Fairhope council extends 120‑day pause on multi‑occupancy and tables zoning changes

The Fairhope City Council on Nov. 10 voted to extend a temporary suspension on consideration of certain residential multiple‑occupancy projects and subdivision applications for 120 days, saying the pause will give the city time to finish revising zoning and subdivision regulations.

Council President (introducing the item) said the pause is intended to protect “the health, safety and general welfare” while staff finish zoning work and avoid a lapse in the existing moratorium. Councilman Burrell moved to suspend the normal rules and allow immediate consideration; that motion passed, and the council adopted the extension by voice vote.

Council members said the fixed 120‑day window (rather than an open‑ended pause) provides a deadline to complete redrafting, account for public notice and advertising requirements, and avoids repeated extensions. “We can shorten it if needed,” one member said during debate, but members preferred a set period to align with advertising schedules and holiday calendar constraints.

The council also voted to table Agenda Item 9 — a package of zoning ordinance amendments introduced Oct. 27 — indefinitely so staff can use the new 120‑day pause to revisit the text, consult new council members and, if necessary, re‑advertise for public hearing and final adoption.

What happens next: Planning staff and the council will continue work on zoning and subdivision language during the pause; if amendments are changed they must be re‑advertised and brought back for a public hearing and final action within the statutory notice timelines.

Council votes: The motion to suspend with the rules and move to immediate consideration passed. The council then voted to adopt the 120‑day extension; the minutes record unanimous approval on the roll call taken during the meeting.