Council hears Hilltop North annexation; grants 180‑day extension for Encounter House move

The Fairhope City Council opened a public hearing on Nov. 10 to consider a conditional annexation request from Jade Consulting LLC on behalf of Shea Properties for a 14‑acre property proposed to be zoned R‑1 (low-density single-family) and called, provisionally, Hilltop North.

Hunter Simmons, planning director, explained the annexation is a zoning case only (subdivision review would follow) and showed council maps indicating the site’s relationship to nearby Hilltop subdivision and existing county jurisdiction. He noted a large, existing cell tower on the property will remain and that heritage trees and boundary surveys have been completed or are in process. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval of the zoning case.

Will (Will Graham), representing the applicant, told council the developer anticipates approximately 13 lots that would meet R‑1 standards and said designers plan to work around notable trees to maintain a low‑impact character similar to nearby Hilltop.

Separately, earlier in the meeting council approved a 180‑day extension for the site plan to relocate the Encounter House (the applicant had requested additional time to complete necessary due diligence and logistical planning for the house move). Planning staff said the extension will allow additional work on site details, drainage and utility coordination prior to final approvals.

Next steps: if council moves the annexation forward it will require a follow-up subdivision case; staff will return with the preliminary plat and engineering details for review and any required public hearings.