Council introduces Longleaf pre‑zoning, Woodside rezoning and other items; hearings set for Dec. 1

Spanish Fort — City staff introduced several land-use and contract items that will return to the council for public hearing and further action on Dec. 1, 2025.

David (staff member) presented Ordinance 7-28-2025, a first reading to pre-zone the Longleaf property as a planned unit development ahead of annexation. He cited "Alabama Code section 11-52-85" in describing the pre-zoning process and said the planning commission issued a positive recommendation; the council will hold a public hearing on Dec. 1.

David also introduced Ordinance 7-29-2025 to rezone Lot 13 of Woodside Business Park from R-1 to B-2. The property previously carried a reversionary clause that returned it to R-1 when development did not occur; that clause has been amended to limit the reversionary effect and the owner requested the property be rezoned to B-2. The council scheduled a public hearing on Dec. 1 for that item as well.

On a separate item, staff described Ordinance 7-25-2025, a proposed ground-lease agreement with the Baldwin County Solid Waste Disposal Authority to construct a recycling facility behind Old City Hall. David recommended postponing that ordinance to allow staff to receive additional information at a meeting scheduled for the next day.

The council also introduced Resolution 1567-2025 to remove barricades and gates in the public right of way along Emerson Drive, restoring connectivity and providing alternate egress in case of emergency. David said some residents and homeowners associations have asked for removal because the gates require costly maintenance and create access problems.

Finally, staff introduced a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with Numo Group LLC (successor to Avenue Insights and Analytics LLC) to collect and remit a new city tax on consumable vapor products; staff said the agreement's term will be considered along with other contracts as part of an upcoming renewal schedule.

Next steps

Public hearings for the Longleaf pre-zoning, Woodside rezoning and the Emerson Drive barricade resolution are set for Dec. 1, 2025. The recycling-facility ordinance was postponed for staff follow-up, and the tax-collection contract will return for discussion when staff confirms timing and contract alignment.