyton Rogers, planner with the City of Fairhope, told the commission the property is approximately 5.2 acres and zoned R-1 (low-density single-family). Rogers said the preliminary plat generally meets size and width standards and that utilities and sidewalk provision are addressed, but staff identified errors in setback labeling and concluded the current plan’s green-space calculation is inaccurate.

Rogers said the applicant’s green-space calculation counted areas that subdivision regulations do not allow — specifically a dry detention pond, portions labeled as preserve without required detail, and smaller grassed areas that do not meet the definition of green-space type. Staff calculated the plan as submitted provides roughly 15,600 square feet of qualifying green space but that roughly 34,000 square feet is required under the regulations. Rogers recommended a revised tree and landscape plan and additional plan notes before final plat submission.

Staff’s five conditions, read into the record, require: (1) removal of specific surveyor notes and provision of a separate data table with accurate front, rear and side yard setbacks; (2) a final-plat note that no structures shall be constructed in easements without the easement holder’s permission; (3) relocation of the proposed sidewalk east of the Gafer Road entrance onto private property with corresponding tree-and-landscape adjustments; (4) revision of the tree and landscape plan prior to development permits to show accurate labeling and green-space calculations; and (5) a site inspection with staff before final plat submission to evaluate the existing vegetation buffer around the dry detention pond and, if insufficient, to require additional plantings.

Jay Broughton, present for the owner Acre Investments, told commissioners the applicant is willing to work with staff on the green-space and wetland features and intends to keep wetland areas in their natural state where feasible. After brief public comment (none offered), a commissioner moved to approve SD 25.13 subject to staff recommendations 1 through 5; another commissioner seconded and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Next steps: the applicant must submit revised plans and coordinate the on-site vegetation inspection with planning staff before applying for final plat approval and development permits.