Fairhope council extends 120‑day pause on multiple-occupancy and subdivision applications

The Fairhope City Council voted on Nov. 10 to extend a temporary suspension on consideration of certain residential multiple-occupancy projects and subdivision applications for 120 days.

Council members framed the pause as a measured step to allow the planning department and council time to revise zoning and subdivision regulations without creating a procedural lapse that would allow new applications to be processed under the current rules. Supporters said 120 days was chosen to accommodate advertising timelines and holiday scheduling; some members said a 90‑day pause would be too tight.

Councilman (speaker identified in the packet as Place 2) moved to suspend the rules for immediate consideration and the council approved the ordinance by roll call/voice vote. The council also discussed options to pull, table or remand the zoning amendments to the planning commission; the body chose to table the separate zoning amendment (item 9) indefinitely while using the 120‑day pause to complete revisions.

The council urged staff to include all relevant stakeholders and to provide plans and renderings when substantive questions arise. The mayor and planning director said that, if more time is needed, the council can extend the pause again by the same procedure.

Next steps: city staff will proceed with code revisions, public advertising and any required hearings during the pause; the council directed staff to return with materials and a timeline ahead of the pause’s expiration.