Commission denies rezoning for Foley‑area parcel after staff says commercial uses allowable under current rural rules

Baldwin County commissioners denied a request to rezone roughly 2.1 acres at the intersection of County Road 26 and Grantham Road from RR (rural) to B‑3 (general commercial). The applicant cited interest in leasing to multiple commercial tenants, including office‑warehouse and drone‑related uses; staff recommended denial, saying most adjacent properties are agricultural or residential and the county—s future land‑use map designates the location for conservation or low‑density uses.

Planning staff told the commission that the applicant—s proposed uses—office‑warehouse and a camera/drone business—could be allowable under the property—s current RR zoning through the county—s commission site plan approval process. The staff analysis concluded that rezoning to B‑3 would not be compatible with neighboring zoning and land uses.

Property owner Scott Curtis told the commission he sought B‑3 to allow flexibility for incoming tenants and to avoid repeated approvals when tenants change. Commissioners referenced nearby grandfathered uses and dirt pits but emphasized that the parcel—s current zoning and surrounding character favored denial.

The motion to deny the rezoning carried. The denial leaves the property under RR zoning; staff noted the owner could pursue allowable commercial work through site plan and commission approval under current rules.