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Planning Commission backs rezoning recommendation to B3, advances zoning change and use amendment tied to proposed auto-parts store
Summary
The Spanish Fort Planning Commission recommended downgrading a proposed R1→B4 rezoning to B3 for 9917A Spanish Fort Boulevard and voted to forward an amendment to the zoning code that would allow new auto‑parts sales (except used parts) in B3 with Planning Commission approval.
The Spanish Fort Planning Commission on Aug. 12 recommended that the City Council rezone a 2.17‑acre parcel at the northwest corner of AL 181 and U.S. 31 (listed on the agenda as 9917A Spanish Fort Boulevard) from R1 (low‑density single‑family residential) to B3 (general business), rejecting the applicant’s request for B4 (major business).
Casey, city staff, said the parcel is part of a recent legislative annexation and currently houses a CVS pharmacy; the applicant, listed on the agenda as Autozone Development LLC, submitted the rezoning request with a stated intended use of retail auto‑parts sales. Casey warned that rezoning to B4 would allow a wide range of heavier commercial uses; staff also noted a written comment from a neighboring property owner (Campbell Group LLC) submitted for the public record.
After public hearing and discussion, the commission’s motion “not to approve the B4 zoning request, but to recommend to the City Council that the property be rezoned B3” passed in roll call vote. The commission then approved a related proposed amendment (agenda item 250804) to Section 6.4, the Table of Permitted Uses and Conditions, to permit new auto‑parts sales (except used parts) in the B3 zoning district subject to Planning Commission approval. That amendment would not change existing B4 or M1 allowances (those zoning districts would continue to permit such uses by right).
Planning staff explained the intent behind the ordinance amendment: allow retail auto‑parts sales (new parts, not outdoor salvage or used‑parts yards), while preserving limits that protect traffic safety and nearby residential areas. The draft supplemental rules proposed limits on electronic or moving sign content, a maximum light intensity, and a 100‑foot buffer from residential zoning for digital sign elements; staff said the ordinance would continue to restrict large billboards to the city’s causeway/overlay locations.
The Planning Commission recorded a recommendation and sent the rezoning (with the B3 recommendation) and the zoning‑text amendment to the City Council for final action.
Votes at a glance: On the rezoning recommendation to B3, the commission approved the motion in roll call: Carol Lemoine — yes; Diamond Vaughn — yes; Lindsey Smith — yes; Nelson — yes; McMillan — yes. On the zoning text amendment (agenda item 250804) to allow new auto‑parts sales in B3 with Planning Commission approval, the commission voted to recommend approval to the City Council (same roll‑call pattern as recorded).
