Spanish Fort council approves Longleaf planned unit development

The Spanish Fort City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 7-28-2025 on immediate consideration to establish the Longleaf property as a planned unit development and prezone it for annexation into city limits. Mr. Connor summarized the PUD: residential phases are under way, a golf course currently under construction could open as early as March, plans include a clubhouse with a restaurant and pro shop, townhouses and an approximately 400-acre wildlife refuge intended for habitat and educational uses.

Councilmembers moved to amend the ordinance to add the posted PUD narrative and master plan as an exhibit and then unanimously voted to suspend the rules for immediate consideration and adopt the ordinance. Mayor Bass called the motion adopted.

Why it matters: The PUD approval authorizes the city to proceed with annexation and zoning for the Longleaf development as described in the narrative and master plan. Council discussion emphasized that the PUD narrative was posted as an exhibit to clarify the terms that will guide future site and phased improvements.

What was decided: Ordinance No. 7-28-2025 was amended to include the PUD narrative and adopted by roll-call vote with all present members voting yes. The action enables annexation and automatic PUD designation once annexed.

Next steps: With the ordinance adopted, the applicant may proceed toward annexation and phased permitting in accordance with the PUD narrative and master plan. The council did not specify additional conditions in the motion recorded at the meeting.

(Reporting based on council discussion at the public hearing and subsequent roll-call votes.)